Baltimore park equity plan

An equity analysis to determine where to build more green space in Baltimore.

Our community

Strengths

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Our community has many diverse strengths that make us unique and resilient. Our schools and parks provide spaces for to build community, learn, and grow. Our rich history and family ties have paved the way for our community’s strong social bonds and rich cultural heritage. These strengths not only connect us to one another but also motivates towards community development and sustainable growth.

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Challenges

However, we also face several challenges that require our collective effort to overcome. Insufficient affordable housing, few safe spaces to walk and get physical activity, and economic disparity have created limited opportunities in some parts of the city. Despite historical inequalities, our community is resilient and committed to addressing these opportunities for development in an equitable way.


Equity data layers

This map includes three data layers used to assess where to place a new park with consideration for equity. The historic redlining grades show historic decisions and practices that contributed to inequity, the median household income data shows current community conditions, and the percent of mental health distress shows health outcomes. By including all three, determining an equitable placement of new parks will include the root cause of current conditions and outcomes in the community.

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Equity criteria area

To determine which areas in the city would most benefit from additional green space, a spatial analysis was conducted to determine areas that were historically redlined, had a median household income below the poverty level, and had the highest rates of reported mental health distress.

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Possible park areas

This map shows where the criteria areas overlap. This represents the locations that will most benefit from additional parks and green space.

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Survey results

The community was provided three options for building a new park based on the map analysis results. The option with the highest preference was to invest in a new park in the Upton area of Baltimore.


Track equity goals

It is important that the feedback received on park location priority included members of the community who live in the area. This app compares the race and ethnicity of those who participated in a feedback survey to the makeup of the local community. This is one way to track how well those who participated in a survey reflect the community where the new park will be built. 

Equity goals tracking app (Final)


Call to action

Contribute to the community feedback survey

Complete the survey and contribute your experiences and perspectives on walking to green spaces in our community.

Contact our representative!

Call or email Councilman John Smith of District 1 to support Measure A for more park funding in your community!

410-555-5555

Jsmith1@baltcity.gov

Consider using the following example script when you call:

Hello Councilman Smith. I am a resident of District 1 and I am calling to ask for you to support Measure A at the upcoming council meeting. This is an opportunity to build park equity in a community that has historically been underserved and neglected. Please support future generations and vote Yes for Measure A.


Data and organizations working for park equity in Baltimore

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