Parks and playgrounds may seem to have little in common with abandoned lots or unoccupied hillsides; but to Institute fellow Scott Frickel, all of these urban green spaces may yield important information about a city's neighborhoods.

An environmental sociologist, Frickel's research tracks both the environmental and social impacts of the evolution of cities over time. He and his team are currently seeking to uncover the histories of green spaces here in Providence, one element of a larger multi-city project that identifies historical industrial sites and brings to light potential present-day contamination issues.

Frickel's ongoing research has been highlighted by RI NPR. Listen to or read the story.