At TPL, we know that parks and green spaces play an outsized role in making cities safer and more livable, both now and in the future. Their abundant tree canopies provide much-needed shade on hot summer days. Rain gardens help capture stormwater and reduce the effects of flooding. This type of green infrastructure protects communities—and keeps carbon out of the atmosphere.
Cities are embracing the role of parks in the fight against climate change. In fact, 85 percent of cities surveyed for this year’s ParkScore index reported adapting their parks to address climate change in some way. Lincoln, Nebraska, is installing cooling stations at parks across the city. A recent city ordinance in Des Moines, Iowa, requires all new and renovated parks to include storm-water features. St. Petersburg, Florida, is working to restore wetlands and create “living shorelines” to better deal with storm surges.
See how your city performs. Go ahead and dive into this year’s rankings, and our related report on the role parks play in addressing climate change.
Thank you for supporting our work. We look forward to seeing you outside.
—Brendan Shane
Trust for Public Land Director of Climate
