Irvine invests more in its parks than most American cities – and earns returns extending far beyond playgrounds and picnic tables.
Parks are essential urban infrastructure, according to research by the national nonprofit Trust for Public Land (TPL). Parks improve a city’s quality of life, raise property values and help attract companies and talent that add to a thriving local economy.
Last year, Irvine jumped to second place among the nation’s big cities in TPL’s annual ranking for overall park quality, landing right behind Washington, D.C. “Irvine has done a tremendous job in investing in parks, which is very evident in the parks that exist across the city,” says Bianca Clarke, associate vice president of the Center for Community Impact at the Trust for Public Land.
Clarke elaborates on the links between parks and prosperity – in Irvine and the rest of the country.
What does research show about the benefits of investing in parks?
We think of parks as superfoods for communities. For every dollar invested, we see anywhere from a $4 to $11 return of benefit at the state and local levels. That includes a wide range of impacts – everything from health-cost savings to many environmental benefits. For example, green space in cities can act as a sponge that absorbs stormwater and helps prevent flooding.
Parks also help create jobs, from small-business employees at art festivals to those at nearby cafes and stores.
What drives investments in parks?
Cities aren’t alone in realizing the value of these benefits. Commercial and residential developers who recognize the importance of parks are also investing directly in green spaces, helping build and maintain them.
You oversee the 10-Minute Walk Campaign. What is that?
Despite their proven benefits, parks around the country are chronically underfunded, and millions of people lack access to them. In a recent report, we found that 65 of the 100 largest U.S. cities had less park space per person in 2023 than in 2016.
The 10-Minute Walk Campaign is a national call to action, offering concrete data and resources to help cities provide more community-serving parks. Irvine has excelled in this area. Over the past decade, Irvine has grown its access to parks from 75% of people living within 10 minutes of one to 94%. That’s truly impressive!
