Report on Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department’s Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Executive Summary

The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department’s mission to build healthy communities directly contributes to several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By leveraging “the Power of Parks,” the department actively promotes health, conservation, and social equity, thereby enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors. This report outlines the department’s alignment with specific SDGs.

Contribution to Specific Sustainable Development Goals

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   The department’s core activities are fundamentally linked to promoting physical and mental health within the community.

   • Facilitates improved community health and wellness through accessible parks, sports programming, and recreational facilities.
   • Provides opportunities for physical activity that directly enhance the overall quality of life for citizens.

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   The provision and maintenance of public green spaces are critical for creating inclusive, safe, and resilient urban environments.

   • Improves urban livability by making the city a better place to live, visit, and play.
   • Ensures universal community access to safe and inclusive local parks, open spaces, and cultural facilities.

3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   A primary focus of the department is ensuring equitable access to its resources for all members of the community.

   • Promotes social equity by providing broad community access to public recreation and cultural opportunities.
   • Works to ensure all residents can utilize public facilities to improve their well-being, regardless of background.

4. SDG 15: Life on Land

   The department plays a role in urban conservation and the protection of local ecosystems.

   • Advances conservation efforts through the management and preservation of public parks and open spaces.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  The article directly connects to this goal by stating that the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department works to “promote health, wellness” and “builds healthy communities.” Access to parks, sports programming, and recreational facilities is a key determinant of public health, encouraging physical activity and improving mental well-being.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  This goal is addressed through the department’s mission to make “the City a better place to live, visit, and play.” The provision of “access to local parks, recreation and cultural facilities… and open spaces” is a core component of creating inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable urban environments.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  The article highlights the promotion of “social equity” as a key function. By providing public access to parks and recreational opportunities, the department aims to ensure that all members of the community, regardless of their background, have opportunities to improve their quality of life, thereby contributing to the reduction of social inequalities.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

1. Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces.

   This is the most directly identifiable target. The article’s statement about providing the community with “access to local parks, recreation and cultural facilities… and open spaces” aligns perfectly with the objective of ensuring universal access to public spaces for community well-being.

2. Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.

   While the target is broad, the article’s emphasis on using parks to “promote health, wellness” and provide “sports programming” directly supports the prevention aspect of this target. Physical activity facilitated by parks and recreation is a primary method for preventing non-communicable diseases and improving mental health.

3. Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

   The article’s commitment to “social equity” implies this target. Public parks and recreational facilities, when made accessible to all, serve as crucial platforms for social inclusion, allowing people from diverse backgrounds to interact and participate in community life on an equal footing.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

The article does not mention any explicit quantitative indicators. However, several indicators are implied by the department’s stated mission and activities:

• Implied Indicator for Target 11.7:

  The existence, number, and total area of “local parks… and open spaces” available for public use can serve as a direct indicator. Progress could be measured by the share of the city’s area dedicated to public green spaces, aligning with the official Indicator 11.7.1 (Average share of the built-up area of cities that is open space for public use for all).

• Implied Indicator for Target 3.4:

  The level of community engagement with the facilities can be an indicator. This could be measured by metrics such as the number of visitors to parks, participation rates in “sports programming,” and community surveys on health and wellness related to the use of these public amenities.

• Implied Indicator for Target 10.2:

  The equitable distribution and accessibility of parks and recreational facilities across different neighborhoods and for various demographic groups is an implied indicator of progress towards “social equity.” This could be measured by analyzing the proximity of parks to low-income communities or ensuring facilities are accessible to people with disabilities.

Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: phoenix.gov