Five Characteristics of High-Quality Parks

Report Summary: What makes one park high quality and another a disappointment? Across the country, cities as well as parks and recreation departments are seeking to articulate what “high quality” means, particularly as it relates to the goal of the 10 Minute Walk movement to ensure that all people live within a 10-minute walk of a high-quality park or green space. Based on interviews with parks professionals and other experts from around the country, this report presents a framework for park quality that can help all park developers and managers systematically assess quality, park by park and systemwide, to make investments and address longstanding disparities in access to high-quality parks. A series of key questions help parks professionals ensure their parks are in excellent condition, are accessible to all potential users, provide positive experiences for park users, are relevant to the communities they serve, and are flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances.