Even as density increases, MetroFuture will protect and enhance access to open space. The region would have at least 1,800 acres of new urban parks, with a focus on areas currently underserved by open space and in compact growth areas. As a result, the proportion of households living in areas with limited access to open space would decline to 21% of the region’s total. More residents who do not have their own yard will have access to nearby parks and community gardens, including seniors living in compact development in suburban town centers. Currently, 400,000 of the region’s households—24% of the total, and mostly in urban areas—have limited access to open space (less than 50 acres of public open space in or within ¼ mile of a TAZ, per 1,000 people).

Objectives:

• No more than 20% of the region’s households •will have limited access to open space (<50 acres per 1,000 people, at the TAZ level).
• The acreage of community gardens in urban areas will increase.
• Reported crimes in public parks will decrease.