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In San Francisco, Everyone Lives Within A 10-Minute Walk Of A Park

SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) -- San Francisco has become the first and only city in the United States where every resident lives within a 10-minute walk of a park, according to figures released Tuesday by a national organization.

The Trust for Public Land released the results as part of its Park Score, an assessment of the 100 largest cities in the country.

The nonprofit uses a 10-minute walk, or a distance of half of a mile, as a standard for evaluating the accessibility of urban park systems.

"Most city residents won't walk more than 10 minutes to get to shopping, transit, or parks, so close-to-home access to parks is vital for public health, clean environments, and thriving, equitable communities," said Adrian Benepe, the trust's senior vice president and urban parks director.

Mayor Ed Lee announced the city's achievement at Hilltop Park in the Bayview District. The park reopened last year following a $6.9 million renovation that included an improved skate park, a new playground, a picnic
area and an adult fitness area.

"In San Francisco, we want everyone to enjoy the prosperity of this city, which is why it is particularly meaningful that we have a parks system that is accessible and enjoyable for all of our residents," Lee said in a statement.

The city has invested $355 million in parks and open space projects under Lee's administration, and the mayor has designated $84.4 million in capital funding for Recreation and Parks projects in the upcoming two-year budget. That amount is an 81 percent increase from 2015 levels, according to the mayor's office.

The city has added new parks and other facilities in recent years including the Golden Gate Park CommUNITY Garden, Interior Greenbelt, Geneva Community Garden, Noe Valley Town Square, 17th and Folsom Street Parks,
Francisco Reservoir and 900 Innes Ave., also known as Indian Basin.

TM and © Copyright 2017 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Bay City News Service contributed to this report.

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