MKSK Viewpoint: Parks are an Essential Business

As the only social infrastructure that is reliably open and available to our communities during COVID-19, it is now more than ever critical to acknowledge the importance of parks. The pandemic has brought greater clarity to what is “essential” in our daily existence. In the era of physical distancing and sheltering in place, we are all discovering what many of us already knew—that parks and trails are an essential business. Our communities are relying on these critical green resources as means of transportation, to get needed fresh air and exercise, and as a mechanism for aiding mental health.

The recent social unrest and protests have also shined a light on the stark reality that social access to these valued and necessary community assets is inequitable. Many neighborhoods not only lack adequate parks and trails, but they also have uneven access to the parks and trails that do exist. Missing sidewalks, the presence of heavy traffic, the prevalence of crime, and the lack of shade are but a few conditions that prevent equitable access. And when parks and public spaces are physically available, many BIPOC do not feel welcome or safe. One must look no further than the recent murder of Ahmaud Arbery who was gunned down while jogging in a neighborhood. These are not isolated tragedies; they are everyday aggressions like the one faced by Christian Cooper who was accosted while birdwatching in Central Park. Until all feel safe and welcome in our parks and public spaces, we will not achieve equitable access.   

This equity gap has severe consequences for the health of our communities. The physical determinants of health contribute to the underlying medical conditions that make certain populations more vulnerable to chronic illnesses and infectious diseases. COVID-19 has shown us that disproportionate impact on certain demographic groups. We know older people are more susceptible, but we are also seeing that African American and Hispanic communities are as well - representing a disproportionate percentage of deaths per infection. These are often exactly the communities that are suffering from a lack of access to parks and trails—along with other daily needs (access to health care, education, and jobs).

We have changed and adapted our physical environments in the past in response to pandemics and social movements. What will our response be to these generational crises? What opportunities does this provide us? One thing is certain, it is no longer possible to ignore these public health and systemic societal issues.

Equitable access to parks and trails in our communities is critical to understand, document, and address. In a recent webinar for APA Ohio, Principals Chris Hermann and Andrew Overbeck highlighted local, regional, and national examples of how communities across the country are addressing both the challenges presented by COVID-19, and the equity gaps created by decades of underinvestment and the prevalence of systemic racism. The webinar concludes with a vision for Columbus that, if properly coordinated and implemented, can ensure that Central Ohio provides equitable social access to parks and trails for all its citizens. Recognition of these longstanding inequities and the development of plans and funding mechanisms to address them is critical to the future health, wellness, and competitiveness of our cities.

To view the recent APA Ohio Webinar: Parks are an Essential Business click here.