In 2015, a study by Brandeis University listed Albany, New York as one of the worst cities in the nation for equitable neighborhood opportunities for the healthy development of Hispanic and black children. Jonathan Jones, Commissioner of Recreation, Youth & Workforce, with the partnership of Mayor Kathy Sheehan, decided to do something about it.
"We sat down and built a 5-year capital plan, and we are 4 years into implementation. We've redone 13 parks and many have inter-generational features, like fitness equipment to help the whole family. Each new park has ADA compliant equipment, so all of our residents could play," says Jones. "Albany is a neighborhood city, and the parks connect the neighborhoods."