New Study Identifies Potential Health Measures Associated with Public Parks and Trails

Design Concepts Principal Robby Layton, FASLA, is a primary author for a new report on potential health measures associated with public parks and trails in the Journal of Park and Recreation Administration. The peer-reviewed study identified metrics linking parks and trails to public health goals and vetted them through a panel review process to select those best suited for use in an overall public health strategy. The study was a collaborative effort between the National Park Service and North Carolina State University, with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The results will be useful to park planners and designers, as well as policy-makers and researchers in assuring that parks and trails are provided in ways that improve physical, mental, social, environmental and economic health within the communities they serve.  Click here for an abstract.