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

Member Exclusive
Report
Cities with Equity-Oriented Park Plans Might Have More Equitable Park Distributions
Department of City and Metropolitan Planning, The University of Utah
This is a study summary exploring the question of "What if park plans made a difference in achieving a more equitable distribution of parks?"
Member Exclusive
Report
Pathways to Play: Community School Parks Program Report
Los Angeles Park Foundation
This report examines the Community School Park (CSP) program's effectiveness to increase use of school campuses for public recreation during periods when schoo…
Report
Surfacing Solutions: How Addressing Conflict and Reframing Challenges as Opportunities Can Create More Equitable and Sustainable Parks
Park People
Takeaways on trends, challenges and strategic directions in Canadian city parks in 2023.
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
2022 Outdoor Participation Trends Report
Outdoor Foundation
This research study examines interest in outdoor recreation after the COVID pandemic disruption.