From Disruptions to an Awakening Planning Parks

Key Takeaways

- Parks are not only ‘nice-to-have’ but also vital for physical and mental health, as well as climate resilience and social cohesion.
- Parks can be part of a public health strategy and incorporated into mental health care frameworks.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is something you do, but who you are.

Summary

1. Parks Without Borders reconfigures edges by eliminating fences, steps and visual dead zones to deliver seamless at-grade entry, multi-generational amenities and 24/7 openness.
2. Equity = Fairness. When we build our parks, if we neglect certain communities that are not getting quality parks and public spaces, that is not fair, and we are not being equitable.
3. NYC Parks wants to have 85% of the population be able to ‘walk-to-park’. However, it is not only about proximity but also about the quality of the park, where people feel comfortable letting their kids move freely.
4. Community Parks Initiative redesigned 67 community parks, raising park quality in underserved neighbourhoods, which had asphalt ‘parking-lot parks’ while other areas had high-quality green spaces. By adding turf, fitness zones, shade, and seating, the usage increased by 50 %.
5. Removing the outdated “no loitering” rule and renaming sites (e.g. Juneteenth Grove, James Baldwin Lawn) fosters a sense of belonging, particularly for BIPOC communities.

How can Cities apply these learnings?

1. Data-driven approach: Map park investment vs. need and base Walk Score on proximity & quality.
2. Treat sidewalks as “outer park” (benches, planters, lighting).
3. Temporarily close low-traffic streets to cars for play/pedestrian use. Embed permanent closures in zoning or via local law.

Interesting resources

Ideas for further reading

8 80 Cities