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Structural Designs that Connect People to Nature

The examples below showcase communities throughout the nation that use structural designs to help connect people to nature.

	​Take a Riverfront Seat at DC’s Yards Park-  Yards Park in Washington, DC provides park visitors with structurally unique and visually pleasing places to take a rest.
	​Shady Parks in Austin, TX-  Here is a great list of examples of parks in Austin, TX that provide their visitors with access to shade.
	​Providing Bathrooms for Outdoor Recreation is a Dirty, Necessary Job- This article discusses the importance of providing public access to restrooms in outdoor parks and recreational facilities.
	​Perry Lakes Park Restrooms- Here is an example of how one park in Marion, Alabama added bathroom facilities to their park with a design that doesn’t disrupt the beautiful surrounding nature.
	​The Humble Public Bench Becomes Comfortable, Inclusive, and Healthy-  This article describes the history of public furniture and how modern day public benches provide multiple benefits to users.
	​Major Linear Trails-  This page provides a list of Dalla area trails that connect to multiple parks, schools, neighborhoods, etc.  Trails that connect to multiple parks and other outdoor facilities are a great way to get more people connected to nature.
​	​Parks as Green Infrastructure, Green Infrastructure as Parks-  This report explains how cities can use green infrastructure and parks to help combat the many challenges they face including water pollution, stormwater management, and water conservation.