John, Americans are lonelier and more divided than they’ve been in decades. But in my work as Trust for Public Land’s director of community strategies, I’m seeing something different unfold: parks have a remarkable way of bringing people together across deep divisions.

Think that sounds like a tall order for a park? In East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, two strangers—Levar Robinson and Stanley Spring—came from different parts of town, with disparate backgrounds and unique life experiences.

Thanks to Trust for Public Land’s On Common Ground program, a genuine friendship grew from a shared love for their local parks. This grassroots program connects people across race, income, age, and geography—proving that parks are more than just green spaces.

Because Levar and Stanley built a relationship, they were able to work together to reimagine their neighborhood parks, creating places that serve everyone. Their story reminds us that when we invest in public spaces, we’re investing in stronger, more connected communities. 

Levar and Stanley’s friendship is one of the things making me feel hopeful this week. I hope you’ll take a moment to read about them and the lasting impact of their work.

Across the country, we’re uniting communities through parks, turning shared green spaces into places where neighbors connect and relationships thrive. Your support helps bring these transformations to life—one park, one friendship, one community at a time.

Thank you for being a vital part of this movement. 

With gratitude,