Poll: Demand for parks and greenways is outpacing infrastructure

Nearly half of New Yorkers avoid walking or biking because of unsafe access; bipartisan majorities support expanding New York's greenway network

Parks & Trails New York press release

New Yorkers want to spend more time in parks and on greenway trails, but many say they can't safely get there. A new statewide survey finds that 59% of likely voters want to spend more time in parks and on trails than they currently do, while 47% have avoided walking or bicycling because they feel unsafe.

Released by Parks & Trails New York (PTNY), “Parks and Greenways Are Essential Infrastructure” is based on a representative survey of 1,502 likely New York voters conducted by Embold Research. The findings point to a clear policy challenge: expanding the infrastructure that connects more New Yorkers safely to parks and greenways.

The poll also found remarkably broad agreement across political parties and every region of the state. Nearly 73% of likely voters support expanding New York's network of connected greenways, including 89% of Democrats, 67% of independents, and 53% of Republicans, demonstrating that investment in greenway trails enjoys bipartisan support even in today's polarized political environment.

Among the survey's key findings:

•59% want to spend more time in parks and on trails than they currently do.

•47% have avoided walking or bicycling because nearby roads feel unsafe.

•77% say access to safe parks and outdoor spaces is important to their quality of life.

•73% support expanding New York's network of connected multiuse greenways.

•58% support directing a greater share of transportation funding toward walking, biking, trails, and public transit, rising to 80% among Democratic voters.

The findings build on PTNY’s recent “Economic Impact of the Empire State Trail” study, which found that the 750-mile trail generates $1.87 billion in annual economic output, supports nearly 10,000 jobs, and returns $5.43 for every public dollar invested. Together, the two reports suggest that expanding New York's network of parks and greenways would reflect strong public demand while strengthening local economies across the state.

Parks & Trails New York Executive Director Paul Steely White said, "The real barrier isn't demand, it's infrastructure. New Yorkers are telling us they want safer ways to walk, bike and connect to the outdoors. The projects are identified, the public is ready, and the economic case is proven. Now it's time to build the next generation of connected greenways."

Open Space Institute President and CEO Erik Kulleseid said, "We already know that parks and greenways mean so much to New Yorkers – not just as places to connect with nature, but deeply woven into the fabric of their lives, families and communities. This report clearly shows the value of our state’s green spaces … as well as the need for increased public investments to meet the growing demands for safe, welcoming outdoor spaces. We look forward to working with PTNY and government partners at every level to continue expanding New York’s outdoor recreational infrastructure.”

The survey found consistent support across geography, age, income, and political affiliation, reinforcing the report's central conclusion that New Yorkers increasingly view parks and greenways as essential public infrastructure rather than optional amenities.

With more than 1,000 miles of community-supported greenway projects already identified across New York, the report concludes that the state's greatest opportunity is no longer generating public interest in parks and trails, but investing in the infrastructure needed to safely connect millions more New Yorkers to them.

“Parks and Greenways Are Essential Infrastructure” was developed by Parks & Trails New York with financial support and guidance from the Open Space Institute, in collaboration with SUNY Cortland, with strategic guidance from Jennifer Cunningham, and conducted by Embold Research between May 7 and May 14 among 1,502 likely New York voters. The modeled margin of sampling error is ±2.7 percentage points. To view the full report: https://www.ptny.org/reports/parks-and-greenways-are-essential-infrastructure/.

More about Parks & Trails New York: Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) is New York's leading statewide advocate for parks, trails and public lands. Since 1985, PTNY has worked to improve the health and well-being of all New Yorkers through the enjoyment of parks, trails and public lands. PTNY is the leading voice for the protection and expansion of New York's state park system and multiuse trail network, including more than 2,000 miles of greenways, bike paths and river walks. Learn more at www.ptny.org.