45°
Mayor Bill Finch joined Fairfield University President Jeffrey P. von Arx at Ellsworth Field to announce the key findings from a study about the economic impact of green space in the Park City.
“In Bridgeport, we’re focused on making our city a place where companies want to invest and hire people, and a place where even more people choose to live, work, and raise their families,” Finch said in a statement.
“Parks play a key role in doing just that. By reopening Pleasure Beach this summer, building a new Knowlton Park, and continuing to enhance places like Seaside Park, we’re improving the quality of life for our residents while increasing property values in our neighborhoods.”
The study was conducted by Professor Dina Franceshi and her students at Fairfield. The study concluded that city parks are economic incubators for the community. They not only promote public health and a healthy environment but also raise property values in neighborhoods.
According to the study, green space increases property values and the health and quality of life, results in a citywide volunteerism increase and provides benefits for water filtration and reuse.
"Fairfield University is proud to have worked in partnership with the City of Bridgeport on this significant project,” von Arx said in a statement. “We are delighted that Professor Franceshi and her Environmental Impact Class were able to participate in a study that supported the viability and the economic good-sense of preserving parkland for the city.
"Fairfield University is part of the fabric of the Bridgeport community. Nearly 100 of our faculty and staff live and raise their families in Bridgeport, and there are over 1100 Fairfield graduates who hail from Bridgeport. In every important respect the health and vibrancy of the city of Bridgeport and the health and vibrancy of Fairfield University go hand in hand — so we are always looking for an opportunity to deepen and strengthen our relationship."
Click here to follow Daily Voice Bridgeport and receive free news updates.
