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This map of San Francisco color codes park assets and needs. The dark green indicates parks with public access; orange identifies an area that has a strong need for a park; and red indicates a ''very strong'' need.
The Trust for Public Land

 

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The Trust says ParkScore is the most comprehensive park rating system ever developed. It's designed to help local communities identify where new parks are needed most, and which park improvements can deliver the greatest impact.

ParkScore is based equally on three criteria:

Park access: percentage of residents living within a half-mile of a park;

Park size/acreage: a city's median park size and percentage of total city area dedicated to parks;

Services and investment: number of playgrounds per 10,000 city residents and per capita park spending.

ParkScore uses advanced GIS (geographic information system) computer mapping to create digital maps that evaluate park accessibility. This technology takes into account the location of park entrances and physical obstacles to access. If residents are close to a park but separated from it by a major highway, ParkScore would not consider the park accessible unless there is a bridge, underpass or easy access point across the highway.

According to The Trust for Public Land, the 10 highest-ranking park systems are:

San Francisco

Sacramento

Boston (tie)

New York (tie)

Washington,

DC Portland, Oregon

Virginia Beach

San Diego

Seattle

Philadelphia

The 10 lowest ranking park systems are:

Tucson (tie)

Memphis (tie)

Oklahoma City

Jacksonville

San Antonio

Indianapolis (tie)

Mesa, Arizona (tie)

Louisville

Charlotte

Fresno

The ParkScore data and analyses were reviewed by local park leaders to ensure accuracy. Christopher Kay, COO of the Trust, said he hopes ParkScore inspires cities to focus on parks. ''We're eager to work with municipal leaders and volunteers to help them build the best park systems imaginable,'' he added.

ParkScore.TPL.org offers extensive data and analysis that pinpoints neighborhoods where parks are needed most. The website includes free access to interactive maps of each ParkScore city. Users can zoom in and study park access on a block-by-block basis. Additional detailed information about each public park in all 40 ParkScore cities is also provided.