9 • The state or local department of transportation has a project that requires offsite mitigation of stormwater, and the park could be the best and most affordable place in which to locate stormwater management practices. In this case, the department of transportation might be strongly motivated to provide incentives in the form of park enhancements and maintenance concessions so that the parks manager clearly sees reasons to engage in such partnerships. • The parks manager approaches the local utility regarding potential opportunities for funding to support restoration of stream channels, eroded areas, or areas prone to flooding (e.g., recreational fields that are frequently rendered unusable by floodwaters). Park agencies can work with local governments and quasigovernmental utility agencies that are responsible for managing stormwater to prevent flooding and meet water quality regulations. This might be a public works, engineering, or planning department; drainage district; or water and sewer authority. Many stormwater agencies have an interest in implementing green infrastructure and might be able to fund or cost-share the design, construction, or maintenance of green infrastructure. Stormwater agencies will be aware of priority areas that could benefit from green infrastructure, such as those with known water quality problems, undersized or failing drainage infrastructure, and a history of localized flooding or combined sewer overflows. Once these areas are identified, stormwater agencies can work with parks agencies to narrow down potential locations for green infrastructure and provide advice on site suitability, design, and engineering considerations. They can also identify possible green infrastructure funding from stormwater-related revenue or dedicated grant/loan programs. Stormwater agencies can contact park agencies—either individual park managers or park agency leadership—depending on the scale of desired efforts. They might want to look at a single park for a project or evaluate parks citywide for green infrastructure opportunities. Ultimately, multiple levels of park management will need to be involved in the decision making. Environmental Justice Historically, many cities have had limited park space and recreational amenities in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. In more recent years, there has been an increase in active community engagement in these underserved areas to improve previously neglected or derelict spaces and to reimagine how these areas can become public park space. Citizens can benefit from living or working near park spaces by participating more in healthy physical activity, experiencing a positive sense of community, and having more equitable access to environmental resources such as parks and open space. Park spaces offer areas where neighbors can gather for play, exercise, social interaction, or other leisure activities. Studies have shown that having access to parks or green space can contribute to improved psychological health and wellbeing of those who live or work nearby by reducing stress. When community members come together to correct environmental damage or to rehabilitate and redesign parks, they are able to actively participate in the decision-making process and gain a voice in improving the local environment and community livability. Governmental Agency Partners Other agencies and departments can have a stake in green infrastructure and park enhancements. • The local executive office (mayor, commissioner, etc.) might want to promote clean water, sustainability, and green jobs to maintain green infrastructure. • Transportation departments can partner with parks to achieve better drainage along problematic roads or intersections. Underutilized open space at interchanges can be used for both stormwater management and recreation. Transportation departments might have funds to mitigate the impacts of transportation projects on sensitive areas such as wetlands and wildlife habitat. These funds might be used to create constructed wetlands, stormwater/habitat ponds, or other green infrastructure elements in parks. • School districts can partner with parks departments to create living laboratories and green infrastructure park projects that are part of an environmental curriculum. These features can also promote physical education and interaction with nature.
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