Rejuvenating Neighborhoods and Communities Through Parks—A Guide To Success www.NRPA.org National Recreation and Park Association © 2011 All Rights Reserved 6 Back to the Future The concept of parks as an anchor for revitalizing neighborhoods and communities is not entirely new The origins of park and recreation services grew out of the societal needs of the early 20th century, when cities in the United States were undergoing radical changes People were relocating from the farms to the cities or emigrating from other countries, and both groups were attempting to acclimate to a new way of life The early creation and use of parks and places during this time of change played a role in the successful transitions of individuals, families, neighborhoods, and entire communities into a new era in American life Imagine … • There would have been no need for Central Park in New York City if it were not for urban growth • There would have been little need for Chicago’s Hull House if immigrant families were not experiencing difficulties assimilating • Joseph Lee would not have created sand gardens and play areas in Boston had there not been unsupervised children playing in the streets Today’s changes in how we live, work, live, and play are once again creating a foundation for parks and recreation as a source of renewal and revitalization for neighborhoods, communities, and society The situations that communities today face are remarkably similar to the challenges facing cities at the turn of the last century: overcrowding, unsupervised children, gangs, stress, crime, and other negative consequences of unprecedented change Today as we move further into the 21st century, equally important issues face our cities, seemingly regardless of location and population size Some of these issues include: • The flight of people and businesses from the cities to the suburbs or beyond • Drug usage, including prescription drugs • A rise in crime associated with gang activity • Growth in the proportion of people living in poverty • An increase in the number of people who do not speak English as a first language • The growth in the number of young people considered “at risk” • Challenges for adults seeking new employment pursuits • The aging of the population and increased longevity • Greater diversity in the population The economic changes and challenges facing the United States only intensify these circumstances || WATTS STREAM PARK/MARVIN GAYE PARK – EARLY PICTURE
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