The City of Lincoln has improved its ranking as one of the nation’s best park systems according to the Trust for Public Land 2026 ParkScore index. Lincoln is now in 25th place in 2026, up three spots from last year.
“Lincoln’s rise into the top 25 is a reflection of our community’s longstanding commitment to building parks that truly serve everyone,” says Maggie Stuckey-Ross, Parks and Recreation Director. “We are proud of this progress and grateful to the staff and partners whose dedication keeps our park system strong.”
The ParkScore index compiled annually by the Trust for Public Land measures how well the top 100 most populated U.S. cities are meeting residents’ needs for quality parks and recreational spaces. To determine a city’s ParkScore rating, cities are assigned points for 15 measures across five categories: acreage, investment, amenities, access, and equity.
Among the highlights in this year’s report, nearly 90 percent of Lincoln residents live within a 10-minute walk of a public park. Lincoln also earned high national marks for basketball courts, playgrounds, and overall access to park space across neighborhoods.
City officials are encouraging residents to take advantage of Lincoln’s parks, trails, playgrounds, athletic facilities, and recreation programs offered year-round for all ages and abilities.