Research hints at the idea that different socio economic status (SES) groups experience green space differently. For instance, proximity to public parks can actually lower the quality of life for low-income residents while not affecting higher income groups at all. How residents perceive the quality of parks and other green spaces, how they use these spaces, and what their needs are related to them might vary across SES. To some extent, a park’s effects on its surrounding community may be attributed to the role the community played in the design and planning phases. While many studies have looked at the distribution of green spaces and their association with health outcomes and well-being, few studies have looked at the planning process end to understand how local governments make decisions about the development of green space.

This case study will examine the planning processes of two urban parks in Phoenix, AZ in order to understand the extent that civic engagement and place-making influence the design and programming of the parks. The research questions for this study include: How do local governments make decisions about developing green spaces? In an urban center, do they factor in the current SES of a community or are designs more focused on tourists or future residents? Do planners consider that parks can serve as amenities and disamenities? In order to answer these questions we will review local planning documents and interviews with public officials in order to understand how feedback was solicited, who participated, and what groups had the most influence in the final design of the parks. We will also look at language related to place making and place meaning to see how the park designs were meant to help individuals of different SES feel welcomed or attached to the parks.