Children’s Equity Nature Index (CENI): An Analysis of Young Children’s Equitable Access to Public Green Spaces in Urban Pima County, Arizona

Abstract

Studies have demonstrated that access to safe public green spaces and other protective community resources is crucial for childhood development between the ages of 0 and 4. By providing every child with the chance to form a meaningful connection with nature, communities can work to ensure a bright and resilient future for their youth. For equitable nature access to be achieved, several factors must be considered that impact the relationship between young children and public parks, including socially vulnerable demographics, proximity to parks, transportation networks, park quality, and public safety. The Children’s Equity Nature Index (CENI) is a composite index designed to map these relationships within the metropolitan areas of Pima County, Arizona. The CENI is made up of two main sub-indices: the Equity Priority Sub-Index, which considers demographics specific to the region that face a higher degree of vulnerability, and the Children & Nature Sub-Index, which examines green space quality, transportation access to green spaces, and the population density of children 0-4 years old throughout the study area. The final map shows the urban census block groups within Pima County that contain more children living in areas with higher social vulnerability and lower access to quality green spaces, which the CENI identified as predominantly highly developed block groups within Tucson’s city limits. With this information, community investment through funding, programs, partnerships, and policies can be designed specifically for the areas within the study area that need them the most.