POLICY & RESEARCH
Local Polices for Lasting Impact
Over 100 million Americans, including 28 million children, don’t have equitable access to high-quality parks. This gap disproportionately affects communities of color and low-income neighborhoods, where parks are often smaller, fewer, and less maintained. These disparities aren’t accidental—they result from decades of discriminatory policies and practices that systematically excluded communities from park investments.
With over 10,000 local park and recreation agencies across the country, local policy presents a powerful opportunity for systemic, lasting change. That’s why the 10-Minute Walk program emphasizes local policy solutions to ensure every person, in every neighborhood, can reach a welcoming, well-maintained park within a 10-minute walk from home.
What We Do
As a recognized leader in park equity, the 10-Minute Walk program partners with local leaders, community organizations, advocates, and researchers to advance evidence-based policies. Our work translates data-driven insights into actionable strategies that communities can use to improve park equity:
- Collaborative Research: We partner with experts across disciplines to conduct research that informs and drives policy change.
- Actionable Resources: Our guides, reports, and toolkits help translate data into real-world impact.
- Tailored Support: We provide personalized policy assistance and strategic guidance to local governments and community advocates
As a recognized leader in park equity, the 10-Minute Walk program partners with local leaders, community organizations, advocates, and researchers to advance evidence-based policies. Our work translates data-driven insights into actionable strategies that communities can use to improve park equity:
- Collaborative Research: We partner with experts across disciplines to conduct research that informs and drives policy change.
- Actionable Resources: Our guides, reports, and toolkits help translate data into real-world impact.
- Tailored Support: We provide personalized policy assistance and strategic guidance to local governments and community advocates
REPORT
Key Park Equity Policies
Toward a 10-Minute Walk Policy Framework
Local governments and communities need effective policies to achieve equitable park access at scale, but knowing where to start can be challenging. Key Park Equity Policies: Toward a 10-Minute Walk Policy Framework identifies eight municipal policy areas essential for expanding park access and keeping equity at the center. The policy framework serves as a practical roadmap, helping communities identify policy gaps, align multi-agency efforts, and implement strategies that drive lasting change.
Explore Park Equity Policies and Strategies
Discover park equity policies and strategies to deliver parks that every community deserves.
New Report: From Development Policy to Parks
Expanding Park Access Through Dedication Ordinances and Impact Fees
Cities face competing pressures, highlighting the importance of adopting policies that balance growth with equitable access to green space. Without equitable land use policies in place, urban development could continue to widen the park equity gap—leaving communities without the green space they need for health, climate resilience, and quality of life.
New research from Trust for Public Land shows the opportunity—and the urgency—for local governments to implement development policies that ensure park creation keeps pace with new development and population growth.
Cities face competing pressures, highlighting the importance of adopting policies that balance growth with equitable access to green space. Without equitable land use policies in place, urban development could continue to widen the park equity gap—leaving communities without the green space they need for health, climate resilience, and quality of life.
New research from Trust for Public Land shows the opportunity—and the urgency—for local governments to implement development policies that ensure park creation keeps pace with new development and population growth.
