Park Investment and Economic Vitality

Communities across the United States are increasingly impacted by climate-related disasters such as wildfires, megastorms, floods, and extreme heatwaves, the latter now causing more deaths than any other weather-related event. These events are exacerbated by rising global temperatures, driven in large part by carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. Carbon sequestration by trees—nature’s solution for capturing and […]

Artificial turf is widely used in many settings across the U.S., from professional sports facilities and parks to schoolyards and private yards. Artificial turf offers both benefits and potential risks. Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a major nonprofit partner in the renovation and construction of parks and community schoolyards across the U.S., and some […]

Extensive research demonstrates that parks are important for human health and well-being across the human life span. Research also reveals disparities in park distribution both across and within cities of the United States, with under-resourced communities often having fewer green spaces, and ones that are smaller and of lower quality. Outdoor spaces at public schools […]

Executive Summary Civic and and business leaders are investing in parks to respond to pressing economic challenges. This study shows that civic and business leaders are increasingly prioritizing investment in green spaces to bolster economic vitality. City leaders are seeking opportunities to grow their tax base and retain and attract more businesses and residents. In […]

The Trust for Public Land developed a framework to build community power through the creation and stewardship of green spaces. Our work demonstrates the power of parks to enrich democracy. This report was published in the Stanford Social Innovation Review and is a featured story of Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement’s (PACE) Democracy > Politics […]

Americans’ sense of community is being sorely tested. Studies show that people are experiencing extreme levels of loneliness, polarization, and division. Places that historically brought people of different backgrounds together have faded in importance or have themselves become battlegrounds, from houses of worship to social clubs to school boards of education. Parks remain a neutral […]

We know that time spent outdoors contributes to our mental and physical health and access to close-to-home parks make communities more connected and resilient to flooding, severe heat, and the effects of the climate crisis. Our Hartford ParkScore® Analysis provides community leaders with the information they need to improve these green spaces, close the park […]

This new paper reviews the growing literature on green gentrification and recommends promising strategies that public agencies and nonprofit organizations can take to limit displacement. Urban green space provides multiple benefits to cities and communities. In some cases, this can lead to displacement of longtime residents and businesses. This new research synthesizes the evidence on […]

When we conserve lands, we’re doing more than saving precious natural areas. Each acre helps address the climate crisis, as trees, plants, and soils act as a carbon reservoir. Permanently protected lands also support community resilience to climate change: improving water and air quality; protecting essential water supplies that communities depend on; and preserving biodiversity.

Public lands are essential to healthy, thriving communities. Parks provide a sanctuary for exercise, relaxation, and community building, but they also stimulate the local economy and support good-paying, sustainable jobs. Trust for Public Land launched the “Pennsylvania’s Future Outside” report to guide strategic investments in outdoor recreation. Through targeted efforts, Pennsylvania’s decision-makers can use the […]

Access to the outdoors is a fundamental human need, and all communities are stronger, healthier, and more connected when everyone is able to get outside and engage with nature. Investments in these green spaces reflect the core values and goals of a community, but it can be difficult to identify where investments are needed. That’s […]