Public Space: Public Good

Putting Community First: Making Public Space a Public Good at the Rail Park

It’s a big idea, but a simple truth: public spaces—parks, plazas, greenways, and gathering spots— are public assets that should serve everyone. These spaces should reflect the values, cultures, and needs of the communities around them. And most importantly, they should benefit those communities in real, tangible ways.

At the Rail Park, this belief is guiding how we grow.

Parks Offer So Much More Than Greenery

They’re economic engines that boost local businesses and increase property values. They’re places for exercise and mental wellness. They clean our air and cool our cities. And they create space for neighbors to connect, celebrate culture, and build community.

Parks are powerful, but only if their benefits are shared fairly.

The Problem: Not Everyone Gets the Same Slice of the Park Pie

Research shows that a person's access to parks, along with the quality of the park and its amenities, as well as the surrounding investment, varies widely by race, income, and zip code. Unfortunately, communities that could benefit most from great public space often get the smallest share of those benefits.

At the Rail Park, we’re asking a key question: As we grow, how do we make sure the people who live, work or go to school closest to the park also share in its benefits?

That’s where equitable development planning comes in.