Case Studies

CASE STUDIES: CITY PARK AND RECREATION SUCCESSES

Despite the geographic diversity of urban parkland in the United States, all parks and communities have to address some common issues. The goal of these case studies is to facilitate knowledge-sharing and help park leaders across the nation to learn from each other’s successes and setbacks and ultimately build green, vibrant, and equitable cities together.

  • Case Study

    Inequalities in urban greenness and epigenetic aging: Different associations by race and neighborhood socioeconomic status

    Science Advances

    This research article studies the association between exposure to greenness and epigenetic aging in a large, biracial U.S. urban cohort.

  • Case Study

    Development Fees and Park Equity in Los Angeles

    Journal of the American Planning Association

    This case study evaluates whether the equity-motivated changes in Los Angeles’ park fees ordinance (known as Quimby) resulted in equity gains.

  • Case Study

    Parks That Protect: Leveraging Waterfronts for Resilient Communities

    Urban Land Institute

    Explores seven leading-edge waterfront park projects from around the world built to protect adjacent neighborhoods from climate threats.

  • Case Study

    The Brickline Greenway: Charting a Path towards Social Equity in St. Louis

    City Parks Alliance

    With cities everywhere focused squarely on equity issues right now, it is a hopeful time for those in St. Louis who’ve been advocating for, funding, and buildi…

  • Case Study

    Chicago’s Green Schoolyards Program

    Chicago, IL

    Partnering with Chicago Public Schools provided a unique opportunity because the school district has a significant need for updating play equipment, but very l…

  • Case Study

    A Former Chemical Plant Site Proves Key to a City’s Resiliency

    Hoboken, NJ

    Taking the long view, city planners turn a former industrial site into a modern urban park that that also manages stormwater runoff.

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Case Studies: City Parks – A Smart Investment for America’s Health, Economy & Environment

We’ve compiled stories and strategies from 11 American cities who have leveraged city parks to create positive, lasting change in the social, economic, and physical well-being of their residents.

Share Your City Park Story

How have you engaged your community through park programs? What programs have you implemented that transformed your city into an equitable, green, and vibrant place to live? Share your story for a chance to be featured on our site and shared with our national network of park professionals.

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