The APA blog issues a call to action to promote park equity.
Time and again research has shown the benefits of local public parks for health, wellbeing, and economic development. It’s also shown that too often, neighborhood parks are concentrated in white or affluent areas, leaving low-income and minority communities without adequate access (in Los Angeles, for example.)
On the blog of the American Planning Association, Kirsten Holland of Advocacy Associates writes that this represents a failure of both planning and policy. As such, "planners must work with policymakers" to close the gap.
One place to start is with Congress: Holland urges planners to ask legislators to continue funding the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program, a federal parks grant that prioritizes underserved communities.
Similar programs have already gone unfunded for several years. But anyone interested in creating spaces that improve quality of life for all communities should refuse to accept that, Holland writes: "Ensuring that communities have adequate access to public parks is a critical component of promoting social equity in the United States."
FULL STORY: Prioritizing Urban and Community Parks Can Boost Health and Social Equity
Mobile Recreation Program to Serve Park-Poor Areas
Los Angeles County launches "Park On the Move" initiative to offer recreational activities and opportunities in underserved communities.
Meet Some of New York City's Newest Parks
In a city where density is everything, these park projects make creative use of existing public spaces—and, in some cases, create their own.
APA Releases its First Guide to Equity
The American Planning Association (APA) makes a clear statement that planners are especially suited to address matters of social equity.
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.
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.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.
Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.
Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
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.
City of Santa Clarita
Ascent Environmental
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