Conclusion

By illustrating patterns of recreation and open space distribution it is clear that the city of New York has strategically located these amenities based on the demographics.  In looking at the general distribution of parks throughout the 5 boroughs it is clear that population density is closely related to park location.  This is a fair assessment.  However, in looking at where these parks are located, often times, race and income were a determining factor.  Parks, markets, and playgrounds were clearly located in areas of higher income.

One such exception to this trend was the distribution of basketball courts.  Basketball is a sport commonly associated with lower income, black neighborhoods and the city of New York has distributed these courts accordingly.  This is especially illustrated in the eastern portion of Brooklyn, where there is a  high proportion of low-income black populations.

While these maps have touched on only a select few patterns where the city has selectively distributed public amenities in a biased fashion, there are many more examples out there.  I challenge you to dig further into this issue and unveil the underlying unfair and questionable city planning decisions.