Abundant research has been done that shows the value of green space within our cities. The presence of green can have a profoundly positive effect on the mental and physical health of a city’s citizens. Unfortunately the total green space within cities tends to shrink as a population grows. While there are examples of cities that have embraced the benefits of green spaces, it’s a rarity in our rapidly developing world.
While each of us can have only minimal impact on the global environment, I do believe it is in our interest to strive for maximum personal impact, even if that impact is minute.
Having been raised in a nature-rich environment miles from the nearest city, and having recently returned to a rural home, I’m greatly pleased to be making strides towards a positive impact on the amount of green space in my city of Hutchinson, KS.
Earlier this year I noticed a 3-acre lot available for sale in a popular neighborhood that was highly desirable for well-off individuals and families.
The first thought I remember upon seeing the plot of land is “I hope that remains open”. The unfortunate reality, however, is that most non-developed land in the city quickly gets transformed into new housing developments or commercial business space. Both of these are intrinsically important to the well-being of our cities, but so is green space.
For those that have visited New York’s Central Park, it’s easy to see just how valuable that is to the city and its residents. While few parks will ever be on the scale of Central Park, I firmly believe we need to all strive to encourage more such communal spaces where people and animals alike can enjoy the beauty of nature within city limits.
Rather than allow this 3-acre lot to become new cookie-cutter houses, I made a choice. I will do what I can to make an improvement to this world and the city I live in (up until a week ago).
On Friday, July 21, 2017, my company Sandhills Development, LLC, purchased the property.
This purchase has zero economical benefit to me nor my company, but it allows us to make a commitment to bettering our community and the world.
I do not yet know what the exact future of this space will be, except one thing I am certain: it will remain green.
We all need more green space.
