Public parks produce multiple health and economic benefits, according to a report by the Trust for Public Land.

Every dollar spent on parks and recreation produces $3 in local economic benefits each year, the study found. The benefits include improved physical and mental health and additional business activity.

The most popular places in the U.S. in 2025 for play and exercise are parks and public spaces, which are much more popular than private gyms. The physical activity in these green havens saves about $2,000 per person on health care costs.

Crowds attracted to parks filter into surrounding neighborhoods, buying food and drinks for picnics or visiting local retail shops. Some famous public spaces such as New York City’s Central Park, Chicago’s Millennium Park, and San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park are tourist magnets.

Multifamily developers seem to agree, with some of their projects including green spaces. Even affordable complexes may incorporate pocket gardens that help to reduce the heat island effect.