Healthy Parks

The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is committed to raising awareness of the parks as healthy options for recreation, reflection, and activity.  Parks offer low- and no-cost opportunities to residents of every age, ability, and income level to increase their physical activity and prevent chronic health conditions.  From increased air and water quality, to lower daytime temperatures, parks even provide lifestyle benefits to those who have little interaction with them.

Research in recent years confirms that a clear link exists between well-maintained urban parks and a healthy lifestyle.  Deakin University in Australia published a 2008 report stating that parks provide an enormous opportunity for people to re-establish and maintain their health (Healthy Parks, Healthy People, 2008).  Additionally, a report by the Trust for Public Land stated that individuals with access to parks exercise more (Sherer, 2006).

A 2009 Parks Conservancy survey of registered voters showed that an astonishing 89% use the parks annually, and revealed a 20% increase in park use since a similar survey conducted in 1999.  The Parks Conservancy will continue to improve park space through its public-private partnership with the City of Pittsburgh, which we hope will result in positive benefits for the health of the region.

2010 Healthy Parks Colloquium

Parks professionals and researchers from around the country convened at Columbia University on July 15-16, 2010 to consider how to strengthen the evidence for the role urban parks can play in promoting physical activity. "Beyond Anecdotes: Building an Empirical Case for the Value of Urban Parks in Promoting Physical Activity and Community Health" was presented by the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy in conjunction with the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University.  Three focus projects highlighted efforts in Pittsburgh and Northern Manhattan to increase park access in communities that have been historically underserved by city parks. 

Researchers pointed to some of the psychological, environmental and cultural barriers to physical activity and discussion considered how those factors affect park use. A walking tour of trails in Northern Manhattan provided a common frame of reference for colloquium participants. Scholars reported on the findings of some recent studies which tracked the effects of interventions in the built environment on physical activity and summarized current research in the field. Stakeholders representing the healthcare sector, city government, landscape architecture, public policy and philanthropy reflected on each sector’s investment in the physical activity challenge. At the conclusion of the colloquium, participants suggested top research priorities, potential project partners, and possible funding sources.

Information from the colloquium has been collected below.

Colloquium Information

Presentations

Click below to download each presentation as a PDF.

Photos

Here are some photos from the colloquium, including tours of several New York parks and dinner at the New Leaf Cafe. 

Upcoming Events

Spring volunteer work days start up in March. Check out the schedule and help keep our parks beautiful. 

See photos of the restoration progress at Mellon Square on our Flickr site.

Stay up-to-date with our current projects on our blog.

Info for Volunteers

What to bring: Long pants, closed-toe shoes with good tread, all-weather clothing, a reusable water bottle (if you have one).

What will be provided: All necessary tools, gloves, materials, snacks, and instruction.

What to expect:  Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy volunteer work days are typically 4 hours long, rain or shine, and involve some type of ecological restoration work such as planting trees or wildflowers, controlling erosion, building trails, managing invasive species, or cleaning up dumpsites. We’ll teach you everything you need to know about safety and technique, provide you with tools and materials, and help you make a difference in our amazing parks. Expect to have fun, meet people who love the outdoors, and get dirty!