New app is helping Coloradans to discover the forgotten Black history of the West
Courtesy of American Trails
By Tatiana Flowers
For too long, Black history in Colorado has been ignored, according to the creators of a new mobile app that allows participants to access old photographs, oral histories and a podcast — all with the goal of preserving and teaching about the contributions of Black people in the state’s development.
The new Black History Trail, accessed through the History Colorado app, guides visitors to physical locations where they can explore, in person or virtually, the roles Black people played in building the West, an often forgotten story in American history, they said.
Read more:
https://coloradosun.com/2022/11/04/black-history-trail-history-colorado/?blm_aid=24243
Take Action: Tell Your Representatives to Protect Critical Park Funding
Courtesy of NRPA
We recently learned the U.S. House of Representatives is considering excluding local parks from accessing certain federal funds. Excluding local parks from accessing these funds — known as earmarks — is a mistake. Please join NRPA and our allies in standing against these proposed changes. Contact your member of Congress today and urge them to reconsider.
For more information:
https://www.nrpa.org/earmarks-attack/
Can social media responsibly guide environmental decisions?
Courtesy of Great Lakes Echo
By Daniel Schoenherr
Social media data mining could be a game-changer for local, state and national parks when officials can see how the public reacts to policy changes, Tyner said. “It’s really exciting to see the response to these events real-time.”
While Twitter has a greater reach than traditional surveys, it still doesn’t represent the entire region’s population, Tyner said. Combining data from social media with surveys would give researchers the benefits of both methods.
Read more:
https://greatlakesecho.org/2023/02/06/can-social-media-responsibly-guide-environmental-decisions/
Apply for an NRPA Scholarship or Fellowship
Courtesy of NRPA
Each year, NRPA awards up-and-coming young professionals and students for their dedication to the park and recreation profession. The scholarships and fellowships provide recipients with the opportunity to attend and explore the operation of the park and recreation field at the NRPA Annual Conference.
For more information:
https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/scholarships/
Greenways for All: Support for Accessing Trails Funding
Courtesy of PBIC Messenger
The East Coast Greenway Alliance announces launch of Greenways for All, an effort to support communities from Maine to Florida, and beyond, in accessing funding for greenways and trails. The East Coast Greenway Alliance will leverage their experience and expertise to help communities navigate federal infrastructure investment programs, offer community organizing, collaborate with agencies and the public, provide resources, and help partners get projects construction-ready.
For more information:
https://www.greenwaysforall.org/
CDC Report: Increasing Physical Activity Through Community Design
Courtesy of SORP
Being physically active is one of the most important ways people of all ages and abilities can improve their health now and in the future. Yet only about 1 in 4 adults and 1 in 6 high school students fully meet the recommended levels in the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.
Access to safe places to play and walk, such as parks, safe streets, trails, and greenways, is important for physical activity. It is also important to be able to safely and easily walk, bike, or take transit to everyday destinations such as homes, workplaces, schools, parks, health care, and food outlets.
Additionally, many people from racial and ethnic minority groups and from rural areas are less likely to have access to these safe spaces. Historical land use and housing and transportation policies can contribute to limited access. People impacted by these disparities are also less likely to meet the physical activity recommendations.
Read more:
https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/community-strategies/activity-friendly-routes-to-everyday-destinations.html
Recycling Spent E-Bike Lithium Ion Batteries
Courtesy of the PBIC Messenger
People for Bikes observes that millions of lithium ion batteries used in e-bikes need to be disposed of properly at their end of life. Generally, a high-quality lithium ion electric bicycle battery can last 2-5 years. Call2Recycle and PeopleForBikes joined forces to simplify recycling 33 brands of these batteries at more than 1,600 drop-off locations in the U.S.
Read more:
https://ebikebatteryrecycling.peopleforbikes.org/?eid=126680
Apply for 2023 Trail Apprentice Program
Courtesy of the PBIC Messenger
The Partnership for the National Trails System invites young adults aged 18-28 to apply for the 2023 Trail Apprentice Program to explore careers related to trails, network with established professionals, gain leadership skills and participate in professional activities. Apply by February 28, 2023.
For more information:
https://pnts.org/new/trail-apprentice-program-2023/
The DOT Navigator: One-Stop Shop for Federal Grant Funding
Courtesy of PBIC Messenger
The USDOT released a new tool, the DOT Navigator, to help communities understand the best ways to apply for grants, and plan for and deliver transformative infrastructure projects and services. It describes the federal grant-making process and its requirements; provides a searchable technical assistance hub; and describes Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding opportunities including an upcoming funding opportunity calendar, and a discretionary grant preparation checklist. Among many other tools, the DOT Navigator links to a comprehensive chart of potential eligibility for pedestrian and bicycle activities and projects under surface transportation funding programs.
For more information:
https://www.transportation.gov/dot-navigator
FHWA Announces New Efforts to Improve Road Safety, Advance Complete Streets
Courtesy of PBIC Messenger
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) today announced two new efforts that will help States, cities, and local governments improve road safety.
Included in the announcement is a new Request for Information (RFI) seeking input on ways to improve safety and design standards for roads to facilitate the development of Complete Streets that serve all road users and a new waiver ensuring States and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) can afford certain Complete Streets activities by removing financial barriers.
FHWA also announced its latest effort to help accelerate Complete Streets efforts under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including a waiver in the legislation FHWA is implementing that will reduce Complete Streets planning costs for States and MPOs. Under the waiver, States and MPOs will be able to use federal funding for 100% of the expenses associated with certain planning and research activities.
Read more:
https://highways.dot.gov/newsroom/federal-highway-administration-announces-new-efforts-improve-road-safety-advance-complete
Environments that Promote Intergenerational Play and Recreation
Courtesy of PlayCore
Communities are made up of people of all ages. However, a study conducted by the RAND Corporation found that parks are increasingly geared toward the young. The study focused on cities with a population of more than 100,000; data collectors were sent into 174 parks in 25 major cities, asking them to describe the facilities and conditions, and the demographics of users during a typical week during the spring or summer of 2014.
Parks and open space are meant to be used by all people, regardless of age or other demographics. A well-designed environment provides a wealth of benefits for all generations.
Read more:
https://www.playcore.com/news/environments-that-promote-intergenerational-play-and-recreation
