Parks for People
Credit: Darcy Kiefel
For most Americans who live in or near a city, parks and playgrounds provide the closest outdoor experience with nature. But too often urban residents—including as many as two-thirds of children—lack access to a neighborhood park or natural area. As a result, a whole generation is growing up without a connection to nature, facing a higher risk of obesity, diabetes, and other disorders linked to inactivity. Studies have proved that well-maintained parks and playgrounds reduce crime, revitalize local economies, bring neighborhoods together, and are a crucial investment in community health.
Leading the urban conservation movement
The Trust for Public Land is working in cities across America to ensure that everyone—and especially every child—has access to a park within a ten-minute walk from home. TPL is the nation’s leader in building city parks that boost local economies and improve quality of life.
Collaborating with communities
Working with community partners and employing a unique participatory design process, TPL plans, funds, and builds parks where they are needed most. TPL's Center for City Park Excellence generates original research and establishes best practices for city parks and park systems.
To date, TPL has created or protected more than a thousand city parks, natural areas, playgrounds, greenways, and community gardens nationwide.
