Fear of crime is just as damaging as actual crime in a park or other public place: Both keep people away.
A safety audit -- which is based on the experience, participation and feedback of users -- helps pinpoint the sources, causes, and "hotspots" that cause fear. This makes it easier to identify changes to make the park safer and more welcoming -- and often leads to a better understanding between designers and park users. The bonus is that audits can get people interested in a neglected place -- and interest can lead to increased use, which in turn is one of the best ways to make a place safer. The safety audit featured on Urban Parks Online was adapted for urban parks by Toronto Parks & Recreation department.
Thanks to Urban Parks Institute
FULL STORY: Evaluating Park Safety: The Safety Audit Process

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees
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Record Temperatures Prompt Push for Environmental Justice Bills
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Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
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