The Trust for Public Land (TPL) recently released its annual report which ranks park systems in the 100 most populous U.S. cities.
The Trust for Public Land (TPL) conducted a survey among the 100 largest cities as part of its annual ParkScore®️ index. These cities collectively shared almost 800 examples of what they consider to be the most effective ways of using their parks and recreation systems to promote physical activity, improve mental health, and increase social connections. TPL ranks these cities by comparing five park categories: equity, access, investment, amenities, and acreage. For 2023, the top 12 cities are:
- Washington, D.C.
- St. Paul, MN
- Minneapolis, MN
- Irvine, CA
- Arlington, VA
- Cincinnati, OH
- San Francisco, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Portland, OR
- Boston, MA (tied with New York, NY)
- New York, NY (tied with Boston, MA)
- Chicago, IL
TPL argues that cities with the highest ParkScore®️ rankings are healthier places to live. Please refer to their exclusive 2023 report to learn more, including what cities are already doing and what more they can do to achieve even better mental, physical, and environmental health outcomes through park investments and programming.
FULL STORY: 2023 ParkScore®️ Report: The Power of Parks to Promote Health
Parks for All: LA Looks to Residents to Help Shape Park Equity and Access
Los Angeles is launching a citywide park needs assessment to gather resident input on improving its park system, addressing inequities in access, and making the case for increased funding and long-term investments.
LA County Releases Funding for Parkland Acquisition in Underserved Communities
Los Angeles County has released $14.5 million in Measure A grant funds to support parkland acquisition in high-need areas, aiming to create additional green spaces and advance environmental justice and equity.
Healing Neighborhoods Through Park Equity
Learn more about ways to improve park equity with Norma García-González, the director of the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, and Catherine Nagel, the executive director of the City Parks Alliance.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City
If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)