Earth Day reminds us that the health of our planet and the health of our communities are inextricable, and we must pursue policies and practices that benefit our whole ecosystem. It’s been more than two years since COVID-19 disrupted the old “normal” and as we move forward, we’re considering opportunities for radical transformation that address health, climate change, and racial justice. Parks and Open Space is so central to equitable community health, it’s one of our 12 THRIVE factors. So, when communities across the nation lead parks and open space initiatives, it’s in service to the health of our planet and  and to communities—and something that gives us hope this Earth Day.

Two of our Communities of Care collaboratives in Houston, Texas—Hiram Clarke Community Resiliency Project and  Healthy Outdoor Communities—are transforming parks and green space to uplift mental health and wellbeing among youth of color and their families. During the height of the pandemic, youth, parents, and grandparents voiced the need for beautiful, safe, outdoor spaces in their communities. As a result, a community-designed SPARK park is in development in Hiram Clarke, and residents in Acres Homes and Third Ward have gained support to bring their unique vision to action, revitalizing parks as new places for gathering and connection.

Having equitable access to parks and open space is essential. That’s why we are so excited about a new initiative, People, Parks, and Power (P3), a joint effort of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. P3 will invest $7 million in community power building organizations across the U.S. to organize residents on park equity and advance local policy and systems change solutions. We can’t wait to share more about this next month and introduce you to the inaugural grantee cohort!

A good solution solves multiple problems. And many issues—park equity, racial justice, climate change, health equity—are interconnected and require structural solutions that drive change across systems. Our narratives shape and reinforce funding, so they must center the priorities and leadership of communities that are most harmed by unjust and discriminatory systems and policies. We stand in support of Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and AANHPI communities; immigrants; LGBTQIA+ communities; women; and people with disabilities leading the way to a healthy and safer future for the planet and for communities.

Today, we celebrate the earth, and we celebrate the power of people in communities who make equitable access to green space possible—no matter where you live.