Lewisville, Texas, demonstrates how equitable planning and community-driven efforts can transform underserved areas by enhancing park access and promoting social and recreational equity.

The 10-Minute Walk campaign, a nationwide initiative led by the Urban Land Institute, the National Recreation and Park Association, and The Trust for Public Land, aims to ensure all residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park. In Lewisville, Texas, this vision became reality through a study focused on increasing park access in underserved areas like "the Triangle," which faced barriers such as busy roadways and socioeconomic challenges. By leveraging data, mapping, and authentic community engagement, the city developed a plan to address these disparities and foster equity in park access.
Two standout achievements emerged from Lewisville's efforts. The Play Lewisville On Wheels program brought recreation directly to underserved neighborhoods, eliminating barriers such as transportation and cost. Similarly, the creation of Glory Park/Parque La Gloria improved the Triangle neighborhood, providing walking trails, playgrounds, and open spaces while fostering trust and social connections through a community-driven planning process. These initiatives not only enhanced recreational opportunities but also strengthened community bonds and inspired further improvements.
As a result, Lewisville has made significant progress, increasing the percentage of residents living within a 10-minute walk of a park from 60% in 2019 to 83% by 2024, with a goal of 85% by 2025. The success of Lewisville's approach underscores the importance of prioritizing equity, engaging communities authentically, and translating thoughtful plans into tangible actions. By doing so, the city has set a powerful example for advancing equitable access to parks nationwide.
FULL STORY: From Plans to Parks: Learning from Lewisville

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners
How a preservation-based approach to redevelopment and urban design can prevent displacement and honor legacy communities.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

Washington State Plans Ambitious ‘Cycle Highway’ Network
The state is directing funding to close gaps in its existing bike network and make long-distance trips more accessible.

Homeowners Blame PG&E for Delays in ADU Permits
The utility says it has dramatically reduced its backlog, but applicants say they still face months-long delays for approvals for new electrical work.

Rethinking Wildfire Defense: How a Landscape Approach Can Protect Neighborhoods
Post-fire analysis of the Eaton Fire reveals that a landscape approach — including fire-resistant vegetation, home hardening, and strategic planning — can help reduce wildfire risk, challenging assumptions that trees and plants are primary fire hazards.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Borough of Carlisle
Caltrans
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland