Put it in parks
The nation’s cities are getting greener, but they still are not keeping up with population growth, according to a report released in July by the Washington-based Trust for Public Land. While the total amount of urban green space now stands at 1.3 million acres, more than Yosemite, Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde and Shenandoah National Parks combined, the number of acres of parkland per 1,000 city residents shrank from 18.88 to 18.72 when growth rates were considered.
$5
billion was spent by big cities on their park and recreation systems in 2007.
5,375
acres of new parkland were added in America’s big cities in 2007.
9,945
playgrounds were built during the same year.
1,283
swimming pools were built.
379
golf courses were built.
353
dog parks were built.