Research Brief
By Ryan McKnight | How to improve park experiences for transgender visitors
Everyone should feel comfortable at the park. What are some practical ways you can make that happen?
How can park spaces be made more welcoming for transgender visitors?
Start by assessing the experience of spaces that are often highly gendered – e.g. bathrooms, pools, showers and locker rooms. These spaces are where transgender visitors are likely to feel the most uncomfortable. Prioritize privacy; ensure your bathrooms have stall doors, showers have curtains, etc.
What are ways parks and rec pros can promote inclusive park programming?
- Offer co-ed and non-gendered sports.
- Create transgender-focused programming to help these visitors learn athletic skills that were not a part of their birth-gender upbringing.
- Reach out to your local transgender community to see if there are unmet needs.
Where can I learn more?
Learn from your peers! Start or join the conversation about more inclusive parks at community.muniparks.com.
