Neftaly Policy recommendations for improving urban park access

????️ Neftaly: Policy Recommendations for Improving Urban Park Access

???? Why Park Access Policy Matters

• One-third of urban residents lack a park within a 10-minute walk—with access gaps most common in low-income and BIPOC communities.
• Access is not just about proximity—it also includes safety, transportation, inclusivity, and programming.
• Neftaly advocates for bold, equity-focused policies that ensure every urban resident, especially youth, can benefit from high-quality green space.

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???? Neftaly’s Key Policy Recommendations

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1. ????️ Prioritize Park Equity in Planning and Funding

Policy Action:

• Require city and regional park master plans to include equity impact assessments.
• Direct public funding toward neighborhoods with the greatest park access deficits and poorest park conditions.

Why it matters:
Equity ensures resources go where they’re needed most—not just where they’re politically convenient.

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2. ????‍♀️ Adopt the “10-Minute Walk to a Park” Standard

Policy Action:

• Mandate that all city residents live within a 10-minute walk (½ mile) of a park or open space.
• Use zoning and land-use policies to support new park creation in underserved areas.

Why it matters:
Proximity drives access—particularly for youth, seniors, and families without private transportation.

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3. ???? Integrate Transportation and Park Access Planning

Policy Action:

• Require local and regional transportation agencies to prioritize transit routes to parks in underserved areas.
• Fund bike paths, pedestrian safety features, and accessible pathways to connect communities to parks.

Why it matters:
Even great parks mean little if people can’t safely and affordably get there.

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4. ????️ Incentivize Park Access Through Development Policy

Policy Action:

• Update zoning codes to require green space set-asides in new developments, especially in high-density urban zones.
• Provide incentives (e.g. density bonuses, expedited permitting) for developers who incorporate public park features.

Why it matters:
Smart growth strategies must include open space, especially as cities densify.

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5. ????‍???? Ensure Parks Are Inclusive and Accessible to All

Policy Action:

• Mandate ADA compliance and universal design principles in all new and renovated parks.
• Require public engagement processes that include youth, disabled individuals, non-English speakers, and seniors.

Why it matters:
True access means more than location—it means inclusive design and programming.

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6. ???? Create Youth Access and Engagement Pathways

Policy Action:

• Require public park agencies to include youth advisory councils in park planning.
• Fund youth transportation programs (e.g. free transit to parks, mobile recreation units).
• Mandate youth-focused programming in all city parks.

Why it matters:
Parks are essential environments for youth development, leadership, and health.

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7. ???? Protect and Expand Urban Natural Areas

Policy Action:

• Strengthen land-use protections to preserve existing green spaces from urban development.
• Create land banks or use vacant lots to build new micro-parks in park-poor areas.
• Implement tree canopy and green infrastructure standards for urban neighborhoods.

Why it matters:
In a changing climate, green space access is essential infrastructure, not a luxury.

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???? How Neftaly Can Lead Policy Change

Strategy	Role
Youth Advocacy	Equip young leaders to testify, campaign, and meet with decision-makers
Coalition Building	Partner with environmental, health, equity, and housing groups
Community Data	Use mapping, surveys, and storytelling to inform local policy
Pilot Programs	Test models (e.g. mobile parks, youth-led planning) to inspire scalable policy