Neftaly: Partnering with Transportation Authorities to Improve Park Access and Pedestrian Infrastructure
Access to public parks is vital for community health, cohesion, and well-being. However, barriers such as limited transit options, unsafe walkways, and poorly connected neighborhoods can prevent many—especially low-income and marginalized populations—from fully benefiting from these green spaces. Neftaly supports Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) in forming partnerships with transportation authorities to ensure that all community members can reach parks safely, sustainably, and equitably.
1. Why Park Accessibility Matters
- Equity: Lack of reliable transport limits access for those without private vehicles.
- Health: Walkable and bike-friendly routes promote active lifestyles.
- Inclusion: Improved access ensures everyone—children, elders, persons with disabilities—can enjoy park spaces.
- Community Engagement: Accessible parks encourage higher attendance at events, programs, and spiritual gatherings.
2. Areas for Collaboration with Transportation Authorities
A. Infrastructure Improvements
- Construct or repair sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals leading to park entrances
- Add bicycle lanes, secure bike racks, and shaded walking paths
- Install accessible ramps and mobility-friendly surfaces in and around parks
B. Transit Enhancements
- Coordinate local bus or shuttle routes to include park stops
- Provide real-time transit updates for park visitors through apps and signage
- Advocate for free or discounted transit on days with community events in parks
C. Safety and Wayfinding
- Improve street lighting and signage around park access points
- Create clear, multilingual directions to parks from key transit hubs
- Partner with local law enforcement for safer routes during peak hours
D. Community Outreach and Planning
- Host town halls with residents to identify transportation gaps
- Involve youth and elders in designing people-first pedestrian plans
- Encourage walk-to-park and ride-to-park awareness campaigns through FBO networks
3. How Faith-Based Organizations Can Lead
- Mobilize Support: Engage congregations and community members to advocate for better park access.
- Provide Data: Share insights from community surveys and lived experiences with transit agencies.
- Serve as Partners: Offer spaces for stakeholder meetings and public planning sessions.
- Promote Ethics of Care: Frame transportation access as a moral and social justice issue rooted in faith values.
4. Neftaly’s Support for These Partnerships
- Policy briefs and advocacy toolkits for accessible infrastructure
- Templates for memorandums of understanding with transport authorities
- Guidance on participatory planning and inclusive design
- Models of successful faith–transport–community collaborations
Conclusion
Transportation should not be a barrier to community connection and nature access. By working with transportation authorities, Neftaly enables Faith-Based Organizations to advocate for and help implement inclusive, walkable, and transit-friendly routes to parks. Together, we can transform public spaces into truly accessible places of healing, recreation, and community transformation.

