Access to Parks

The Access to Parks indicator measures the number of residential parcels in Champaign-Urbana that is within one half mile and within one quarter mile of a public park or other public open space. The half mile and quarter mile are used here as representations of reasonable walking distance to an amenity.

Public parks, public golf courses, and forest preserves were counted toward this indicator. Private recreational facilities (e.g., private golf courses, country clubs) and public/private recreational facilities were not counted toward this indicator.

The access analysis was performed using linear distance, rather than distance along a street network, so access in some areas may be limited by characteristics of the street network (e.g., form, lack or condition of sidewalks) or major barriers (e.g., highways and other wide roads that are difficult or dangerous to cross).

Taking into account the limitations of our methodology, as of the analysis performed in May 2019, Champaign-Urbana residents as a whole have excellent access to parks and open space: 100 percent of the Champaign-Urbana residential area was within both one quarter mile and one half mile of a park or open space.

Parks and open space are valuable amenities that have recreational, environmental, and public health benefits. The ability of residents to visit parks and access these benefits without a car is a measure of both equity and quality of life.

The percentage analysis was performed in ArcGIS using map layers from the Champaign County GIS Consortium (CCGISC) and Champaign Urbana Urbanized Area Transportation Study  (CUUATS). The analysis will be done on an annual basis, to account for any changes in both parks and residential areas.