Wednesday, February 13, 2019
New York City Shows Us How to Make Parks Matter
by Kim Smith Woodford, Journey on Yonder Outdoors Consulting
As a child, parks without question were synonymous with playtime. And when we played, we played hard. On the swings we’d compete on who could swing the highest for the longest – while standing. The parks design included a basic wide open space with a playset made of wood and metal –similar to the ones we played on at the our elementary school yards. The space most times included a grassy field where kids would team up for a game of kickball or baseball.
As kids, we were unaware of how profound those good times spent playing in “the park” would positively impact our lives. Studies show, being outdoors whether in a neighborhood park, community, state or national park is wonderful for our health and wellbeing and for a child, it is so much more.
Today, it’s about creating experiences through placemaking. On all accounts of Commissioner Mitchell Silver’s presentation, New York gets it. The priority to capitalize on their iconic green space while transforming forgotten concrete and asphalt to vibrant neighborhood parks and a place where children love to play is impressive.
Our region has many beautiful parks including the Cleveland Metroparks, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, even several neighborhood parks. However, the concern is that for far too long, the planners and curators of our region’s public place were adverse to inclusion in considering Cleveland’s diverse population. The results now speak for itself. The good news is that in recent years, the outdoor and environmental community is acknowledging its “whiteness” and are advocating for more inclusion.
More is needed. Here in Cleveland, we have a growing community of outdoor avids, environmental and community engagement professionals of color who are using their skills, backgrounds and passion to disrupt the narratives. But a seat at the table is needed to collectively affect change. Let’s place value on listening and placemaking and what it means for the people and the Northeast Ohio environment. Parks may vary in their size and appeal, but all should be designed to assure it is a welcome place to be.
Watch, listen and view pictures from our forum with Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, here.
