Most neighborhood parks go relatively unused by adult populations and women, giving young children, mostly boys, the run of the place.
Nathan Collins reports on the findings of a new study that examines the use of parks around the United States. "The First National Study of Neighborhood Parks" finds that parks are mostly geared toward young children, which is a problem, "because parks are one of the easiest and least expensive places for an increasingly sedentary society to get exercise."
Collins details the methodology of the study, undertaken by RAND Corporation researcher Deborah Cohen and published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine. The article includes a few of the demographic highlights from the study.
FULL STORY: Who Uses the Nation’s Parks?
The Battle for Playgrounds
New York City parents are unhappy that fitness enthusiasts are turning to playgrounds for their workouts.
Playgrounds Could Provide Much-Needed Public Space
In communities lacking green space, public access to upgraded school playgrounds is a win-win solution.
A Comprehensive Plan for Every Neighborhood Park
Minneapolis wants more equity in its parks spending—and new plans are a key step in the process of delivering more equitable results.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
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.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Wind Energy on the Rise Despite Federal Policy Reversal
The Trump administration is revoking federal support for renewable energy, but demand for new projects continues unabated.
Passengers Flock to Caltrain After Electrification
The new electric trains are running faster and more reliably, leading to strong ridership growth on the Bay Area rail system.
Texas Churches Rally Behind ‘Yes in God’s Back Yard’ Legislation
Religious leaders want the state to reduce zoning regulations to streamline leasing church-owned land to housing developers.
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.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service