The Trust for Public Land just released their latest Park Score rankings of park systems in 100 cities throughout the nation. While Fresno has scored low in the past, some groups have tried to draw attention to the city’s parks. The rankings come during an effort to add an initiative to the November ballot that would raise money for parks.

This year, the Trust For Public Land ranked Fresno at 94 out of 100 cities. The city was the lowest ranked from 2012 to 2015, but did make steady improvements in following years. The city was ranked 90th last year.

Mary Creasman is with the Trust for Public Land.

"So Fresno actually dropped down a couple rankings,” says Creasman. “We’re not seeing the level of improvement in Fresno to get to park equity and access and healthier communities that I think are needed.”

The city has acknowledged that its parks need a over a $100 million just to bring maintenance up to speed. Back in April, a group called Fresno for Parks began gathering signatures to put a sales tax initiative on the November ballot to raise money for parks, arts, and trails.

“I think if that ballot initiative passes, it’s going to have a huge impact on Fresno's parks score,” says Creasman. “Because it's gonna generate millions of dollars a year for parks.”

The Trust for Public Land ranked cities on their access, acreage, investment and amenities.