Conversations with Olmsted: Parks, Equity, and Public Health

Olmsted believed parks function as “lungs of the city,” offering spaces that foster physical and mental health. He was an early member of the American Public Health Association and understood humans’ need for access to nature and the critical connection between a thoughtful built environment and social, health, and ecological well-being.
During the pandemic, we’ve seen that parks served as critical health infrastructure. Yet recent data from the Trust for Public Land found that many, including low-income communities and communities of color, face serious barriers when it comes equal access.
This panel discussion explores the role parks, and nature, can play in achieving health equity and what can be done to equalize resources and ensure safe and equitable access to parks and green space for all communities.

https://olmsted200.org/conversations-with-olmsted-parks-equity-and-public-health/