Which of the following is NOT listed as a benefit of parks and recreation?

• A. Improves quality of life for residents
• B. Provides programs, facilities, services that enhance socialization, improves physical and mental health, and cultural and spiritual well-being
• C. Entices new businesses to community
• D. Reduces water pollution

Answer: (D)

The key idea here is recognizing which outcomes are typically identified as direct benefits of parks and recreation. Parks and recreation programs are commonly linked to improving residents’ quality of life, providing programs and facilities that enhance social interaction and physical and mental health, and even drawing new businesses to a community. Reducing water pollution, while a possible environmental outcome of well-designed green spaces, isn’t usually listed as a direct benefit in standard summaries of parks and recreation benefits. It’s more of an indirect environmental impact rather than a primary, stated benefit, so it’s the item that doesn’t fit the typical list.