2021 Trends, Challenges & COVID-19 Impacts

of cities said interest in multi-use trails (e.g. walking, cycling) increased.

of cities said interest in universally accessible designs increased.

of cities said interest in food growing, cooking & selling opportunities (e.g. community gardens, edible orchards, farmers markets, bake ovens) increased.

of cities said interest in off-leash dog areas increased.

of cities said interest in adventure play (e.g. nature playgrounds, loose parts play) increased.

of cities said interest in naturalized areas in parks increased.

of cities said interest in Indigenous engagement/programming increased.

of cities said interest in green infrastructure developments in parks (e.g., rain gardens and bioswales) increased.

of cities said interest in outdoor fitness equipment increased.

of cities said interest in unstructured spaces to just hang out (i.e., rather than participate in organized activities) increased.

of cities said interest in outdoor spaces for organized sports increased.

of cities said interest in volunteer-based natural stewardship and education opportunities (i.e., tree planting, invasive pulling, etc.) had not changed.

of cities said interest in privately-owned public space development (i.e. publicly accessible spaces secured by the municipality on privately owned land) had not changed.

of cities said interest in digital infrastructure (e.g., wi-fi, park-based apps) had not changed.

of cities said interest in park friends groups (e.g. Friends of X Park) had not changed.

of cities said interest in private investments in parks (e.g. philanthropy, corporate sponsorships/donations) had not changed.

of cities said aging infrastructure and asset management is a challenge.

of cities said homelessness in parks is a challenge.

of cities said insufficient operating budget is a challenge.

of cities said protecting/enhancing biodiversity and natural environments is a challenge.

of cities said addressing impacts from climate change and extreme weather damage (e.g., flooding, fires and droughts) is a challenge.

of cities said collecting data on park use is a challenge.

of cities said revitalizing/redesigning parks to meet changing needs is a challenge.

of cities said engaging hard to reach groups is a challenge.

of cities said acquiring/expanding parkland to meet growth needs is a challenge.

of cities said addressing systemic inequities and discrimination in parks is a challenge.

said the municipality has seen on average higher use of parks during the pandemic.

said the municipality initiated at least one new or creative park program/pilot sparked by the pandemic.

said the pandemic led to increased collaboration between their parks department and other municipal departments and decision-makers.

said the municipality increased by-law enforcement as a strategy to deter gatherings and enforce physical distancing guidelines and/or park amenity closures.

said COVID-19 negatively impacted the municipality's parks operating budgets for 2021.

said COVID prompted a greater focus on planning parks for public health.

said they anticipate COVID-19 will change design standards/practices for new park development going forward (e.g. wider pathways, different seating arrangements, etc.).

said COVID-19 prompted a greater focus on systemic inequities in parks (e.g., access to parks in different neighbourhoods, levels of investment, etc.).