Laserfiche WebLink
Exhibit 1 <br />SUPPORTING COMMUNITY HEALTH <br />At no other time in recent history has the value of parks been more apparent than <br />during COVID-19 pandemic that began in the spring of 2020. As public health <br />experts learned more about COVID's transmission, they began recommending <br />the everyone spend more time outdoors to take advantage of the physical and <br />mental health benefits of green space —which created an unprecedented demand <br />on parks, trails, playgrounds, and associated amenities. <br />While COVID transmission rates decline, the Parks Master Plan identifies ways that <br />parks and recreation programs can continue to support individual and community <br />health. Research shows that access to nature can lower risks of circulatory and <br />cardiovascular disease. Relaxation and physical exercise not only support personal <br />fitness, but also support psychological benefits, such as improved mental health <br />and mood, stress reduction, and increased personal resilience. <br />INCREASING PARKS AND <br />GREEN SPACE <br />The increased demand for parks and outdoor <br />activities sparked the realization that many <br />areas in Santa Ana are park deficient. In fact, <br />the City overall has a lower level of service for <br />parkland than many nearby cities, including <br />Tustin, Orange, Fullerton, and Anaheim. With <br />approximately 371 acres of parks, the City of <br />Santa Ana provides just over one acre of park <br />space for every one thousand residents in the <br />city. Many residents would like to double or <br />triple that amount. The PIMP includes an in- <br />depth evaluation of parkland needs to create <br />a realistic strategy for increasing parks and <br />green space. <br />ADVANCING EQUITABLE ACCESS <br />Not all of Santa Ana's residents enjoy the <br />same access to parks and recreation services. <br />Many neighborhoods across the city do not <br />have parks. Some residential areas have <br />higher density development and more <br />residents that place greater demand on <br />nearby parks. In some cases, communities of <br />color and low-income residents must travel <br />further to enjoy the benefits of the parks <br />and recreation system. This PMP analyzed <br />existing demographics, park locations, and <br />key environmental justice and focus areas, <br />and residential density to identify which <br />geographic areas and residents have the <br />greatest need for parks. There is work to do to <br />ensure that all residents have equitable access <br />to parks and recreation opportunities. <br />® SANTA ANA PARKS MASTER PLAN <br />CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION <br />