Minneapolis and New York City Top 2014 ParkScore Ratings

The third annual rating of cities ranks the access, size, and spending of parks in the 60 largest cities in the country.

1 minute read

June 2, 2014, 10:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


A press release from the Trust for Public Land announced the results of the third annual ParkScore rating. Here's the summary of the ratings: "Minneapolis took top honors on The Trust for Public Land's 3rd annual ParkScore® index, earning a perfect '5-park bench' rating from the nonprofit organization. Minneapolis remains the only city park system to earn the coveted '5 bench' score. New York, Boston, Portland, and San Francisco rounded out the top five."

Among the changes between earlier iterations of the ratings, this year's ParkScore ranked the 60 largest cities in the United States, up from 50 in 2013. "Among the ten new ParkScore entrants, Aurora, CO ranked best, earning four park benches and a 10th place tie with Virginia Beach. New Orleans earned 3.5 park benches, tying for 18th position—the second highest score among new ParkScore cities."

One local media outlet reacted to their poor showing: Robert Wilonsky reported on Dallas' continuing plunge in the rankings, citing growing population and limited park funding as a reason for the city's poor performance on the ratings.

Friday, May 30, 2014 in The Trust for Public Land

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog