City of Greater Geelong’s Post

Trust for Public Land’s 2024 ParkScore® index has been revealed! This year Chicago is at #10 and my former home of Washington, DC is #1 for a fourth consecutive year. Washington scored well on all park score rating factors, especially park access and park equity. Ninety-nine percent of DC residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, among the best scores in the nation (behind 100 percent for San Francisco and Boston). The ParkScore index uses advanced GIS and spatial analysis to evaluate park systems, with ratings based on five equally weighted factors: access, acreage, investment, amenities, and equity. This free, data-driven tool provides communities with the information they need to help close the park equity gap. This year, our research also found that cities that rank higher on the ParkScore index are healthier places to live. Residents of cities rated in the Top 25 are less likely to report poor mental health and are more likely to be physically active than residents of lower-ranking cities. This holds true even after factoring in race/ethnicity, income, age, and population density. In a year when Americans are seemingly more divided than ever, our research reveals that residents of cities with high ParkScore rankings are, on average, more socially connected and engaged with their neighbors than residents of cities with lower-ranking park systems. You can read our special new report, The Power of Parks to Strengthen Community, highlighting how local park leaders mix creative new ideas with tried-and-true strategies to build community connections. https://lnkd.in/gE2c6_nW Check out the full list to see how your favorite cities rank: https://lnkd.in/g2QcWQYA Go here to view our recent Park Bench Chat, wherein a panel of experts discuss the ParkScore results and talk about How Parks Are Vital to Strengthening Community https://lnkd.in/gz9HMeHV And go here to hear the latest episode of TPL’s podcast “People, Nature, and Big Ideas” to hear even more about ParkScore and a discussion of the impact of an elevated park in Washington, DC https://lnkd.in/gdeCmQ6B

Hey - Look Ma, I made it on YouTube! So grateful for the chance to talk to Mic of Mic Thinks Tiny about Poplar Creek, our new tiny home community. Check out the video where you will hear all about the property, amenities, application process, as well as tips for anyone interested in learning more about the tiny home movement. Also, don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook - PoplarCreekNC - for the most updated information and developments! #TinyHomes #tinyforlife #tinytowho?

Studies show that people are experiencing extreme levels of loneliness, polarization, and division. City parks are among the last public spaces where people can meet and build community. Check out the latest findings --- just released today --- from Trust for Public Land on the transformative power of high-quality park systems. #TPLparkscore

BREAKING NEWS: City of St. Petersburg, Florida ranks No. 1 in Florida and No. 11 in the nation for park systems by the Trust for Public Land (TPL) in this year’s ParkScore® index, which analyzed 100 of the largest U.S. cities to determine how well each city is meeting the needs for parks. According to TPL, 78% of St. Pete residents are within a 10-minute walk of a park. St. Pete is no stranger to being in the top 15; however, the City continues to climb in the ranking as it aims to create an inclusive and equitably accessible parks and recreation system. https://lnkd.in/eTYiTVma

Participatory listening as a method for extending public and stakeholder engagement with place and place-based developments. Find out more about how Bethan’s research practice is being used to generate enagement and understanding of #policy and #seasidechange. #ESRC #SCDTP

The architecture of the majority of the USA is, in fact dystopian since one of the most effective, healthy, and inexpensive forms of transportation is effectively architected away: #walking. The only halfway decent solution is buy your walk into a walkable community, i.e. greenways, beach trails, etc, but it requires upper middle class wealth. https://lnkd.in/dTVHz8WA

𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗞: What do you do with 5-10 acres of idle land if you don't want to sell or farm it? Create a community park. Not a mini-park. This is where a Master Plan comes in. What is it? It's a vision board for your park. A Master Plan is more than just a blueprint, it's a community bond. Picture this: • A small lake for fishing • Playgrounds for the kids • Walking trails, and outdoor exercise equipment for all ages • Picnic areas for family gatherings • A stage for outdoor concerts or performances • A community garden, and maybe even a farmer's market 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀. Creating a Master Plan doesn't have to be expensive. Here are some tips: • Collaborate with local businesses, community organizations, and city officials • Tap into grant programs for funding • Engage with landscape architects and construction companies in your area for the best deals This is your chance to turn idle land into a thriving 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗵𝘂𝗯 that brings people together. Start with a Master Plan, and watch your community grow. Check Out PodCity Small Parks Initiative (SPI) https://lnkd.in/d6i4KCED

We are so proud of the environmental and planting guidance we bring to the Community Visioning process! Check out this great article and video talking about some recent small-towns success stories and how the Visioning process is changing Iowa communities. https://lnkd.in/gQ6A3kCX

Imagine transforming hidden blemishes of our urban landscapes—those old, forgotten underground tanks—into the heart of community joy. With a bit of expert intervention (shoutout to Tri-State!), these once-unused plots become the backdrop for children's laughter, family picnics, and neighborly chats. This is not just a cleanup; it's a canvas for community masterpieces. Each step from uncovering these hidden tanks to cultivating vibrant green spaces is a testament to creativity and community spirit in action. It’s a story of turning environmental woes into wins, proving that with a little ingenuity, we can craft the communal oases of tomorrow. #UrbanRenewal #GreenSpaces #CommunityBuilding #EnvironmentalInnovation #TriStateSuccess

While California state parks are public spaces, many people cannot access or experience them. Barriers to park access include lack of transportation, cost of visiting, lack of awareness of parks or the activities they offer, closures, and more. There are many factors that come together to make a great experience at a California State Park. Learn how we are creating these positive experiences for all: https://ow.ly/OgGW50QqyST.