Uncovering the Hidden Dynamics of Urban Parks: A Call to Action for Practitioners
The dual crises of antiblack racism and COVID-19 have brought to light the complex interplay of privilege and power within urban parks and open spaces in the United States. As practitioners in socio-ecological systems (SES), it is imperative to understand these dynamics to foster equitable and inclusive environments. The research article "Examining Privilege and Power in US Urban Parks and Open Space During the Double Crises of Antiblack Racism and COVID-19" offers critical insights that can transform your practice.
The Unseen Racial Landscape
The research underscores that racial experiences are intricately linked with physical landscapes, influencing how parks are designed, managed, or studied. The events of 2020 highlighted that social justice considerations must extend beyond conventional environmental justice frameworks. Practitioners must recognize how the built environment is racialized spatially, often eluding quantification through traditional proximity-based measurements.
A Stepwise Approach to Racial Equity
The study proposes a stepwise approach to understanding racial inequities in SES research and practice through four key entry points:
- Racialized Spatial Distribution of Hazards and Amenities: Identify where parks are located and who has access to them.
- Racialized Qualities of Space: Evaluate what is within parks and their surrounding environments.
- Racialized People in Space: Consider who gets to use parks and under what conditions.
- Racialized Creation of Space: Understand why and how parks are created, acknowledging the social processes involved.
Tangible Actions for Practitioners
The research encourages SES practitioners to actively engage with disenfranchised communities to shape socio-ecological goals. Here are some actionable steps you can take:
- Prioritize Inclusion: Elevate the voices of BIPOC residents in planning processes. Go beyond desktop analyses by understanding the qualities that make spaces contentious.
- Avoid Opportunism: Focus on long-term inclusion rather than quick-fix solutions. Facilitate partnerships that consider environmental planning alongside housing and neighborhood services.
- Cultivate Participation: Empower disenfranchised communities by supporting their leaders in both practice and research. Adopt alternative methods of participation like storytelling and community advocacy.
- Track Progress: Use metrics that prioritize equity as a driving force in decision-making processes.
This perspective challenges practitioners to engage deeply with issues of power and privilege in urban parks, using the example of COVID-19 and race in the US as a catalyst for change. By adopting these strategies, you can contribute to creating more equitable socio-ecological systems.
