Parks for People

Eight out of ten Americans live in a city or suburb. Parks in these communities fulfill daily needs for exercise, recreation, community building, and spiritual renewal in nature. Research has shown that neighborhood parks reduce crime, revitalize neighborhood economies, and help to protect the environment.

Yet, as many as two in three city residents do not have access to a nearby park, playground, or open space. Children without access to places to play suffer higher levels of obesity, diabetes, asthma, anxiety, and depression.

Helping public agencies and communities create city parks was one of the founding goals of the Trust for Public Land, and TPL remains the only large national conservation organization focused on creating parks for people.

TPL uses Geographical Information Systems (GIS) mapping technology to show which neighborhoods most need parks and playgrounds. TPL works with community leaders to identify opportunities for park creation, secure park funding, and acquire parklands. TPL's participatory design process ensures that parks meet community needs. TPL's Center for City Park Excellence produces research and reports to make the case that parks are as essential to community health as schools, clean water, and hospitals.