What’s happening: Memphis Mayor Paul Young says he wants to make access to parks and green spaces more equitable. He recently joined a national coalition that could help him achieve just that.
What it is: Mayor Young has joined the
Mayors for Parks Coalition, a national bipartisan coalition managed by
City Parks Alliance in Washington, D.C. The organization, along with its Mayors for Parks Coalition, advocates for increased federal investment and spending for urban parks throughout the country.
Why it’s important: “I believe in the power of parks and green spaces; I’m excited to become part of this important coalition,” says Mayor Young. “Historic disinvestment has impacted many low-income communities and communities of color. I believe in doing all we can to help restore equity of access to the health, economic, and environmental benefits of these spaces.”
What it does: The Mayors for Parks Coalition advocates for and leverages the Land and Water Conservation Fund’s Stateside and Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) programs. Those ORLP programs offer matching grants for creating and expanding city parks, recreation facilities, and more.
In good company: Mayor Young is the 52nd U.S. mayor to join the Coalition, which includes mayors of cities big and small throughout the country. It’s a group that includes the mayors of Atlanta, Boston, Detroit,
and more.
What they’re saying: “Mayor Young knows the important role that parks play in improving the health and vitality of Memphis, and we are thrilled to have him join our Mayors for Parks Coalition,” says Catherine Nagel, City Parks Alliance’s executive director.
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