LASN's annual Parks Survey revealed that the most important factor Landscape Architects take into account when designing parks is creating space for community gathering.

 

The most common amenities back up this finding, with accessible ramps, gazebos/shelters, and restrooms listed as the most specified features in parks designed in the last two years. Aligning with NRPA's recent findings on park visitation in 2024 (p. 108), proximity to residential areas emerged as another important factor, tied with a focus on integrating existing nature.

One participant commented, "Exposing the history of the site through making the layers of past edifices more usable and visible is important. Another said, "Because they are intended to be there for a long time, parks should be both of their time and timeless, and adaptable to evolving needs without losing either of those qualities."