Abstract:
A review of existing literature finds that minority populations often experience negative health outcomes due to unequal park distribution, quality, and types of available public green spaces. In this study, findings suggest that the Latinx community in Salem, Oregon,
lacks access to natural parks while having greater access to negative cultural services (services that negatively influence health outcomes) in comparison to predominantly White population. This project was broken up into five phases: literature in, GIS analysis, site
identification of potential parks, design, and analysis of the overall project. In the investigation phase, three methods were used: background study (scholarly), GIS (geographic informational analysis) and site study (qualitative site analysis). The identification phase used an analytical approach derived from the qualitative
and quantitative research analysis to make a formal decision on one suitable location. During design, concept generation was guided by precedent analysis, environmental conditions, and community needs. Finally, after project research, identification, and design,
this study analyzes its process of investigation as a process for further research and implementation. This research provides insight into what the planning and design process may look like to make future informed decisions for more accessible and equitable city parks for underrepresented communities.
