Mapping Greenspace in Missouri and Illinois
Kaz Isibue (Geography, Class of 2026)
Project Description
Greenspaces are areas primarily covered in vegetation that can be public or private. These spaces can include farms, playgrounds, sports recreational areas, greenways, cemeteries, and more. For this project, I am primarily focusing on public greenspaces including parks, playgrounds, and nature preserves.
This space can be essential to community development. Greenspace has been theorized to improve mental health, crime rates, and mortality rates in communities. However, all of these benefits can only happen when communities have adequate access to these spaces, something disproportionately lacking in communities of color.
I chose maps as a technology because they are often seen as a figure of authority when discussing issues related to geography or its topics. By utilizing maps you are not only able to portray your information using visuals that may portray it more accurately than words but you are also able to make your presentations more accessible to a broad audience.
