Open Space
Innovative Park Agencies Receive National Recognition
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) recently announced the recipients of this year’s awards for innovation in health and wellness, equity, conservation, and park design.
Regenerating and Healing Land Through Parks
Through thoughtful planning and restoration efforts, parks can help heal degraded land, meeting multiple community needs, improving soil quality, restoring native vegetation, and creating habitats for wildlife.
Maine Law Promotes Smart Growth
New state legislation encourages cities to plan around ‘smart growth’ principles to preserve farmland and open space, and use infill development to build more housing.
Los Angeles County Parks Department Releases Five-Year Strategic Plan
The L.A. County Department of Parks and Recreation recently completed a strategic plan which details goals, strategies, and actions that reflect the agency's commitment to advancing equity.
Advancing Parks and Recreation with Census Data
Census data are used in a variety of ways that impact parks and recreation, including helping to determine where new parks are built and how funds for park projects and recreation programs are distributed.
Miami Beach to Reopen Ocean Drive to Cars
The famous cruising strip was off-limits to cars during the pandemic. Now, the city is letting vehicles return with some pedestrian-oriented compromises.
Toronto Searching for a Future for its Public Golf Courses
Amid calls to convert the city's golf courses to other uses, Toronto, Ontario city staff are trying to figure out a middle ground between competing interests.
The Complexities of Park Access
Park access is not only about reducing travel distance to a park; it is a complex issue that requires a variety of creative solutions.
Strong Public Support for Parks and Recreation Nationwide
The latest report by the National Recreational and Park Association (NRPA) offers insights into public perception and use of parks, revealing a high level of affinity.
Rural Parks Planning Underway in Los Angeles County
The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation is conducting a survey to better understand the park and recreation needs of rural areas.
Denver Voters Will Weigh Open Space Development
Two competing initiatives seek to change city regulations for residential and commercial development on the city's parklands and open spaces.
Advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Parks and Recreation
A newly released report by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) reveals the state of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities at park agencies across the U.S.
National Forests Were Highly Popular in 2020
New data shows more people than ever visited national forests and grasslands last year, according to a Forest Service report
D.C. Tops the 2021 ParkScore List
The Trust for Public Land has published the most recent version of its annual ranking of parks and open space. A new twist for 2021includes a new metric to consider equity.
Poised for a New Era of Parks Planning in Bellevue, Washington
The last round of capital investment made possible by a 2008 parks levy offers a chance to look further into the future in Bellevue, Washington.
Making Park Plans a Reality
Los Angeles County implements equity-focused community parks and recreation plans.
How COVID-19 Has Impacted Outdoor Recreation
A new report commissioned by the Outdoor Industry Association offers valuable insights about Americans’ engagement in outdoor activities amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hiking For All: Making the Great Outdoors More Welcoming
Not everyone feels comfortable going for a hike. Various groups are working to break down barriers so that more people can experience the joys and benefits of being in nature.
Understanding Regional and Rural Park and Recreation Needs
The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation is doing a study to inventory and analyze the need for facilities like beaches, natural areas, open space, regional parks, trails, and local parks in rural areas.
Students Contribute to Park Design Process
As a class assignment, nearly 150 high school students shared their ideas for improvements to Sorensen Park in Lake Los Angeles, California.
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.
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont
