East Palo Alto Environment and Health

East Palo Alto has some unique challenges in terms of community and environmental health. One issue is an accute lack of open space. East Palo Alto suffers from an acute shortfall of parkland.

Here is a chart that explains the situation:

1. Community Service Dept.
2. 2000 Census

East Palo Alto has a parkland shortfall of approximately 72.5 acres.

East Palo Alto would need to add approximately 72.5 acres of parkland to meet the goal of 3 acres per 1,000 residents.

The parkland shortfall indicates a need for more parks, open space, and recreational opportunities.

Source: City of East Palo Alto, Bay Area Access Plan

This ratio provided by the City of East Palo Alto is woefully short of National open space adequacy standards that range from 6.25 to 10.5 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents.

Having adequate open space resources requires everyone to be informed to make intelligent choices that benefit all aspects of community development.

“Many cities feel they must choose between economic growth and open space protection. In most cases, however, no such choice is necessary. A city’s parks system not only provides health and environmental benefits, a sense of community, and a higher quality of life, it is also good for the bottom line. Parks can significantly increase property values, attract and retain businesses, attract and retain a talented workforce, revitalize cities and communities, boost the tourism industry, create jobs, and increase tax revenues. Parks also play a major role in economic development and economic growth.”

-Economics of Parks, Neighborhood Parks Council, San Francisco.

Numerous studies and surveys have shown that, under the umbrella of quality of life, parks have been a key component in the economic success of cities. We will be providing links to these studies on this page.

Economics of Parks and Open Space, Trust for Public Land
The Economic Benefits of Parks and Open Space: How Land Conservation Helps Communities Grow Smart and Protect the Bottom Line.

Read this excellent report about how communities around the country are learning that open space conservation is not an expense but an investment that produces important economic benefits.