Parks
If the combined effects of winter's cold and the pandemic has you bummed, check out this community-building exercise in the frozen North.
PlaceShakers
New research shows that increasing park acreage in areas that face park deficits and low levels of tree canopy could lead to significant population-level increases in life expectancy.
Parks & Recreation Magazine
Public spaces have become more important than ever. Here are five case studies of innovative and safely designed programming that engages people of all ages and backgrounds.
Reimagining the Civic Commons
A new 13-mile regional trail opens in South Los Angeles, connecting various parks to the Pacific Ocean and providing additional opportunities for residents to enjoy outdoor recreation during a pandemic.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas
New York City parents are unhappy that fitness enthusiasts are turning to playgrounds for their workouts.
New York Post
Earvin "Magic" Johnson Park in Willowbrook has been transformed with $70 million worth of improvements, including a 20,000-square foot event center for community gatherings and events.
Los Angeles Sentinel
In pursuit of a grant for park development, Los Angeles County engages community members virtually to gather input and design a new park.
Antelope Valley Press
The oldest city park in the United States, used as a cow pasture until the 19th century, is slated for a major upgrade.
The Architect's Newspaper
With more than 50,000 acres of parkland, Houston is one of many cities to notice an increase in use of natural areas. Natural Resources Manager Kelly Ondracek is drafting a plan to protect the natural lands from development.
Next City
Hong Kong provides a lesson in the importance of open space for the health and well-being of residents, especially during the isolation and distancing of a pandemic.
BBC
With the pandemic, people need to see and experience beauty, nature, and parks more than ever. Learn more about some of America's urban oases.
National Geographic
Los Angeles organizers work with park professionals on policies to allow green space investment in neighborhoods that have lacked it without paving the way for displacement.
Shelterforce Magazine
The Chicago Park District wants to be extra sure we're all clear on this.
Block Club Chicago
With COVID-19, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation modified its popular Parks After Dark program so that it could still meet community needs, while complying with public health orders.
National Recreation and Park Association Open Space Blog
Experts indicate that it is too soon to conclude that the lack of access to parks has contributed to higher coronavirus infection rates in Black and Latino communities, but say there is likely a relationship between the two.
USA Today
The “10-Minute Walk Campaign” is a nationwide movement to ensure that everyone has safe access to a quality park or green space within a 10-minute walk. In the midst of a pandemic, it is especially important now to have a park close to home.
Planning Magazine
SWA Group was selected by the Freedom Park Conservancy to create a new master plan and reimagine the park with its legacy in mind.
The Architect's Newspaper
With constrained budgets, a geographic information system (GIS) may seem like a luxury for parks agencies. But to perform data-driven planning and advance park equity, GIS is an indispensable tool.
Apolitical
Most people only know Hong Kong as an urban jungle and one of the densest cities in the world. However, there are actually green places where its residents can go for exercise and relaxation.
South China Morning Post
The San Diego Planning Department wants to change the system that currently funds improvements to public amenities, facing considerations about the implementation and legality of the proposed alternative.
Voice of San Diego
