It seems like it’s true: the outdoors is a great equalizer. If there’s one thing everyone can do, it’s go outside and enjoy nature—right?
Yet, many who step outside are not greeted by trees, fields, or flowers. Instead, they see concrete or patches of bare dirt.
Even a 10-minute walk from home doesn’t take them to a local park. And, often, once they find a park, it’s small, uncared for, and offers little space to roam and recuperate.
This work must be done now. Research has shown that by creating more parks and green spaces, we can help combat public health crises such as depression and obesity that continue to skyrocket.
TPL is working with historically and economically marginalized groups to generate investments in parks and public land that benefit everyone and address wide-ranging challenges.
Climate benefits are also top of mind in all we do. We work with communities to green their neighborhoods—adding vegetation to sequester carbon and absorb floodwater, plus more trees to add shade and combat the extreme heat that disproportionately effects towns and cities with fewer parks.
And we use evidence to drive the healthiest design and use of outdoor public spaces, working with communities to address health needs and reflect local culture and aspirations, which ensures the spaces are well used and well loved.
Nothing should block people’s access to the benefits and joys of the outdoors, something that should be available to all.
But John, it will take a strong financial foundation to get these projects off the ground, turn our plans into a reality, and accomplish this urgently needed work!
