The Trust for Public Land (TPL) annually releases its ParkScore, a ranking system that assesses the park systems of the 100 most populous U.S. cities. This year, in addition to ParkScore, TPL delved into the positive health impacts observed in top-scoring cities. Their exploration encompassed over 800 innovative programs and practices that harmonize park and healthcare systems.
These findings are presented in a new report titled “The Power of Parks to Promote Health.” This report introduces innovative strategies for formalizing the integration of parks into community health programs. The inclusive and equitable approaches outlined in the report aim to ensure that more communities can access the physical and mental health benefits offered by public green spaces.
TPL’s research reveals compelling correlations in the 25 cities with the highest ParkScore rankings. Individuals in these cities are, on average, 9% less likely to experience poor mental health and 21% less likely to be physically inactive compared to those in lower-ranked cities. These associations persist even after accounting for factors such as race/ethnicity, income, age, and population density.
The report emphasizes the importance of recognizing urban parks not merely as recreational spaces but as integral components of healthcare systems. By actively incorporating parks into community health programs, cities can contribute to improving the overall well-being and resilience of their residents, fostering healthier and happier communities.
