A couple of decades ago, I worked for a nonprofit that promoted girls’ and women’s health through physical activity. One project in particular still resonates with me, in which a neighborhood alliance contacted us regarding a local park that was being renovated by the city. The alliance wanted to ensure that the park was as accessible to girls and women in the neighborhood as it was for boys and men, and they wanted our help.
In its original form, the park featured several basketball courts, a baseball diamond, and an aging playground. Through our research and feedback from residents living near the park, we recommended a walking trail around the park, more girl-friendly components to the playground, and safety features such as landscaping that was more open, with mature trees rather than thick shrubbery, and better lighting.
