How Park Design Helps Keep Communities Healthy

It is well settled that parks not only contribute to a community’s aesthetics but also promote healthy living.

A sampling of the country’s healthiest cities looks at how urban parks contribute to each city’s activity level and what conclusions to draw from these examples.  

“The way a park is set up and organized plays a crucial role in how much it is used and, therefore, what level of impact it can make.”

Jeff Caldwell looks at some of the healthiest cities in America, from Minneapolis to Richmond, VA to Portland, Oregon, all of which have something special for the public including dog parks to help also keep owners active, amenities with broad appeal, and environmentally protected waterways.

“From the Pacific Northwest to the Deep South, urban parks are vital spaces in cities across the country. They encourage physical activity, give city-dwellers a link to nature and beautify the communities in which they’re placed.”