Why are green parks important for circular urban planning?

The benefits of walking in green spaces are not limited to physical health. Studies show that access to green space enables an enhanced opportunity to connect with nature, improving one’s mental health. This is especially the case during the global pandemic, as parks serve as a quick getaway for some fresh air. Furthermore, the ability to walk to parks fosters sustainable development within cities by limiting CO2 emissions, improving air quality, establishing more habitat for local wildlife and promoting stronger communal ties.

10-Minute Walk is a nationwide project to give 100% of people in U.S. cities access to safe, quality green space within a 10-minute walk of their homes by 2050. This project’s efforts include ensuring a safe path to existing parks, improving existing parks and creating new parks in neighborhoods that need them most.

In 2017, San Francisco became the first U.S. city where every resident is within a 10-minute walk of at least one of its more than 220 parks. In Denver, Colorado, as of 2020, 91% of residents also live within a 10-minute walk of a park. The city is currently striving to meet its 100% goal with increased funding and collaboration with local non-profit organizations.