Lawrence’s efforts at being an environmentally friendly city are drawing attention.

The city recently was named a runner-up to 10 cities recognized by an online environmental advocacy publication as being one of the top cities that are kindest to the environment and their residents’ health.

According to The Green Guide (www.thegreen guide.com), Lawrence is “an affordable, bike-friendly city with 52 parks and a commitment to progressive and sustainable urban planning.”

Lawrence Mayor Boog Highberger welcomed the attention the city was getting.

“I’m glad to see people recognizing our high quality of life here,” he said. “Next year we’ll be in the top 10.”

That means Lawrence would have to supplant one of the following cities, listed alphabetically and not in any designated ranking: Austin, Texas; Boulder, Colo.; Chicago; Honolulu; Madison, Wis.; Minneapolis; Oakland, Calif.; Portland, Ore.; San Francisco; and Seattle.

The runner-up cities, along with Lawrence, were Boston and Athens, Ga.

Highberger thinks there is room for Lawrence to improve.

“We could be more bike friendly,” he said.