Objective

Access to natural outdoor spaces contributes to community wellness, yet low-income communities and communities of color are less likely to have easily accessible parks and green spaces than their wealthier counterparts. Ecosystem health and ecological processes are critical for maintaining clean air, safe drinking water, productive soils, pollination of food crops, and more.

Do your policies facilitate the preservation of land areas for outdoor recreation, education, protection of the natural habitat of flora and fauna, agriculture, historic significance, or general public benefit? Do underserved communities have access to these benefits?

Examples of Data Needed for Equitable Strategy Development (Qualitative and Quantitative)

• Have you performed a tree canopy assessment to determine if all neighborhoods benefit from adequate street trees? See raw tree canopy data for every municipality and urban area in the state.
• Have you mapped routes to parks and green spaces to determine which neighborhoods need better access to them?

Examples of Equity-Based Municipal Strategies

Access to green spaces:

• Assure access to nature and outdoor green spaces for mental health and community well-being.

Tree Canopy:

• Establish tree canopies in flood-prone areas and areas susceptible to urban heat island effect (lack adequate shade), and address racial disparities between neighborhoods.

Safety:

• Partner with BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ groups that organize outdoor activities to ensure that parks and recreation spaces are safe, welcoming, and inclusive.

Ecosystem Health:

• Preserve natural areas to maintain ecosystem health.

Responsible Local Agency or Department

• Public Works
• Parks & Recreation

Opportunities

• New funding from federal government under IRA for urban forestry and natural lands management.