Welcome to week 9's edition of Pulse of Public Spaces, where we spotlight essential articles, reports, products and more - that drive urban development, engage communities, and support local municipalities in building thriving public spaces! Dive in to stay informed and inspired.
Feature Article of the Week
"Nature Everywhere Is Making Sure Kids in 100 Cities Have More Equitable Access to Nature "
By Cinnamon Janzer
This article highlights The Nature Everywhere Communities initiative is dedicated to improving public school playspaces and expanding greenspaces, with a strong emphasis on nature-based learning. By utilizing the Playspace Inequity Prioritization Index (PIPI), the program takes a data-driven approach to identify and address gaps in equitable access to outdoor spaces. This initiative not only integrates social and emotional factors into its strategy but also aims for long-term impact by fostering healthier, more supportive environments for children. In states like Michigan, the program is making significant strides in ensuring that all children, particularly in underserved areas, have equitable access to the benefits of nature.
Very early on, Austin took the step of drawing what we call equity maps and using geographic information systems to show where children had less access to nature [to] create priorities,”
Feature Publication of the Week
Journal of Public Spaces
Published by UN Habitat
The first issue of the Journal of Public Space (Volume 1, Issue 1, 2016) introduces a unique, interdisciplinary, open-access journal dedicated entirely to public spaces. It aims to foster global discourse on public space by providing a platform that is inclusive, accessible, and free, emphasizing the importance of public space as a common good and a fundamental human right. The journal seeks to expand current scholarship by including voices from underrepresented regions and disciplines, challenging the predominantly Western-centric narratives in urban studies. Through diverse contributions, it explores the evolving role of public spaces in promoting social interaction, democracy, and civic engagement across different cultures and contexts.
Access the publication here
Feature Visual (that caught our eye!)
Credits to NSW Public Spaces Toolkit
Collection of free resources to support better public spaces implementation.
Featured Public Space
South Carolina's Falls Park on the Reedy
The transformation of a forgotten waterfall and river valley into an urban oasis and centerpiece for the city.
Read more: Falls Park in the Reedy
Stay tuned for next week's Pulse of Public Spaces for more insights and inspiration!
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