Urban Green Space on the East Coast of the United States

Urban green space is a critical component of sustainable and livable cities, providing a wide range of environmental, social, and economic benefits to urban residents and communities. From parks and gardens to green roofs and street trees, urban green space helps to mitigate the impacts of urbanization, improve public health and well-being, and enhance the resilience and sustainability of cities.

On the East Coast of the United States, urban green space is becoming an increasingly important priority for cities and communities, as they grapple with the challenges of population growth, climate change, and environmental degradation. From the dense urban centers of the Northeast to the rapidly growing cities of the Southeast, East Coast cities are investing in a variety of urban green space initiatives and projects to create more livable, sustainable, and resilient communities.

Benefits of Urban Green Space

Urban green space provides a wide range of benefits to urban residents and communities, including environmental, social, and economic benefits.

Here are some of the key benefits of urban green space:

Environmental Benefits

Air Quality Improvement: Urban green space helps to improve air quality by absorbing pollutants, filtering particulate matter, and releasing oxygen. Trees and other vegetation can remove significant amounts of air pollution, including carbon dioxide, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide, helping to reduce the health risks associated with air pollution.
Urban Heat Island Mitigation: Urban green space helps to mitigate the urban heat island effect, which occurs when urban areas are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas due to the heat-absorbing properties of buildings, roads, and other urban infrastructure. Green space helps to cool urban areas by providing shade, evapotranspiration, and other cooling effects, reducing the risk of heat-related illness and mortality.
Stormwater Management: Urban green space helps to manage stormwater runoff by absorbing and filtering rainwater, reducing the risk of flooding and water pollution. Green infrastructure, such as rain gardens, green roofs, and permeable pavement, can help to reduce the volume and velocity of stormwater runoff, improving water quality and reducing the burden on urban stormwater systems.
Biodiversity Conservation: Urban green space provides habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species, helping to conserve biodiversity in urban areas. Parks, gardens, and other green spaces can support a variety of native and non-native species, providing food, shelter, and breeding sites for birds, insects, and other wildlife.

Social Benefits

Physical Health: Urban green space provides opportunities for physical activity and exercise, which can help to reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease, and other chronic health conditions. Parks, trails, and other green spaces provide accessible and affordable options for walking, running, cycling, and other forms of physical activity.
Mental Health: Urban green space has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health and well-being, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, and improving cognitive function and creativity. Exposure to nature and green space has been linked to lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, and higher levels of self-reported happiness and life satisfaction.
Social Cohesion: Urban green space provides opportunities for social interaction and community building, helping to foster a sense of belonging and social cohesion in urban neighborhoods. Parks, community gardens, and other green spaces provide places for people to gather, socialize, and engage in shared activities, strengthening social networks and community ties.
Education and Stewardship: Urban green space provides opportunities for environmental education and stewardship, helping to raise awareness and engagement around issues of sustainability and conservation. Parks, gardens, and other green spaces can serve as living laboratories for learning about ecology, biodiversity, and sustainable practices, and can inspire individuals and communities to take action to protect and enhance the natural environment.

Economic Benefits

Property Values: Urban green space has been shown to have a positive impact on property values, with homes and businesses located near parks, gardens, and other green spaces commanding higher prices and rents than those located further away. This can help to attract investment and development to urban areas and can generate additional tax revenue for cities and communities.
Tourism and Recreation: Urban green space can serve as a draw for tourism and recreation, attracting visitors and generating economic activity for local businesses and communities. Parks, gardens, and other green spaces can provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, cultural events, and other activities that can help to support local economies and create jobs.
Energy Savings: Urban green space can help to reduce energy costs for buildings and homes by providing shade, insulation, and other cooling effects. Trees and other vegetation can help to reduce the need for air conditioning in the summer and can provide windbreaks and insulation in the winter, reducing heating costs and improving energy efficiency.
Stormwater Management Costs: Urban green space can help to reduce the costs associated with stormwater management by reducing the volume and velocity of stormwater runoff, and by filtering pollutants and sediments from the water. This can help to reduce the need for expensive stormwater infrastructure, such as pipes, tanks, and treatment plants, and can save cities and communities money in the long run.

Challenges and Barriers to Urban Green Space

Despite the many benefits of urban green space, there are also several challenges and barriers to creating and sustaining green space in urban areas.

Here are some of the key challenges and barriers to urban green space:

Land Availability and Cost

One of the biggest challenges to creating urban green space is the availability and cost of land in urban areas. Many cities on the East Coast are densely developed and have limited open space available for parks, gardens, and other green spaces. Where land is available, it can be prohibitively expensive to acquire and develop, particularly in high-demand areas such as downtowns and waterfront districts.

To address this challenge, cities and communities on the East Coast are exploring a variety of strategies to create and preserve urban green space, such as:

Land Acquisition and Preservation: Cities and communities are working to acquire and preserve open space through land purchases, conservation easements, and other tools. For example, the City of Boston has established a Parks First Initiative to acquire and develop new parks and open spaces in underserved neighborhoods and has protected over 1,000 acres of open space through its Conservation Land Tax program.
Infill Development and Redevelopment: Cities and communities are exploring opportunities to create green space through infill development and redevelopment projects, such as converting vacant lots, brownfields, and other underutilized properties into parks, gardens, and other green spaces. For example, the City of Philadelphia has established a Vacant Land Management Program to convert vacant lots into community gardens, parks, and other green spaces, and has created over 500 new green spaces through this program.
Public-Private Partnerships: Cities and communities are exploring public-private partnerships to create and maintain urban green space, such as partnering with businesses, non-profits, and community organizations to develop and manage parks, gardens, and other green spaces. For example, the City of New York has established a Parks Partnership Program to encourage businesses and organizations to sponsor and maintain parks and other green spaces in the city.

Maintenance and Management

Another challenge to sustaining urban green space is the ongoing maintenance and management of parks, gardens, and other green spaces. Urban green space requires regular upkeep and care to remain healthy, safe, and accessible, including tasks such as mowing, pruning, watering, and repairs. This can be a significant burden for cities and communities with limited resources and competing priorities.

To address this challenge, cities and communities on the East Coast are exploring a variety of strategies to maintain and manage urban green space, such as:

Dedicated Funding: Cities and communities are exploring dedicated funding sources for urban green space maintenance and management, such as park and recreation fees, stormwater fees, and other revenue streams. For example, the City of Washington, D.C. has established a Park and Recreation Fund to provide dedicated funding for park maintenance and improvements and has increased its park budget by over 50% in recent years.
Partnerships and Volunteerism: Cities and communities are exploring partnerships and volunteer programs to help maintain and manage urban green space, such as partnering with community organizations, schools, and businesses to adopt and care for parks and gardens. For example, the City of Baltimore has established a Parks and People Foundation to engage volunteers and community partners in park maintenance and programming and has mobilized over 10,000 volunteers annually to support the city's parks and green spaces.
Green Infrastructure and Sustainable Practices: Cities and communities are exploring green infrastructure and sustainable practices to reduce the maintenance and management needs of urban green space, such as using native plants, rain gardens, and other low-maintenance landscaping techniques. For example, the City of Pittsburgh has established a Green Infrastructure Network to promote the use of green roofs, rain gardens, and other sustainable practices in parks and other public spaces.

Accessibility and Equity

A third challenge to creating and sustaining urban green space is ensuring that parks, gardens, and other green spaces are accessible and equitable for all residents and communities. Many urban areas on the East Coast have significant disparities in access to green space, with low-income and minority communities often having fewer and lower-quality parks and green spaces than more affluent and white communities.

To address this challenge, cities and communities on the East Coast are exploring a variety of strategies to improve the accessibility and equity of urban green space, such as:

Prioritizing Underserved Communities: Cities and communities are prioritizing the creation and improvement of parks and green spaces in underserved communities, such as low-income neighborhoods, communities of color, and areas with high health disparities. For example, the City of Baltimore has established a Green Network Plan to prioritize park and green space investments in underserved neighborhoods and has created over 100 new green spaces in these areas.
Community Engagement and Participation: Cities and communities are engaging and empowering residents and community organizations in the planning, design, and management of urban green space, to ensure that parks and green spaces meet the needs and priorities of diverse communities. For example, the City of Philadelphia has established a Rebuild Initiative to engage community members and organizations in the design and programming of parks and recreation centers and has allocated over $500 million for park and green space improvements in underserved neighborhoods.
Accessibility and Inclusion: Cities and communities are working to improve the accessibility and inclusion of urban green space for all residents, including those with disabilities, older adults, and non-English speakers. For example, the City of Boston has established an Accessibility and Inclusion Initiative to improve the accessibility of parks and playgrounds for people with disabilities and has created a multilingual park signage program to improve access for non-English speakers.

Urban Green Space Initiatives and Projects on the East Coast

Despite the challenges and barriers to creating and sustaining urban green space, many cities and communities on the East Coast are implementing innovative and successful initiatives and projects to expand and enhance green space in urban areas.

Here are some examples of notable urban green space initiatives and projects on the East Coast:

High Line Park, New York City

The High Line Park is a 1.45-mile-long elevated linear park built on a former New York Central Railroad spur on the West Side of Manhattan. The park, which opened in 2009, features a variety of native plantings, walkways, seating areas, and public art installations, and has become a popular destination for residents and visitors alike.

The High Line Park is notable for its innovative reuse of abandoned infrastructure, its community-driven planning and design process, and its economic and social impact on the surrounding neighborhood. The park has spurred over $2 billion in private investment in the area and has helped to revitalize the West Chelsea neighborhood and create new public spaces and amenities for residents.

The 606, Chicago

The 606 is a 2.7-mile-long elevated linear park and trail system built on a former rail line on the northwest side of Chicago. The park, which opened in 2015, features a variety of native plantings, public art installations, and recreational amenities, and connects several neighborhoods and parks in the city.

The 606 is notable for its community-driven planning and design process, its integration of green infrastructure and sustainable practices, and its economic and social impact on the surrounding neighborhoods. The park has helped to improve access to green space and recreation for underserved communities and has spurred new development and investment in the area.

The BeltLine, Atlanta

The BeltLine is a 22-mile-long network of multi-use trails, parks, and transit that will ultimately connect 45 neighborhoods in Atlanta. The project, which began in 2005, is transforming a former railway corridor into a sustainable and equitable transportation and recreation system for the city.

The BeltLine is notable for its comprehensive and integrated approach to urban green space, transportation, and economic development. The project includes the creation of over 1,300 acres of new parks and green space, the development of new affordable housing and job opportunities, and the expansion of the city's transit network. The BeltLine has already had a significant impact on the city, with over $4 billion in private investment and the creation of over 30,000 permanent jobs in the area.

The 11th Street Bridge Park, Washington, D.C.

The 11th Street Bridge Park is a planned elevated park and community space that will span the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C. The park, which is scheduled to open in 2023, will feature a variety of recreational amenities, public art installations, and educational programs, and will connect the Capitol Hill and Anacostia neighborhoods.

The 11th Street Bridge Park is notable for its community-driven planning and design process, its focus on equity and inclusion, and its potential to serve as a model for other cities and communities. The project has engaged over 1,000 community members in the planning and design of the park and has established a community land trust to ensure that the benefits of the park are shared equitably among residents.

The Greenway, Boston

The Greenway is a 1.5-mile-long linear park and public space that was created as part of the Big Dig project in Boston. The park, which opened in 2008, features a variety of gardens, fountains, public art installations, and recreational amenities, and connects several neighborhoods and attractions in the city.

The Greenway is notable for its innovative use of public-private partnerships to create and maintain the park, its integration of green infrastructure and sustainable practices, and its economic and social impact on the surrounding area. The park has helped to improve air and water quality, reduce the urban heat island effect, and create new public spaces and amenities for residents and visitors.

Conclusion

Urban green space is a critical component of sustainable and livable cities on the East Coast and beyond. From parks and gardens to green roofs and street trees, urban green space provides a wide range of environmental, social, and economic benefits to urban residents and communities, helping to mitigate the impacts of urbanization, improve public health and well-being, and enhance the resilience and sustainability of cities.

Despite the many challenges and barriers to creating and sustaining urban green space, cities and communities on the East Coast are implementing a variety of innovative and successful initiatives and projects to expand and enhance green space in urban areas. From the High Line Park in New York City to the BeltLine in Atlanta, these projects demonstrate the potential of urban green space to transform cities and improve the quality of life for all residents.

To continue to expand and enhance urban green space on the East Coast and beyond, it will be necessary to address the ongoing challenges and barriers to creating and sustaining green space, including land availability and cost, maintenance and management, and accessibility and equity. This will require a collaborative and multi-faceted approach that involves policymakers, urban planners, community organizations, businesses, and residents working together to create and sustain urban green space.

Some key strategies and recommendations for expanding and enhancing urban green space on the East Coast and beyond include:

Prioritizing underserved communities: Cities and communities should prioritize the creation and improvement of parks and green spaces in underserved communities, such as low-income neighborhoods, communities of color, and areas with high health disparities, to ensure that the benefits of urban green space are shared equitably among all residents.
Engaging and empowering communities: Cities and communities should engage and empower residents and community organizations in the planning, design, and management of urban green space, to ensure that parks and green spaces meet the needs and priorities of diverse communities.
Exploring innovative funding and financing mechanisms: Cities and communities should explore innovative funding and financing mechanisms for urban green space, such as public-private partnerships, stormwater fees, and other revenue streams, to ensure that parks and green spaces are adequately funded and maintained over the long term.
Integrating green infrastructure and sustainable practices: Cities and communities should integrate green infrastructure and sustainable practices into the design and management of urban green space, such as using native plants, rain gardens, and other low-maintenance landscaping techniques, to reduce the environmental impact of parks and green spaces and improve their resilience and sustainability.
Promoting the economic and social benefits of urban green space: Cities and communities should promote the economic and social benefits of urban green space, such as improved property values, increased tourism and recreation, and enhanced social cohesion and community well-being, to build support and investment in parks and green spaces.

By implementing these and other strategies, cities and communities on the East Coast and beyond can create and sustain urban green space that provides environmental, social, and economic benefits for all residents, and helps to build more sustainable, equitable, and resilient cities for the future.