Assessing the Total Economic value of Parks and Green Spaces in Kalamazoo County

Keywords: Urban Ecosystems, Use values, Non-use values, Network Analysis
Abstract Type: Paper Abstract

Abstract

Urban parks and green spaces have become a very important part of the urban ecosystems in recent years. There is growing evidence on the positive relationship between having green spaces and good health and access to urban parks is part of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development goals (Goal 11 target 7). In recent years, these parks and green spaces have become a subject of development pressures because of the inability of planners and researchers to clearly articulate the value of these parks. The Total Economic Value Framework (TEVF) situates resources (Parks and green spaces in this case) in the minds of the people as to how these parks are beneficial to them. This study seeks to assess the total economic value of parks in Kalamazoo County employing a mixed methodology comprised of anonymous surveys of residents in Kalamazoo County as well as GIS based network analysis. Specifically, principal component analysis is being used to group the values into Direct Use, Indirect Use Existence and Bequest Values. Preliminary results indicate an inclination of the residents towards the existence and bequest values of these parks and a commitment to spend money on these values. It is recommended that efforts and strategies be put in place to ensure the protection of these spaces because of the values they provide.