According to Plant NoVA Natives https://www.plantnovanatives.org/, this is a good choice for public spaces because it tolerates compacted soils, air pollution, wet and a variety of soils but not alkaline. Medium to fast growing. Tolerates light or moderate shade.
Habitat: swamps, uplands; occasionally on dry rocky hillsides and sanddunes
Wildlife Value: Bees are attracted to the early nectar source of the flowers. Members of the genus Acer support Imperial Moth (Eacles imperialis) larvae. Flower nectar attracts bees and other pollinators. Seeds are enjoyed by birds. The fruit, along with the buds, are a primary food source for gray squirrels in late winter and early spring. Sprouts are a favorite food for white-tailed deer, but this tree is moderately resistant to damage. Plant NOVA Natives lists this species as particularly popular with the non-native honeybees
Notes: Early spring bloomer; one of the earliest food sources for pollinators; adaptable. This tree is included in the Homegrown National Park: Keystone Trees and Shrubs.