Something of interest for parks and nature lovers… ParkScore uses advanced GIS (geographic information system) computer mapping technology to create digital maps evaluating park accessibility, making it the most realistic assessment system available. Instead of simply measuring distance to a local park, ParkScore’s GIS technology takes into account the location of park entrances and physical obstacles to access.
The 2014 ParkScore Index of parks. Minneapolis took top honors on The Trust for Public Land’s 3rd annual ParkScore® index, earning a perfect “5-park bench” rating from the nonprofit organization. Minneapolis remains the only city park system to earn the coveted “5 bench” score. New York, Boston, Portland, and San Francisco rounded out the top five. This year, Denver made the biggest upward move in ParkScore rating history, climbing ten places into a tie for 7th.
According to The Trust for Public Land, the 10 highest-ranking city park systems in the United States are:
| 1. | Minneapolis | 5.0 park benches | |
| 2. | New York | 4.5 park benches | |
| 3. | Boston (tie) | 4.0 park benches | |
| 3. | Portland (tie) | 4.0 park benches | |
| 3. | San Francisco (tie) | 4.0 park benches | |
| 6. | Washington, DC | 4.0 park benches | |
| 7. | Denver (tie) | 4.0 park benches | |
| 7. | Sacramento (tie) | 4.0 park benches | |
| 9. | San Diego | 4.0 park benches | |
| 10. | Virginia Beach (tie) | 4.0 park benches | |
| 10. | Aurora, CO (tie) | 4.0 park benches | DEBUT CITY |
The 10 lowest-ranking city park systems are:
| 51. | Jacksonville | 2.0 park benches | |
| 52. | Santa Ana | 1.5 park benches | DEBUT CITY |
| 53. | San Antonio (tie) | 1.5 park benches | |
| 53. | Memphis (tie) | 1.5 park benches | |
| 55. | Oklahoma City | 1.5 park benches | |
| 56. | Mesa, AZ | 1.5 park benches | |
| 57. | Charlotte | 1.0 park benches | |
| 58. | Indianapolis (tie) | 1.0 park benches | |
| 58. | Louisville (tie) | 1.0 park benches | |
| 60. | Fresno | 1.0 park benches |
For more information about ParkScore, visit parkscore.tpl.org and join the discussion on Twitter @TPL_org #ParkScore.