Increasing amounts of Americans are soccer players, and the parks and park planners in American cities are beginning to reflect the sport's growing popularity, according to this piece from the Regional Plan Association.
The article looks at both the growing demand and the variety of users of such recreational space.
"Not only does this new population of soccer players put a certain type of new demand on grassy public space, but even within this diverse group of players, different sub-groups place different demands on field space. Youth soccer leagues require organized space that can be easily managed by coaches, while those playing casually often need to be able to show up at a field and play whenever they can bring together the needed number of people. For others, playing soccer in a public open space can simply be a way of building community and staking out a part of the public arena.
Those in charge of parks have the challenge of investing in facilities that respond to a variety of residents' current interests and activities while, at the same time, balancing that responsiveness with the flexibility to accommodate new uses in the future. This balance is reflected at the Pier 40 facility and should continue to be a critical component of all park design."
FULL STORY: Spotlight Vol. 9, No. 2: Accommodating the Rise of the World's Favorite Sport in America
Improving Communities Through Soccer
LEGO has partnered with the U.S. Soccer Foundation to create a new safe place for kids to play soccer and gain life skills in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Are Dog Parks Taking Space from People in Cities?
The number of dog parks in the United States has almost doubled since 2007. Some worry these spaces are not welcoming or could signal gentrification.
How Soccer Is Changing Land Use
Planners are incorporating the growing popularity of soccer into parks and communities, writes L.A. park planner Clement Lau, and not just with soccer fields.
2024: The Year in Zoning
Cities and states are leaning on zoning reform to help stem the housing crisis and create more affordable, livable neighborhoods.
NACTO Releases Updated Urban Bikeway Guide
The third edition of the nationally recognized road design guide includes detailed design advice for roads that prioritize safety and accessibility for all users.
Denver Pauses Multifamily Development in Westside Neighborhoods Amidst Gentrification Concerns
City officials say the pause on permits for redevelopment projects aims to stop the displacement of long-term residents.
After the Fires: Challenges and Efforts to Heal LA’s Parks and Trails
The recent LA wildfires have devastated parks and trails, with recovery efforts requiring extended closures, collaborative restoration plans, and community support to address extensive damage and long-term risks like landslides.
DC Launches New Round of E-Bike Rebates
District residents can apply for a subsidy of up to $1,500 to purchase e-bikes.
Why Aren’t There More Bollards in US Cities?
Solid barriers, like the dormant ones in New Orleans, are commonly used to improve road safety in Europe. Why not here?
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.
Placer County
Skagit Transit
Berkeley County
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland