On May 1st, 2023, Vivek Murthy, the US Surgeon General declared an Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation. And it's easy to understand why—many of us live our lives separated from one another by the ways our cities and communities are designed. Parks are critical pieces of urban infrastructure that help reconnect us to each other.

This video dives deep into how parks benefit our physical, mental, emotional, and social health; this history and present of parks in Midwestern cities; and how cities in the Midwest could improve access to parks. Let me know what you think in the comments!

Join Friends of MetroParks Donate to help expand the channel Find me on Mastodon

Feel free to jump around the video: Chapter 1: Loneliness and Social Infrastructure Chapter 2: Parks in Midwestern Cities Chapter 3: Expanding Access to Parks