Meeting Special Needs of Urban Populations

Recognizing the special needs of this nation's urban park and recreation systems, Congress established the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Program in 1978. The UPARR program is specifically targeted to address the needs of urban populations located in densely developed areas.

A National Park Service Program
in the Northeast Region

Marie Rust
Regional Director

Urban Park Systems are Overwhelmed

Many urban park and recreation systems have struggled to keep pace with the growing demands of park users. Heavily used park and recreation facilities are deteriorating at an alarming rate. This has placed a tremendous burden on recreation providers to provide basic recreation facilities. Also, the safety of existing recreation facilities and play apparatus has become an issue. Without on-going planning, financial and technical assistance, park and recreation systems become overwhelmed and begin to breakdown.

		Swimming pools and playgrounds are both important to children’s recreation and health, especially in areas with limited open space to run and play.

Urban Parks Address Health Issues

Childhood obesity and their related health problems have been rising at alarming rates. Statistics cite 10% to 20% of American children as overweight. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) calls childhood obesity an epidemic. Physical activity, such as that provided by urban parks, is crucial to addressing this problem. UPARR helps provide safe places for children to play and exercise within walking distance of home.

Recent UPARR Success Stories Many UPARR projects involve correcting health and safety violations, such as hazardous fall areas around playground equipment and adding lighting to the facility. Others work to create age-appropriate facilities, such as skateboard facilities for teens and toddler-safe climbing structures. Here is a small sampling of UPARR’s impact on recreation areas in Northeast cities. Boston, MA: Rehabilitating and replacing recreation facilities at Hemenway, O'Day, Trotter and Walker Parks. New York City: Restoring the St. James Park House, closed since 1991, as a neighborhood recreation facility for youth and preschool-age children. Hampton, VA: Reopening the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Hampton Roads which had been closed since 1996 because of safety problems. Parkersburg, WV: Rehabilitating the City Pool.

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