From wider, tree-lined boulevards to lush parks, 19th-century cholera pandemics shaped some of the world’s most famous urban landscapes.

The Environmental Protection Agency recently signed a $2.5 million agreement to clean the Detroit River and create new habitat for wildlife. The money will be used to clean contaminated river sediments and create homes for fish and wildlife in a cove area at the Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park, a park being built along Detroit’s waterfront. 

11th Street Bridge Park has received the green light from the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) to move forward. The project also received positive feedback from the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, and will present the project to the full Commission this coming fall.

In early March, bikeshare ridership saw an initial surge in cities like New York City, Philadelphia, and others as wary riders avoid mass transit. We can expect ridership to fluctuate as governments issue stricter guidance to keep people safe at home as much as possible.

Parks and other natural spaces have never been so appreciated, or as heavily used as they are now. But some cities are shutting down parts or entireties of their park systems, even as most public health experts and epidemiologists have said it is safe, even beneficial, for people to get outdoors for exercise and mental health, as long as we safely distance ourselves and avoid group congregations or activities.

In Q&A, Atlanta Beltline head Clyde Higgs discusses the importance of keeping trails open—but safe—in unprecedented times

Check out a few new looks for DC’s planned 11th Street Bridge Park.

As the dreaded coronavirus rips across the globe, city after city has locked down, transforming urban business centers, suburban malls, and other public spaces into ghost towns. This is not the first time this has happened—since time immemorial, cities have been epicenters of communicable diseases.

Parade pulled together more than 50 greenways, at least one from each state, in hopes that you’ll be inspired to meander with us through neighborhoods, parklands, woodlands, wetlands—even mountains, canyons, deserts and glaciers. Turns out, some greenways are not even green but are white with snow or ice, and others in urban corridors are filled with confetti-colored murals.

Miami’s downtown has become home to nearly 100,000 residents and more than 100 residential towers. As more buildings go up and more people decide to live in the dense, vibrant neighborhoods of downtown and Brickell, residents’ call for more parks and open spaces could become all the more acute.