NYC Department of Parks & Recreation’s Post

Studies show that people are experiencing extreme levels of loneliness, polarization, and division. City parks are among the last public spaces where people can meet and build community. Check out the latest findings --- just released today --- from Trust for Public Land on the transformative power of high-quality park systems. #TPLparkscore

As humankind grows increasingly urban, planting #trees and #parks — far from merely beautifying cities — increasingly becomes a matter of life and death. Bz Zhang, Project Manager, Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust, explains how a #park #stewardship program is ensuring the #health of local parks, while also providing opportunities for community members, including students. More at https://lnkd.in/giiFY5_d

Trust for Public Land’s 2024 ParkScore® index has been revealed! This year Chicago is at #10 and my former home of Washington, DC is #1 for a fourth consecutive year. Washington scored well on all park score rating factors, especially park access and park equity. Ninety-nine percent of DC residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, among the best scores in the nation (behind 100 percent for San Francisco and Boston). The ParkScore index uses advanced GIS and spatial analysis to evaluate park systems, with ratings based on five equally weighted factors: access, acreage, investment, amenities, and equity. This free, data-driven tool provides communities with the information they need to help close the park equity gap. This year, our research also found that cities that rank higher on the ParkScore index are healthier places to live. Residents of cities rated in the Top 25 are less likely to report poor mental health and are more likely to be physically active than residents of lower-ranking cities. This holds true even after factoring in race/ethnicity, income, age, and population density. In a year when Americans are seemingly more divided than ever, our research reveals that residents of cities with high ParkScore rankings are, on average, more socially connected and engaged with their neighbors than residents of cities with lower-ranking park systems. You can read our special new report, The Power of Parks to Strengthen Community, highlighting how local park leaders mix creative new ideas with tried-and-true strategies to build community connections. https://lnkd.in/gE2c6_nW Check out the full list to see how your favorite cities rank: https://lnkd.in/g2QcWQYA Go here to view our recent Park Bench Chat, wherein a panel of experts discuss the ParkScore results and talk about How Parks Are Vital to Strengthening Community https://lnkd.in/gz9HMeHV And go here to hear the latest episode of TPL’s podcast “People, Nature, and Big Ideas” to hear even more about ParkScore and a discussion of the impact of an elevated park in Washington, DC https://lnkd.in/gdeCmQ6B

Beautification in #SouthForsyth is important for several reasons: . Economic development: Beautifying a district can attract more visitors, tourists, and #businesses, leading to increased economic activity and growth in the area. . Quality of life: A well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing district can enhance the overall quality of life for residents, workers, and visitors. . Community pride: Beautification projects can instill a sense of pride and ownership in the #community, fostering a stronger sense of community spirit and engagement. . Improved health and well-being: Green spaces, public #art, and clean streets can promote physical and mental well-being, encouraging people to spend more time #outdoors and be more active. . Environmental benefits: Beautification efforts such as planting trees, installing green infrastructure, and reducing litter can have positive impacts on the environment, including improving air quality, reducing heat island effects, and supporting biodiversity. . South Forsyth CID is committed to playing a significant role in creating a vibrant, attractive, and livable district that benefits both residents and visitors alike.

Communities are made up of many parts. Some of which include people, locations, natural resources, knowledge, recreation, and beliefs. Various combinations of these, and other attributes, can drive the success of an overall community, making it greater than the sum of each of its parts on their own. #WamplerDevelopment #BuildingBetterCommunities #1+1>2 #Synergy

Here's a nice Axios piece on ParkScore--and on the role of parks and greenspace in connecting people with each other, combatting loneliness, promoting civic engagement, growing social capital, strengthening communities, and enabling democracy. Trust for Public Land https://lnkd.in/gJqKCT-S

Imagine transforming hidden blemishes of our urban landscapes—those old, forgotten underground tanks—into the heart of community joy. With a bit of expert intervention (shoutout to Tri-State!), these once-unused plots become the backdrop for children's laughter, family picnics, and neighborly chats. This is not just a cleanup; it's a canvas for community masterpieces. Each step from uncovering these hidden tanks to cultivating vibrant green spaces is a testament to creativity and community spirit in action. It’s a story of turning environmental woes into wins, proving that with a little ingenuity, we can craft the communal oases of tomorrow. #UrbanRenewal #GreenSpaces #CommunityBuilding #EnvironmentalInnovation #TriStateSuccess

Passed in 2020, the Great American Outdoors Act serves as a legal and funding tool to assist with initiatives to provide more green space for residents in rural and urban communities. The Outdoors for All Act, currently awaiting Senate approval, would expand on this progress by increasing access to parks and green spaces in low-income communities and communities of color. Read our latest Insight article, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘈𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘖𝘶𝘵𝘥𝘰𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘈𝘤𝘵: 𝘈 𝘛𝘰𝘰𝘭 𝘵𝘰 𝘈𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘗𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘤 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩, by the Network's Leah Terry, below. 🔗: https://lnkd.in/eM4pKmWM

🌿 Ever thought about how our upbringing shapes our future? Studies reveal that access to green spaces significantly enhances our mental and physical well-being. 🌳 Today is Arbor Day! Arbor Day is about preserving green space, planting trees, and appreciating the benefits of getting outside and caring for our world. 🏠 Are you a Public Housing Authority interested in offering residents the perks of greenspace on your properties? Here are some ideas to consider: ✅ Engage residents! Commemorate Arbor Day by involving them in planting trees around the property and their living spaces. ✅ Start a community garden to foster connections among residents and promote the growth of fresh produce. ✅ Support sustainability by investing in green energy for a brighter future! 👉 Do you have a story of what you have done to conserve and create greenspaces? Drop it in the comments below! #Affordablehousing #Research #Sustainability #Greenspace

'In the heart of Nottingham lies Bulwell, a community brimming with potential yet yearning for a touch of vibrancy and renewal. "Bulwell in Bloom" is more than just a project; it's a vision for a future where our streets burst with life, our public spaces invite connection, and every corner tells a story of community pride and natural beauty. This initiative is born out of a simple belief: that the environment we live in profoundly impacts our well-being, our relationships, and our opportunities. In recent years, we've watched as Bulwell, like many communities, faced challenges that have dimmed its vibrancy. Yet, within these challenges lies an incredible opportunity—an opportunity to come together, roll up our sleeves, and infuse Bulwell with the energy and life it deserves. "Bulwell in Bloom" aims to revitalise our community spaces, turning neglected areas into vibrant hubs of activity, greenery, and art. Imagine walking through Bulwell and finding community gardens where empty lots once stood, murals that tell our collective stories adorning once-bare walls, and parks that buzz with the laughter of children and the chatter of neighbors. But "Bulwell in Bloom" is about more than just beautification. It's about community empowerment. By involving local residents, schools, and businesses in the transformation process, we're not just changing the physical landscape—we're building a stronger, more connected Bulwell. This project is a catalyst for social cohesion, economic development, and environmental sustainability.' https://gofund.me/91acc3ee