 Using Federal Transportation Funds to Create and Enhance Parks and Trails Access Tools & Join the Discussion |
| Federal transportation funding can be a crucial tool in building new parks and expanding city trail systems that improve active lifestyles in our communities, reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, create local economic development opportunities, and offer linkages to green space and recreation. With the influx of federal transportation dollars through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and FY 2023 budget package, City Parks Alliance is highlighting and educating our members on the tremendous number of transportation programs that could be beneficial to their park and trail projects. These programs include planning, capital projects, and technical assistance that aid with the creation of linear parks, trails, park access, and recreational facilities. Several of these programs have a focus on improving public safety, climate resilience, and equitable access to green space and recreation.  New Tool for Transportation Resources City Parks Alliance recently released a brand-new addition to our Equitable Park Funding Hub designed to promote and educate park planners and advocates about potential transportation funds. By utilizing the Transportation Funding section of the Hub, park planners can find valuable resources to help them plan their city’s next park or trail project. Explore Transportation Funds  Member-Exclusive Learning Opportunites Join the Peer Discussion March 21 Discover how to access federal transportation funds to create and enhance parks and trails by joining City Parks Alliance’s peer-to-peer discussion, “Using Federal Transportation Funds to Create and Enhance Parks and Trails,” on Tuesday, March 21 from 2-3:30 pm ET. The conversation will equip park planners and advocates with the tools to access transportation funding for their park and trail projects. Register now to join. Watch Webinar Recording with Experts City Parks Alliance recently hosted a webinar, “Accessing Transportation Funding for Park and Trail Projects,” which is now available for viewing. The recording covers valuable transportation resources to assist park planners and advocates in their park projects. The webinar includes an overview from Department of Transportation officials of the current federal transportation programs and on-the-ground advice from two guest speakers on how they accessed transportation funds for their local projects. It’s time to build green trail systems that increase access to nature and expand low-carbon transportation options equitably throughout communities. Check out our latest column in Next City, “Federal Transportation Funds Transform Local Communities,” by City Parks Alliance Executive Director Catherine Nagel. The new wave of federal transportation funding can have a dramatic impact on local projects. With City Parks Alliance’s resources, park planners and advocates can start planning their next project today! |
| Join the City Parks Alliance Network of Members City Parks Alliance empowers members to address the urgent issues facing cities by providing relevant, strategic, and diverse programming. • Exclusive, deep-dive webinars • Customized, interactive workshops • ParkXChange Resource Library • Discounts for Greater & Greener • Urban park job bank • First-pick registration for Urban Park Study Tours Join Now Renew |
Apply for the 2023 NRPA Scholarships and Fellowships
Each year, NRPA awards up-and-coming young professionals and students for their dedication to the park and recreation profession. The scholarships and fellowships provide recipients with the opportunity to attend and explore the operation of the park and recreation field at the NRPA Annual Conference.
Young Professional Fellowships
The fellowship provides selected young professionals with the opportunity to explore the operation of NRPA and its governing bodies at the NRPA Annual Conference. Participants will meet with mentors, be recognized at the awards ceremony and attend various conference sessions and meetings. Learn more and apply.
Student Scholarships
The Student Scholarship recognizes an outstanding undergraduate or graduate student for community service or contributions to the park and recreation field. The scholarship provides selected students with the opportunity to explore the operation of the field at the NRPA Annual Conference. Participants will meet with mentors, be recognized at the awards ceremony and attend various conference sessions and meetings. Learn more and apply.
Diversity Scholarships
The NRPA Diversity Scholarship supports individuals from historically underrepresented groups in the park and recreation community, as well as those who demonstrate outstanding contributions to the diverse communities they serve. Participants will meet with mentors, be recognized at the awards ceremony and attend various conference sessions and meetings. Learn more and apply.
The deadline to apply for NRPA Awards is March 24, 2023.
Parks
by Emily Gunderson & Ricky Gutierrez
Ricky Gutierrez is the Assistant Parks & Recreation Director for the City of Eagle Pass. Within the City of Eagle Pass there are 25 park-like facilities. These include one Maverick County park (73.5 acres); three community / regional parks (60.5 acres); eight neighborhood parks (26.3 acres); six special use facilities (149.6 acres); one linear park (8.3 acres); and six Colonias Parks (24.1 acres). This interview was conducted by Emily Gunderson, a Program Manager on the Working on Wellness Environments team. The following quotes from Mr. Gutierrez reflect his perspective on how park support healthy communities. The photos were provided by the City of Eagle Pass. The transcript has been edited for clarity and succinctness.
I’m trying to to meet our community needs when it comes to recreation and quality of life programs that involve families, and youth which is a big focus of ours.
We want to start meeting the needs of our community such as enhancing tree canopy in our parks, updating landscaping, play features, playscapes, and putting more focus on beautiful areas to get more people out there.
We strive to create spaces that lend itself to active lifestyles. In Eagle Pass, we always joke that it’s hot like 8 months out of the year. So, we’ve put a focus on making sure all playscapes have shade structures and trying to have a shade program out there. Making sure that we have proper tree canopies, trying to work on more pavilions, and just to provide places that want to support health. We want people out in parks, walking and using them, and using the green space. But we know all people aren’t going to do it in the heat if there isn’t the proper infrastructure in place.
Our parks system, the role we play is twofold. The recreation is providing opportunities for community members. The parks are providing spaces that lend themselves to have active lifestyles, either having kids go out and play on the playground, or having somebody going to a basketball court or volleyball court and shoot around or just utilizing a walking trail to walk.
Good Nutrition Starts Early
Young children need fruits and vegetables daily to support healthy growth and brain development. A new study found that in the week prior, many Texas children did not eat a fruit or a vegetable daily and regularly drank sugary drinks. Learn what parents and caregivers can do. https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/features/nutrition-month/index.html
Farm to School
by Victorino Cantu, M. Garcia & A. Garza
The Farm to School Program Mission
The goal of the farm to school program is to bring local foods to the school cafeteria and agricultural education to K-12 students, encouraging children to make healthy food choices and inspiring sustainable connections to local food, while helping to boost the local economy.
The Plan to Implement Farm to School Efforts in Starr County
Our planned intervention included the planting of a fruit orchard that is a continuation and enhancement of the existing school garden. This intervention was introduced while searching for options to replace missing local farms.
Who Makes These Efforts Possible?
The Farm to School efforts would not be possible without R.T. Barrera Elementary and its administration. The school has incorporated Farm to school efforts into their Physical Education curriculum. They have also recently started an Ag Club that helps monitor the orchard and ensure that the trees are doing well health-wise.
Other Experiences the Students get from Farm to School
As a direct result, students also get to learn the practice of farming and preparing their own healthy meals/snacks.
The Rewards of the Farm to School Program
This intervention provides much needed access to healthy produce that is integral for the long-term health of the community and the students. Planting an orchard demonstrates a commitment to community nutrition for the next 20 years and beyond. This proposal provides an ongoing supply of fresh, seasonal fruit at a location and institution that is accessible to much of the local community.
Pictures provided by R.T. Barrera Elementary Principal, Mrs. M. Garcia and Physical Education Coach, Mr. A. Garza. (01/19/2023)