The Trust for Public Land’s annual ParkScore Index ranking America’s biggest cities on their parks came out this morning, and Plano has risen higher than ever at #13 in the nation and #1 in the state.
“Americans from all walks of life love their local parks, and they want leaders to invest in them,” said Carrie Besnette Hauser, president and CEO of Trust for Public Land. “The 2026 ParkScore rankings and results show why: parks deliver real returns, generating $3 in economic benefits for every $1 invested, while improving physical and mental health and
strengthening communities. TPL is committed to working with cities nationwide to expand access to high-quality parks and unlock their multitude of benefits for everyone.”
Plano’s ranking, up four spots from last year, comes from three key data points: 85% of residents live within a 10-minute walk to a park, 10.5% of the city’s area is reserved for parks and $228 per resident is spent on parks.
Other Texas cities also climbed the ranks. Irving went from #99 to #71. Fort Worth went from #72 to #58.
“Texas is proving that park access is not a coastal priority. It is a Texas priority. Cities across the Lone Star State are making serious investments, opening new parks, partnering with school districts, and closing gaps that have existed for decades. They’re showing what’s possible when Texas gets serious about parks,” said Molly Morgan, Texas State Director and Associate Vice President of Trust for Public Land. “The progress reported in the 2026 ParkScore index is fantastic, but the job isn’t done. Nine million Texans still lack access to park within a 10-minute walk of their homes, and we’re determined to drive that number lower.”
Speaking of parks, the City of Plano has several park projects in the works. Median revisions, an extension of the Breckinridge Trail and additional trails connecting the Silver Line. Future parks are slated for the Collin Creek Park site, Haggard property and Los Rios.
