Understanding Our Community
Understanding Our Community Report
Creating Equitable Access to Nature by Investing in Underserved Communities
To better understand the demographics of the residents and communities we serve and their unique needs related to access to nature, the Open Space Authority conducted a community assessment that provides a detailed picture of our jurisdiction. The Understanding Our Community report identifies barriers that prevent some residents from going outdoors to enjoy nature and receive its many health benefits.
The Open Space Authority uses the data contained within the report to inform our Grant Programs, guide our environmental education programs to the areas of greatest need and prioritize and inform all of our community engagement activities, such as local events, community meetings and building partnerships. All Open Space Authority preserves, events and programs are free of charge 365 days a year.
A Community Assessment
Understanding Our Community Phase I laid the foundation for a new community engagement approach to increase the enjoyment of open space and nature in our local communities. The project resulted in a deeper understanding of the demographic makeup of the communities served by the Open Space Authority. Key findings, primarily based on strategic analysis of census data, enabled the Open Space Authority to better understand the barriers people in our jurisdiction face when accessing the outdoors.
Phase II builds on this analysis and utilizes additional research and partner input to illuminate the needs of the area’s residents that can be addressed, in part, by improved access to nature. Examples of partner input include health risk factors, access to healthy foods, locations of urban farms, community gardens and park access points. It also expands four of the six “Deep Engagement Community” boundaries in order to incorporate communities where additional focus and support can result in the greatest benefit to local residents. By further exploring the needs of these communities, the Open Space Authority hopes to inform and inspire local organizations to help reduce barriers and expand access to nature.
Key Findings
- The Open Space Authority’s jurisdiction includes roughly 1.4 million people that are ethnically diverse, with residents self-reporting as 33% Asian, 31% White and 30% of Hispanic/Latino origin.
- There are six neighborhoods defined as “Deep Engagement Communities” that experience greater environmental burdens and barriers to access nature.
- The most frequent community open space needs cited by residents include: better trail and park connectivity and more urban community gardens.
- Various barriers restricting access to nature include lack of nearby open space and natural areas, lack of transportation, financial burdens and a concern for safety.
Our Approach
The data presented in Understanding Our Community are resources that the Open Space Authority uses to inform our Grant Programs and where to focus community engagement efforts. We also hope these resources spark new ideas in the community on ways to make nature more accessible to the people who will benefit the most from it, thereby making nature access more equitable in our region.
The Open Space Authority utilizes Phase II as a strategic investment prioritization tool to inspire new projects and strategic partnerships. This tool provides meaningful opportunities for community engagement and community action to reduce barriers to accessing nature. The Open Space Authority hopes that the information gathered propels efforts and motivates new partnerships to expand opportunities that bring more nature-based benefits to our urban communities that can meaningfully address some of our most persistent health issues. In doing so, the Open Space Authority serves its community while also acting as a model to conservation organizations across the country.
Funding for this Report
The Understanding Our Community Report was funded by Measure Q and a generous grant from Resources Legacy Fund. Learn more on our Funding page.