Case Study — Anson B. Nixon Park
Location
Kennett Square Borough and Kennett Township, Chester County, PA
Size and Amenities
106 acres comprised of protected open space, walking trails, wooded trails, ponds, basketball, volleyball and tennis courts, athletic fields, a dog park, 18 hole disc golf course, 3 playgrounds, a bandstand, picnic pavilions, and more.
Owner/operator
The Kennett Area Park Authority Board (KAPA)
Introduction
Anson B. Nixon Park is comprised of 106 acres that provide protected open space for passive and active recreation. The park serves as a "backyard" for the neighboring community that brings together diverse populations for programming and as a hub for the Kennett Greenway. It provides a multitude of community amenities, serving as an outdoor resource to local programs and nonprofit activities, and boasts two ponds, meandering streams and over three miles of hiking and walking trails connected to the Kennett Greenway.
The park is funded primarily from grants, community donations, corporate partners, and the Borough and Township. It is free to the public from sunrise to sunset every day of the year.
"My children always love visiting Anson Nixon Park…"
— Source: Trip Advisor
"They have something for everyone, from the family dog to grandparents as well."
— Source: Google Review
Recreation and Health
Anson B. Nixon Park receives over 170,000 visitors annually attracted by the walking trails, playground areas, and safe opportunities to get outdoors and be active.
The park provides significant recreation benefits to users. Each year $1.53 million accrue to users of the park as a result of not having to recreate elsewhere. As a resource for exercising, sports, socializing, and simply retreating from day-to-day demands, the park's value to the quality of life of its users and those living around it manifests in the aforementioned savings.
Property Values
Research shows that having a park within walking distances of housing boosts property values. In addition to boosting residential property values, businesses located near multiuse trails, such as Trek Bicycles in Exton or Lowe Riders in Downingtown which are both located along the Chester Valley Trail (CVT) promote their trailside location. Similarly, the Kennett Greenway that connects with Anson B. Nixon Park, can be marketed as an asset to businesses located along the greenway and the park. The park is responsible for adding $28.6 million to the value of homes within a half-mile of the park, or approximately $45,000 in value per home, making it a valuable amenity for residents and visitors.
