Washington DC Tops US Public Parks Ranking Fifth Consecutive Year

Washington, D.C. has been ranked the top city for public parks for the fifth consecutive year by the Trust for Public Land’s 2025 ParkScore Index, thanks to its high accessibility, substantial park acreage, and significant investment, including in underserved neighborhoods. Irvine, California, rose to second place due to its ongoing development of the Great Park, while Minneapolis and St. Paul ranked third and fifth respectively, maintaining strong park access and amenities but facing challenges with equity and acreage. Both Twin Cities invest well above the national average in their parks, with Minneapolis spending $324 per capita and St. Paul $248, and St. Paul recently approved a sales tax increase to fund further improvements. Pittsburgh ranked 15th nationally, benefiting from increased investments and a dedicated parks tax, which supports amenities and accessibility, although limited by lower park acreage. The rankings emphasize the importance of investment, equity, and accessibility in maintaining and improving urban park systems, with Washington, D.C. leading in equitable park space distribution compared to disparities noted in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Overall, the report highlights ongoing efforts across multiple cities to enhance park infrastructure, equity, and community engagement.