Parks and recreation is an essential service, one that can positively impact health, crime prevention, the environment, the economy, and the quality of life in any community. Here is just a sampling of the benefits a strong commitment to parks and recreation will provide….

• Physical recreations and fitness contributes to a full and meaningful life.
• Investing in the environment, through parks and the provision of open space in residential areas, leads to an increase in neighborhood property values through accessibility to environmentally friendly green spaces and associated recreation opportunities.
• Children's play is essential to the human development process.
• Regular physical activity is one of the very best methods of health insurance for individuals.
• Parks and open spaces bring beauty to an area while giving people satisfaction and improving their quality of life.
• Contributions to environmental protection through the provision of parks and open spaces pay for themselves.
• Integrated and accessible leisure services are critical to the quality of life of people with a disability and of disadvantaged individuals.
• Leisure provides leadership opportunities that build strong communities.
• Community recreation promotes ethnic and cultural harmony.
• Recreating together builds strong families, the foundation of a stronger society.
• Investments in recreation yield big economic returns.
• Meaningful leisure services reduce the high cost of vandalism and criminal activity.
• Recreation and park services are often the catalyst for tourism, a growing sector of our economy

So come out and enjoy what the City of Medicine Hat Parks and Outdoor Recreation Department has to offer you!