Rural towns in California are increasingly confronted with rising summer temperatures, which prevents community members from fully utilizing outdoor spaces. As temperatures soar, many residents become disconnected from essential services such as access to recreational green spaces and cooler environments. Additionally, the financial burden of high utility bills due to inefficient cooling systems further exacerbates the situation.

To address these challenges, it is crucial to rethink urban design strategies. Small-scale interventions, such as the enhancement of vegetation, can contribute to cooling neighborhoods, while more substantial efforts, like restructuring streetscapes and repurposing underutilized parking lots into parks, can significantly improve public…