There is no shortage of things that could be changed in my hometown. However, if I had to make one major improvement, I would choose to create more parks and green spaces. I feel this way for two major reasons, which I will explore in the following essay.

First of all, parks help people to relax and find serenity, two things which are both in short supply in today’s hectic world. Here in my hometown we live in a typical “concrete jungle” of high rise apartments, tedious commutes, traffic jams and crowded sidewalks. These sorts of problems lead to a lot of stress and anxiety in the population as a whole. In many cases, such anxiety gets so extreme that it causes health problems and even death. I strongly believe that building parks could offer a permanent solution. My father is a good example of what I mean. For thirty years, he lived and worked in the same city that I do now. Several years ago he was forced into early retirement following a minor heart attack brought about by high blood pressure and workplace stress. Following his retirement he moved to a more rural location, surrounded by trees, rivers and wildlife. In a short period of time, his stress was alleviated and he began to live a happier and healthier life. I am certain that by building some parks in the city where I live, my neighbors and I could enjoy similar benefits.

Secondly, the construction of parks will not just benefit our mental health, but will also encourage physical fitness among the populace. Not everyone is able to afford a gym membership, and our crowded sidewalks and streets are not suited for jogging or bicycling. The construction of parks would provide children with a place to run around and adults with a place to practice simple team sports. When my father moved to the countryside, it wasn’t only his worries that went away. He also lost a considerable amount of weight as he made the decision to begin each morning with a brisk walk in the forest. Even if I wanted to follow his example, doing so would be impossible where I live, as the streets are too crowded for casual walking. For this reason, I am desperate for some added green space in my hometown.

In conclusion, if I could change one thing about my hometown I would choose to convert some of our concrete and steel surroundings to beautiful parks and green spaces. This is because such spaces would benefit both the mental and physical health of me and my neighbors.