Has Seattle Improved Its ParkScore®?
May 14, 2024
Two free events this month are being presented in celebration of parks. They include a stewardship day on May 18 and a virtual chat on the latest ParkScore® Index with leading park experts on May 22.
In extending an invitation, Roland Carette-Meyers, the Northwest associate director of philanthropy at the Trust for Public Land™, stated, “Whether you’d like to get your hands a little dirty, hear from some rock star parks experts online, or both – we’ve got you covered.”
On Saturday, May 18 from 10 AM – 1 PM, TPL is presenting “Mountains to Sound Greenway Stewardship Day at Preston Mill” near Issaquah. Tasks include pulling weeds, spreading mulch, and maintaining pathways at the newly renovated 22-acre King County Park. “It’s a great opportunity to take care of a refreshed park just ahead of its first big weekend of the sunny season,” said Carette-Meyers.
Volunteers are asked to RSVP and visit the registration page for what to bring and where to meet.
On Wednesday, May 22 at noon, the topic is “Park Bench Chat: 2024 ParkScore® Index Release.” Linda Hwang, TPL senior director of strategy and innovation along with leading community and park experts will unveil the 2024 top rankings. They’ll also discuss why cities with better parks systems are stronger, more connected places to live. Register here.
The ParkScore® Index ranks park systems in the 100 most populous U.S. Cities. The index is based on 14 measures across five categories: acreage, investment, amenities, access, and equity. The 2023 rankings included scores for Seattle and Spokane.
Since its founding in 1972, the Trust for Public Land has created 5,352 places (parks, trails and schoolyars) and protected nearly 4 million acres. The national nonprofit reports about one in three people in the U.S., including 28 million children, do not have a quality park close to home. TPL works with communities to create parks and protect public land where they’re needed most, “as a matter of health, equity, and justice."
Submitted by Roland Carette-Meyers