Open Space

Return on Environment

Protected open spaces provide substantial economic, environmental, and health benefits to surrounding communities, but these benefits are often overlooked or undervalued in policy debates and investment decisions. A better understanding of these benefits can demonstrate how protected open space contributes to economic development and fiscal stability and can reverse the common misconception that conserved undeveloped land is non-productive and non-revenue producing. Chester County partnered with the major land conservancies active in the county, as well as the Chester County Economic Development Council and Chester County Association of Township Officials to produce the Return on Environment report that estimates the economic impact of the county's protected open space. View Report

Open Space Planning: A Guide for Municipalities

This guidebook is intended to help municipalities conduct open space planning as part of their overall municipal comprehensive planning. View Publication