Park Equity
Definition
Ensuring all residents have equal access to quality parks and recreation facilities regardless of neighborhood income, race, or geography. Park equity includes geographic distribution (parks within 10-minute walk of all homes), quality (similar maintenance and amenities across neighborhoods), programming (equal recreation opportunities), and community engagement (all neighborhoods involved in park decisions). Park inequity—better parks in wealthy neighborhoods—reinforces segregation and health disparities.
Louisville Context
Louisville has severe park inequity: East End neighborhoods have more parks, better-maintained facilities, newer playgrounds, and better programming than West Louisville. This disparity reflects decades of unequal investment driven by racism and classism. West Louisville has less park acreage per capita, older facilities, deferred maintenance, and limited programming despite greater community need. Park inequity contributes to health disparities through reduced physical activity opportunities.
Why It Matters
Park quality affects property values, health outcomes, environmental quality, and community cohesion. When park investment concentrates in affluent neighborhoods, it deepens inequality and signals that government values some communities over others. Achieving park equity requires deliberately prioritizing investment in historically underserved neighborhoods until disparities are eliminated.
Dave’s Proposal
Dave will implement park equity criteria for all capital improvements: projects in underserved neighborhoods receive priority until equity gaps close. He’ll increase Metro Parks budget by $8 million annually (within $1.025 billion total), directing majority of new investment to West Louisville and other underserved areas. He’ll establish community park advisory councils ensuring neighborhood voices guide park improvements.