Public parks provide multiple benefits to communities. They give people a place to relax, help the community bond, provide cleaner air and water and offer multiple recreational activities for the neighborhood. According to the Brookings Institute, the top 10 metro areas with the most limited access to parks all have higher-than-average poverty rates. Here are some ways to advocate for public parks in your community.
Attend Local Council Meetings
The first step is getting involved in the decision-making process. Find out when and where your local council meets so you can help spread the word about park access and its benefits. Attending local government meetings and being part of the process helps you advocate for your neighbors.
Volunteer at Public Parks
You can also help out by volunteering at the public parks in your community. Many recreational activities and park programs are understaffed. You can help keep these programs going by volunteering as a coach, leader, camp counselor, or program organizer.
Advocate for Better Lighting and Safety
Safe parks are also essential. Installing more lighting can help improve safety. Reach out to community leaders to get help with money to install new LED lighting. Lamp posts should be chosen for their durability and longevity, not just appearance. The most popular options are steel and aluminum for lamp posts. By using a pole, you can help improve the look and feel of your public parks.
Create a Neighborhood Watch
Another way to improve safety is to create organized neighborhood watch groups for the parks. Neighborhood watch groups can patrol the local parks to help deter crime and vandalism. Encourage community members to report suspicious activity or problems in the park.
Organize Park Clean-Ups
Parks also need regular maintenance and clean-up so the public can benefit from the green space. If resources and money are limited, some of this can get overlooked. Community members can organize group clean-ups periodically to keep the space beautiful for everyone.
Host Events at the Park
Park supporters can also make sure public parks are utilized more effectively by helping host special events at community green spaces.
You can volunteer to help set up special events for kids and other members of your neighborhood.
Free concerts, outdoor movie nights, holiday happenings, and block parties can also help promote the green spaces in your area.
Help Raise Money
Community parks, like other public initiatives, also need funding to stay afloat. You can help boost your area’s public park funding by setting up fundraising ideas. Work with your community leaders to help raise money for new parks, playground equipment, staff, fields, and other amenities at existing parks.
Enjoy Public Park Space
Next, make sure you regularly use the parks in your area, especially if you had a hand in getting them built.
Visit the park and let your kids play on the playground. Utilize walking or hiking paths.
Schedule birthday parties and other family gatherings at your local park’s pavilions to help support the effort.
Vote for Supportive Candidates
The last way you can advocate for more parkland in your neighborhood is with your vote. When local elections come up, make sure you understand each candidate’s views on providing funding for public parks. Support the candidates that make this a priority and vote for them.
Public parks are a necessity in each community. They help people come together and unwind and improve their quality of life.
Katie Conroy is an Across North Hills contributing writer.
