A new study indicates a proposed Avon River Park in Christchurch could provide $1 billion worth of benefits to the community over 10 years.
The study looked at the potential benefits of a proposal to turn residential red-zone land along the Avon River into a public park.
The study by Lincoln University's agribusiness and economics research unit found the park could bring benefits valued at about $95 million per year.
Senior researcher Peter Tait said that was assesed by looking at health savings, how much people were willing to pay for the park through rates or taxes, and the benefits of the ecosystem, such as flood mitigation and storm-water management.
