High city Parks and Recreation spending drove Seattle to its ranking as the eighth best parks system in the country, according to the Trust for Public Land.
Seattle’s consistent performance in the top 10 marks its third consecutive placement, showcasing the city’s unwavering commitment to its park infrastructure.
“The quality of our parks is a reflection of our commitment to the health and well-being of our communities – Seattle Parks and Recreation’s place as a Top 8 nationally ranked system is a recognition that our parks are unique and truly impactful assets for our city,” stated Mayor Bruce Harrell in a news release. He further emphasized the focus on investing in and maintaining the parks, ensuring they remain safe and welcoming spaces for everyone.
The Trust for Public Land (TPL) index compares the 100 most populated cities in the United States across five categories: access, investment, amenities, acreage, and equity.
Seattle received a perfect score of 100 out of 100 points in the investment category, highlighting the city’s strong financial health in terms of park system funding.
Seattle also scored impressively with 98 out of 100 points in the access category, indicating that 99% of the city’s population lives within a walkable half-mile distance from a park.
Mayor Harrell expressed his gratitude to the Trust for Public Land for honoring Seattle’s exceptional park system and acknowledged the collaborative efforts of park partners and professionals in maintaining the city’s natural beauty.
Seattle’s commitment to investing in its parks and ensuring accessibility contributes to its well-deserved recognition as a leading city for parks and recreation.
