Built Environment

National sample of low-income, racially diverse parents of young children were surveyed. Park satisfaction strongly tied to social capital among low-income diverse parents. Neighborhood walkability and safety from crime were also linked to social capital. Access to and use of high-quality parks may be more important than proximity to parks.

Parks and greenways provide many benefits to urban communities, but their relationship to crime is often debated. We examined the links between an elevated linear trail and crime within census block groups (CBGs) surrounding Chicago’s Bloomingdale Trail, colloquially known as The 606.