One Good Thing: Practical Checklist for More Equitable Parks and Programs

The One Good Thing checklist suggests low-cost, high-impact supports that park-based organizations can provide to equity-deserving communities to help make nature spaces and nature-based programs more accessible and enjoyable.

The goal is not to check everything off the list; rather, to plan for how you can sustainably introduce new Good Things into your park and/or programs over time, with the ongoing input of local equity-deserving communities and advisors.

Before a program, consider: 

☐ An advance schedule of events – when they start, how long they’ll last, what they involve

☐ A rain date for the event, or an alternate plan in case of inclement weather 

☐ A map of the park – including locations of washrooms, water fountains, rest spaces, transit stops and/or parking, First Aid, paved paths and accessibility features, etc. 

☐ A link to Google Maps and Google Street View – This can give a better sense of the park’s location relative to transit and of the terrain within the park

☐ A list of what will be provided – e.g. tools, gardening gloves (of various sizes), chairs, snacks and drinks, accessible washrooms, etc.  

☐ Organized private transportation, subsidized public transportation, and/or carpools to the park 

☐ Programs for various ages and levels of expertise – e.g. youth, seniors, beginners, etc.  

☐ Advance weather updates – especially during periods of extreme heat or cold

☐ Advance hazard updates – e.g. animal sightings, poisonous plants, recent flooding, etc.  

☐ Advance registration

• ☐ Ask about participants’ dietary restrictions if food will be provided
• ☐ Provide space for participants to self-disclose any equity/accessibility needs 

☐ A link to your Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy so that your organization’s values and goals are explicit 

During a program, consider: 

☐ Free or pay-what-you-can (PWYC) admission

☐ A publicly posted “Code of Kindness” – what behaviour is expected vs. unacceptable

☐ A publicly posted notice if participants will be filmed or photographed – with a way for participants to opt out

☐ A translator and/or interpreter for participants with different speaking and hearing abilities

☐ Visible signs of welcome for specific communities – e.g. a Progress Pride flag, or pronouns on name tags for members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community

☐ A round of introductions for program leaders and participants – including pronouns

• ☐ For participants who find introductions to be uncomfortable or anxiety-inducing,  consider other options – e.g. an ice-breaker question that encourages participants to connect with each other 1:1  

☐ Free meals, snacks, and/or beverages for program participants that cater to a variety of dietary restrictions – e.g. gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, etc. 

☐ Free childcare and/or family friendly activities for program participants with children

☐ Ways to include children in group activities – e.g. provide small gardening gloves, children’s tools, etc. 

☐ Accessible tools and/or supplies for participants with a range of abilities 

☐ Rest spaces with seating and shade 

☐ Private spaces – e.g. for prayer and/or breastfeeding   

☐ Sunsafe and cooling items – e.g. sunscreen, drinking water, ice packs, paper fans, etc. 

☐ Warming items – e.g. extra hats and mittens, reusable hand warmers, blankets, etc.  

☐ Co-leads to enable breaking into smaller groups, providing more opportunities for social connection and support for those with different physical abilities

After a program, consider:  

☐ An invitation to provide feedback – e.g. a survey, open form, or organization contact 

☐ An event debrief with organizers – what went well, what could be improved next time