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Atlanta ranks among top 25 U.S. cities for parks – WSB-TV Channel 2

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Atlanta ranks among top 25 U.S. cities for parks – WSB-TV Channel 2

ATLANTA — The Trust for Public Land ranked Atlanta the 25th best city for parks among the 100 largest cities in the United States.

A release from the city of Atlanta said the city moved up three spots from last year’s ranking, giving it its highest score in ParkScore history.

The ParkScore Index focuses on how well the largest cities in the United States provide access to parks and green spaces in urban areas, scoring each city based on acreage, access, investment , convenience and fairness, which, according to the TPL, are the main criteria for “excellent quality”. park system.

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In terms of access to parks, 79% of Atlanta residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, according to TPL.

“Access to quality parks and green spaces throughout our city has remained a top priority throughout my administration, which is why I created the City’s first Green Space Advisory Council during the second month of my mandate. Atlanta’s parks and recreation areas play a vital role in creating healthy, connected communities where families and friends create memories that will last a lifetime,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.

“This recognition of our park system demonstrates strategic investments and innovative planning. Thank you to our team at the Department of Parks and Recreation for the hard work that has brought us this far and for the dedication to our city that will propel us even further,” he added.

Among the 100 largest U.S. cities by population, the median is 74% of residents living within a 10-minute walk of a park, while in all cities and towns in America, it is 55% of the inhabitants.

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By the numbers, Atlanta’s ranking of 25th in the United States by TPL is based on high scores for investment in urban park systems, an “abundance” of activity in municipal parks and popularity with several age groups.

According to TPL, the main amenities in Atlanta parks are basketball, dog parks, playgrounds, senior and recreation centers, permanent restrooms and splash pads.

The city also has an above-average equity score, in terms of how parks are distributed across the city’s neighborhoods and how they balance across the city’s different social and economic backgrounds.

While access, amenities, investment, and equity received high ratings, Atlanta’s city parks received a low rating for both below-average overall square footage and size. park median below average.

“The City invests $249 per person in parks, double the national ParkScore average of $124 per person. The city’s investment scores benefited significantly from the passage of infrastructure ballot measures in 2022. DPR conducted various capital improvement projects in 2023,” according to city officials.

TPL said about 6.4 percent of Atlanta’s land area is parks, while the median park size is 2.9 acres.

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