Dear Camden County Residents,
We are proud to present Parks Alive 2025, the official parks revitalization and development plan for Camden County. The purpose of this initiative is to breathe new life into our beloved parks, and improve the quality of life for over 500,000 Camden County residents. Not only will the Parks Alive 2025 plan enhance our community aesthetically, it will have a direct impact on our economy, our environment, and the overall health and happiness of locals and visitors alike.
The Camden County Parks System is a shining example of how nature, recreation, and public spaces can become an indispensable part of our lives. Through Parks Alive 2025, we are creating the next generation of park experiences by advancing and adapting resources to offer modern, beautiful, green, and accessible environments to residents and visitors for generations to come. As a community-centric initiative, the plan offers unique ways for corporations and residents to connect through both large scale sponsorships and personal tributes and support.
Restoration of our parks and outdoor spaces is an undeniable necessity when it comes to a locality’s success. The quality, condition and offerings of our parks influence major categories from tourism and travel dollars, to neighborhood safety, community identity and engagement, and wildlife conservation.
Parks Alive 2025 is an exciting adventure and invaluable investment in our county’s future. We appreciate your support and look forward to starting this journey with you.
Sincerely,
The Camden County Board of Commissioners
WHAT IS PARKS ALIVE 2025?
Parks Alive 2025 is a collection of priority park development projects over the next several years that reinvest in invaluable park features and reimagine our spaces to increase both active and passive amenities for residents and visitors. The plan addresses everything from critical environmental improvements, ADA and Universal Design enhancements, and improved safety and security measures to new equipment, facility upgrades, and so much more. Camden County is the place. And this is the plan to make our parks system work for everyone.
AN INVESTMENT IN OUR FUTURE
The improvements and projects of Parks Alive 2025 will have a direct impact on many facets of life in Camden County from social and ecological to wellness and financial health. The benefits and offerings of our parks system, both seen and unseen, will lift up our communities now and for the future.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR OUR COMMUNITY?
The improvements and projects of Parks Alive 2025 will have a direct impact on many facets of life in Camden County from social and ecological to wellness and financial health. The benefits and offerings of our parks system, both seen and unseen, will lift up our communities now and for the future.
TOURISM
Enhances facilities and spaces
for private and public special events
Generates sponsorship revenue
Attracts visitors to stay, shop, and dine locally
ENVIRONMENTAL
Improves air quality and reduces congestion
Improves water filtration
Maintains critical watershed areas
Provides ecosystem benefits, including environmental cooling to mitigate thermal stress
Conserves land and wildlife environments
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Increases property and real estate values
Increases tax, tourism, and municipal revenue
Reduces water treatment costs
Attracts and retain affluent retirees, homebuyers, employees, and talent
COMMUNITY IDENTITY & ENGAGEMENT
Encourages neighborhood relationship building, bonding and networking
Enhances community pride
ARTS & CULTURE
Attracts events that enrich, educate, and inspire the community
Provides economic opportunities for local art and artists
Promotes concerts, cultural events, and festivals increase local spending
RECREATION
Features spaces to learn, play and practice sports Reduces boredom and fosters creativity Strengthens children’s fine and gross motor skills
EDUCATION
Partners with youth organizations
Offers hands-on activities with local foliage and wildlife
Conducts local history and trail tours
Fosters an understanding of our environment through year-round activities
SAFE SPACES & NEIGHBORHOODS
Reduces crime and drug use Creates informal surveillance
Familiarizes residents with their neighbors and builds trust
SOCIAL EQUITY & ACCESS
Accommodates residents of all abilities
Offers opportunities for all socioeconomic levels to enjoy
Provides refuge and distractions for at-risk youth
PUBLIC HEALTH & WELLNESS
Offers physical and psychological benefits Improves mood and lowers stress
Fosters the mitigation of health issues and costs Encourages healthy lifestyles and routines for all ages
CONSERVATION
Preserves habitats, ecosystems, historical sites, and buildings
Protects plants and wildlife including endangered species