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Illustrated trees srround the words 'Outside Matters: The Trust for Public Land'

Dear John: Our latest report sheds new light on America's park equity problem. This month, we're diving deeper into our findings, the recently released 2021 ParkScore® rankings, and exploring how communities are closing the park equity gap.

Three ways U.S. cities are improving park equity

Three teenaged friends walk along a riverfront trail while one tosses a soccer ball into the air.

Photo Credit: Chris Bennett

Across the 100 largest U.S. cities, people of color have access to significantly less park space than white people. The good news is, communities and local leaders are already coming up with many effective ways to solve this problem.

LEARN MORE

The 2021 ParkScore rankings are in

A mother pushes a young boy on a tricycle along a trail as a father walks slightly ahead.

Photo Credit: Chris Bennett

Each year, our research and innovation team gathers data from across the U.S. to provide the gold standard ranking of park systems in America's cities. This year, we integrated a new metric into our rankings: park equity. Is your city meeting the need for parks? Search to find out.

SEE RANKINGS

In the spotlight

Parks and an equitable recovery

This past year has proved that parks are not just a nicety—they are a necessity. As Americans endured the health and economic challenges brought on by a global pandemic, the outdoors became a lifeline. Now, we've measured who does and does not have access to the outdoors in America—and uncovered some major disparities.

READ THE REPORT

Updates from across the country

A small child runs through splash fountains at a park as water sprays all around.

Photo Credit: Meghan Mick

Delayed by Hurricane Sally, a Florida park officially opens

In September 2020, Hurricane Sally damaged the swimming beach at the newly completed Captain Leonard Destin Park in Destin. With repairs completed, the park officially opened on May 13, 2021. Using funds from the Deepwater Horizon Settlement, we helped build a park that tells the history of the city's founding father, and includes a very popular splash pad, fishing pier, and kayak launch.

LEARN MORE

Brush and rocky hills surround a grouping of rusted oil tanks and equipment in an open field.

Photo Credit: Amber Garrett

Help us transform this California oil field into a coastal gem

Banning Ranch is the biggest private open space on the coast of Southern California. For decades, its served as a working oil field. Someday, it could become an oceanfront park for all to enjoy—but we need your help to make it happen.

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Outside Matters

Why does being outside matter to you? Share your thoughts on the power of being outdoors for a chance to win a Trust for Public Land water bottle! We’ll also feature a quote from the submissions in upcoming newsletters.

TELL US

4 places to watch the great spring bird migration

Every spring, billions of birds make the long journey north from South and Central America to breeding grounds in North America. You only need a pair of binoculars, a field guide, and a bit of patience to take in this colorful avian parade. We've put together a helpful list of some prime birdwatching spots across the U.S.

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Take action

The partially crumbled remains of Ananzi cliff dwellings, made from earthen blocks the same color as the giant red rocks they're built into.

Photo Credit: Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management

Tell President Biden to restore Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante

Four new mining claims were filed recently for lands cut from Bears Ears National Monument, and tens of thousands of Native American sacred sites are under threat of vandalism and resource extraction. Restoring protections for these iconic landscapes can't wait. If you haven't already sent a letter to President Biden asking him to take action, please do so now!

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This Juneteenth, we honor the past and serve the future

We’re proud to be part of the growing movement to lift up a more accurate, equitable public memory of America. Read a conversation with Ben Jealous, Trust for Public Land board member and past president of the NAACP, about how he marks the Juneteenth holiday with his family, and find out what you can do right now to amplify the contributions and leadership of Black Americans throughout history.