Rehoboth Mayor Kuhns Joins Coalition of Mayors to Launch 10-Minute Walk to a Park Campaign

Mayor Paul Kuhns joined The Trust for Public Land, National Recreation and Park Association, and Urban Land Institute in launching a “10-minute walk” parks advocacy campaign, establishing the ambitious goal that all Americans and all residents of the City of Rehoboth Beach should live within a 10-minute walk (or half-mile) of a high-quality park or green space.

“Every great city ensures that people have easy access to parks,” said Mayor Paul Kuhns. “By continuing to invest in our neighborhood park system, we are creating inviting, welcoming and dynamic spaces that everyone can enjoy.”

Studies show that high-quality parks provide a wide range of benefits to residents and cities themselves including:

• Physical and mental health benefits by providing opportunities to be physically active and to interact with nature.
• Economic benefits by boosting business and helping to revitalize neighborhoods.
• Community-building benefits by encouraging neighbors to interact with each other and work together to improve their surroundings.
• Environmental benefits by cleaning and cooling the air, improving climate resilience, and increasing education.

“On issues from climate change to infrastructure development, U.S. mayors have shown that cities can lead. Mayors aren’t waiting on Washington; they are acting boldly and independently. Urban leaders have declared that parks are a priority, and mayors have joined together in this historic campaign to ensure that everyone has access to a high-quality park,” said Barbara Tulipane, president and chief executive officer of the National Recreation and Park Association.

“Thoughtfully designed parks make a positive difference in the quality of life in communities, serving as a respite, a source of civic pride, and a draw for investment activity,” said Patrick L. Phillips, global chief executive officer for the Urban Land Institute. “We are excited to work with these distinguished mayors and other urban leaders to promote the 10-minute walk campaign and help improve park access in their cities as well as urban areas across the country.”

The full list of mayors/cities endorsing the 10-minute walk standard can be found at 10minutewalk.org. For more information please visit www.cityofrehoboth.com/residents/trees/10-minute-walk or contact the Communications Department at 302-227-6181 ext. 522 or [email protected].