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.

Students from Eugene Field Elementary School helped kick off construction of the new, 50,000 square foot Discovery Lab, which is opening right next door to the Gathering Place.

From his office window overlooking Kellogg Boulevard and Robert Street in downtown St. Paul, John Anfinson’s vista includes cars, buses and a whole lot of concrete.

When Bayou Greenways 2020 is completed, 1.5 million Houstonians will be within walking distance of a bayou greenway. These interconnected parks provide an alternate transportation system to a city that’s always been so car-centric.

In an effort to slow the displacement of lower-income residents, two aldermen whose wards include parts of the elevated trail are proposing rules that would put a 14-month moratorium on building and demolition permits and zoning changes.