San Antonio Improves ParkScore® Ranking
Published on May 30, 2023
SAN ANTONIO (May 30, 2023) The Trust for Public Land (TPL) annually publishes the ParkScore® index that measures park systems across 100 of the largest cities in the U.S. San Antonio’s 2023 ParkScore® ranking has improved from 59 to 57 within the last year.
In comparison, among the top 3 largest cities in Texas, Dallas ranked 43, San Antonio ranked 57, and Houston ranked 71.
San Antonio 2023 ParkScore® Highlights:
- Data shows that San Antonio’s access to parks has steadily increased over the last 4 years from 42% in 2019 to 51%* of residents living within a 10-minute walk of a park in 2023. *This percentage decreased slightly from 52% in 2022 to 51% in 2023.
- Equity findings show that San Antonio residents in low-income neighborhoods have access to 24% more park space per person than those in high-income neighborhoods.
- Residents in neighborhoods where most people identify as a person of color have access to 10% less park space per person than those in predominantly white neighborhoods. This percentage is a 4% improvement in access from 2022.
- The ParkScore® measures publicly accessible land and amenities. San Antonio scores above average for amenities such as adult and senior centers, community centers, and permanent restrooms.
- San Antonio scored high in the Acreage category which factors median park size and percentage of area dedicated to parks.
“We are encouraged by the improvements in San Antonio’s ParkScore® during a time that our city has experienced amazing growth,” said Homer Garcia III, Parks and Recreation Director. “Thanks to our voters who overwhelmingly supported the largest Bond Program to date, we have the necessary funding to complete more park projects across the city. This not only ensures we’re keeping pace with our city’s growth, but that we provide a park system that is equitable and accessible for all members of our community.”
Private recreational amenities such as parks in gated communities and private golf courses are not included in the TPL ParkScore®. More information on the 2023 ParkScore® Index can be found at www.tpl.org.