Neighbored by a national park system and a Great Lake, Cleveland is a city with a rich system of parks — a treasured part of life here.
Every year, the nonprofit Trust for Public Land releases its ParkScore index that ranks the 100 largest U.S. cities' local park systems. The scale is measured through five aspects: equity, access, investment, amenities and acreage. The organization’s efforts are “an opportunity for commitment to dialogue and for cross-city dialogue,” says Sean Terry, the Ohio State director for Trust for Public Land.
This year, Cleveland took a slight dip from its ranking of 26th place to 31st.
Still, the city had strong marks for park access and amenities. It was found that 81% of Cleveland residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, and the water feature amenities stand out with the “splash pads” ranking second nationally. The equity aspect remained steady. Cleveland’s slightly below average acreage had a small impact, but primarily, the limited investment for the year brought the score down.
However, Cleveland’s score is not an indication of it faltering, but rather a strategic commitment for the future.
Cleveland is using the funds received for implementing a 15-year vision parks master plan focused on the scale’s five aspects, as well as a reopening of the parks department. Terry elaborated on why parks are a powerful space and how the future plans in Cleveland will be a catalyst for diversity, noting how parks “create social cohesion. Parks can be a connector of community where people of different backgrounds come together.”
Trust for Public Land's research released this year on the high ranking cities showcased that individuals in these cities are more likely to volunteer, engage in their communities and form friendships that cross socioeconomic lines. With increased social connection, comes increased physical and mental health as well.
Parks are a safe space for everyone to enjoy and reap the benefits. The benefits go beyond social and health, with a particular other benefit within the Cleveland area — a city that has had a historically low voter turnout.
“Cleveland has started to, in particular, use parks to advocate for voting,” says Terry. “It can be a powerful vehicle for democracy as we see voter registration occur in parks. Parks champion resident involvement and have a true community of varying voices.”
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