A new bill introduced to the Senate last week — with a companion in the House — proposes equitable access to parks, green spaces and public lands and waters in the United States through a grant funding program.
The program as established under the Transit to Trails Act would work especially for critically underserved communities, to guarantee them greater access. This would take the form of better transportation options, especially.
“Low-income communities and communities of color should not face barriers to accessing our country’s parks and public lands due to inadequate public transportation,” U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), who introduced the bill, said. “Parks, open spaces, and public lands are among our nation’s greatest treasures, and they should be enjoyed by all Americans. By establishing a grant program to fund transportation projects for underserved communities, the Transit to Trails Act provides the opportunity for all to enjoy the great outdoor spaces our nation has to offer.”
These sentiments were echoed in the House, by U.S. Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-CA).
“For too many working families, accessing our nation’s parks, public lands and green spaces present a host of unique challenges and barriers, including limited economic mobility to a lack of public transportation options,” Gomez said. “Everyone – regardless of their income or zip code – should be able to enjoy all of the natural beauty and splendor our country has to offer, from our national parks and monuments to our neighborhood parks and playgrounds. Not only will the Transit to Trails Act ensure these special places are readily available to all, but it will also help underserved and marginalized communities take part in the educational, health, and enrichment opportunities associated with the outdoors.”
The bill was introduced by U.S. Sens. Booker, Tina Smith (D-MN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Kamala Harris (D-CA), and by U.S. Reps Gomez and Steve Stivers (R-OH), but it already has the support of dozens of organizations. These organizations include the American Hiking Society, the National Parks Conservation Association and the City Project, the YMCA of USA, the American Sportfishing Association, and the Sierra Club.