City Parks Alliance

New parks often open with ribbon cuttings, happy families, and beautiful landscapes—but what’s rarely seen is the journey to make that moment possible. What are the biggest challenges to creating parks, and how can we overcome them? Read more at: https://lnkd.in/ecpeSn5V.

Transform your city’s communities and close the park equity gap with funding from the 8th round of the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant program, opening later this fall. Join our upcoming webinar on Wednesday, November 20 at 1 pm EST to learn how to maximize your chances of success. National Park Service staff will walk you through eligibility and the selection process, and share tips on writing a strong proposal. Register at: https://lnkd.in/e3QHXzqN Presented in partnership with the National Park Service and National Recreation and Park Association.

If you need any more reasons to love parks, research confirms that people with access to safe parks and trails exercise more and have lower rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. 🌳🚴 Find out more about the incredible benefits of urban parks at https://lnkd.in/gGk9E4DE.

Last Chance! Enroll in our hands-on workshop on Wednesday, October 23 from 2–5 PM EDT focused on building or strengthening a successful citywide park nonprofit. Leaders from Akron Parks Collaborative (OH), Portland Parks Foundation (OR), and @Bloom (Memphis, TN) will share how they: → Empower residents to take action → Raise funds for impactful park projects → Build the capacity of friends groups and communities → Advocate for equitable park investments → Build greater public support for parks Join as an individual or with a team from your organization or city. Enroll at: https://lnkd.in/eZ7dpcrM.

Exciting news! The National Park Service recently made the largest-ever investment in the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program. $254.68 million was awarded to 54 community park projects across 24 states. This historic investment is a significant step toward creating equitable access to parks and greenspace in cities nationwide. Congratulations to all of our Mayors for Parks members who received funds! Gadsden, AL Baldwin Park, CA Denver, CO Stamford, CT Miami Dade County, FL Cleveland, OH Memphis, TN San Antonio, TX Austin, TX Learn more: https://lnkd.in/epNFi9p9.

We are honored to welcome City of Las Cruces, NM, Mayor Eric Enriquez as our newest Mayors for Parks Coalition member! Mayor Enriquez supports increased federal investment in our nation’s community parks, recognizing that they are fundamental to healthy, connected, and revitalized neighborhoods.

City Parks Alliance staff are excited to be at #NRPAConference2024 in Atlanta, GA this week, connecting with urban parks professionals from across the country and reflecting on the #PowerofParks! It’s been a wonderful experience engaging in meaningful conversations and taking part in valuable learning opportunities.

Get the blueprint for building or strengthening your city’s park nonprofit in our upcoming workshop on Wednesday, October 23 from 2-5 pm EDT. Park leaders from Akron Parks Collaborative (OH), Portland Parks Foundation (OR), and Bloom (TN) will share proven strategies applied to their organizations, allowing them to advocate for equitable park investments, empower residents, raise funds for projects, champion the impacts of parks, and promote the need for greater public support. Enroll for the workshop on your own or with a team at: https://lnkd.in/eZ7dpcrM.

Urban parks are wellness hubs. From reducing stress and boosting mental health to encouraging physical activity, parks improve quality of life while fostering community connections. For example, maintaining an active lifestyle in an urban park can save $1,861 per year per person. Learn more about the health benefits of urban parks at: https://lnkd.in/gGk9E4DE.

We are honored to welcome Gadsden, AL, Mayor Craig Ford as our newest Mayors for Parks Coalition member! Mayor Ford supports increased federal investment in our nation’s community parks, recognizing that they are fundamental to healthy, connected, and revitalized neighborhoods. The City of Gadsden, Alabama was recently awarded a nearly $3 million ORLP grant for the Downtown Gadsden Greenway project, a multi-use urban nature trail.