ealthy people, healthy economies: this issue of Land&People includes stories having to do with both kinds of health. On
an unusual farm on O‘ahu, Native Hawaiian youth earn scholarship money and connect with their heritage while learning how to grow and market wholesome organic produce. In the mountain biking hub of Barre Town, Vermont, protecting bike trails will promote health as well as contribute to the community’s bottom line. And our lead story describes how Chattanooga, Tennessee, is attracting jobs and businesses while getting folks outdoors with parks, trails, and signature natural areas. Even a fraction of an acre can make a difference to community
Patrick Cone Photography
health, if the land hosts a garden or a Fitness Zone exercise area such as the ones The Trust for Public Land is creating in Los Angeles and Florida. In New York City, more than 50 former asphalt schoolyards now ring with children’s laughter—they’ve been converted to real neighborhood playgrounds and parks where kids can get the exercise they so desperately need to stave off obesity. And, as you will read on page 56, Philadelphia is now launching a similar plan with TPL’s help. Across the nation, cities are learning the lessons that Chattanooga’s experience has
taught so well: the parks, playgrounds, gardens, and trails that strengthen our bodies also strengthen local economies. Not every city can attract a Volkswagen factory with 2,000 jobs, as Chattanooga has. But more and more cities are coming to recognize that a high quality of life—which includes access to parks, recreation, and the outdoors—is not only essential to their residents’ well-being but crucial in attracting businesses and workers. We hope you enjoy this issue of Land&People. If you are already a Trust for Public
Land supporter, thanks for your help in creating parks and conserving land for people nationwide. You can take pride in the work you read about here, because it could not have been done without your help. If you are a new Land&People reader or just getting to know the work of The Trust for Public Land, we hope you will find projects like these worth supporting. And whether you are an old friend or a new one, we wish you a good summer exploring the parks, trails, gardens, and public lands that benefit our health.