Reports & Tools

Documenting the Potential of City Parks

City Parks Alliance and research partners are exploring the role of parks in addressing critical emerging issues facing cities. Together with economists, engineers, policy experts, advocates and practitioners, we are delivering practical, replicable solutions for cities, agencies, and residents. City Parks Alliance members and others can draw upon these reports, videos, and infographics to demonstrate the power of city parks in a broad new context of economic, environmental, and social opportunity.

Reports and Other Tools

Report
St. Louis Park Study Tour (June 2023)
St. Louis has been transitioning from the legacy of its manufacturing economy for several decades. New investment in parks and trails—focusing on access, equit…
Report
Managing High-Quality Parks Environments: Models and Lessons from Selected Parks in New York City, Chicago, and Cincinnati
University of Buffalo
This report examines the management features of the 21 parks to identify lessons for how to create and maintain a premier waterfront gathering place.
Report
Key Park Equity Policies: Toward a 10-Minute Walk Park Equity Policy Framework
Trust for Public Land
This report outlines policy solutions and examples that help create scaled, sustainable change and address the park equity divide.
Report
Cornerstone Parks Reports on Stewardship and Park Use
Park People
This research from Canada shows that volunteer stewardship in large urban parks makes people happier and healthier and points to the need for equity.
Report
Associations of Greenness, Parks, and Blue Space With Neurodegenerative Disease Hospitalizations Among Older US Adults
JAMA Network Open
A study of Medicare beneficiaries suggests that nature may also help protect against the risk of developing certain neurodegenerative disorders.
Report
2022 Outdoor Participation Trends Report
Outdoor Foundation
This research study examines interest in outdoor recreation after the COVID pandemic disruption.