City Parks Alliance

Parks aren’t just a nice-to-have—they’re a must-have for thriving communities. But how do we get city leaders and stakeholders to see that? Join us in our upcoming member-exclusive webinar on Tuesday, March 25 at 1:00 pm EST, where you’ll learn how to craft compelling messages on park equity with Berkeley Media Studies Group. Plus, hear from Central Texas Interfaith about their promising work training community leaders to drive change. Can’t make it? Register for the recording! Register at: https://lnkd.in/e2gp6HSm.

Parks are essential infrastructure for urban communities, driving the vibrancy and resiliency of cities. Yet, they’re often seen as amenities or luxuries. How can park practitioners and advocates like you effectively communicate the importance of park equity to inspire action and drive real change? In our upcoming webinar on Tuesday, March 25, at 1:00 pm EST, we’ll show you tools for shifting the narrative around urban parks with insights from Berkeley Media Studies Group and Central Texas Interfaith. Register at: https://lnkd.in/e2gp6HSm.

Cities are facing worsening impacts from extreme weather, and parks can be a game-changer in stormwater management. With green stormwater infrastructure (GSI), cities can reduce flooding, improve water quality, and create healthier, more sustainable communities. The City Parks Alliance recently released a policy brief highlighting how cities can maximize the benefits of GSI in parks—part of a collaborative initiative with the US Water Alliance and Green Infrastructure Leadership Exchange. Read more about the untapped potential of parks in stormwater management from City Parks Alliance Program Director Gideon Berger: https://lnkd.in/eaYhEMUA

Parks are natural problem solvers, managing stormwater while providing cleaner air, cooler cities, and healthier communities. Our new resources on Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) break down the many benefits of GSI and offer guidance for cities and park leaders on effective collaboration and implementation. Explore how investing in nature-based solutions can create more resilient and thriving public spaces: https://bit.ly/3FsLhuK.

As park practitioners and advocates, how can we communicate the importance of park equity to decision-makers and the public in a way that inspires action and drives change? Join us for our upcoming webinar on Tuesday, March 25 at 1:00 pm EST to learn how to craft impactful narratives about park equity with Berkeley Media Studies Group. Plus, hear from Central Texas Interfaith about their innovative work training community leaders in storytelling, relationship building, and power building to advance park equity. Register at https://lnkd.in/e2gp6HSm.

Imagine a park system where maintenance staff have adequate training and resources to meet demands, funding is not a constant struggle, all parks are well-maintained, and green spaces thrive with a little less human intervention. Join us at our Peer Conversation on Wednesday, February 19 at 2:00 pm EST to rethink with your peers how to tackle these challenges. Also, hear from park leaders in Providence and Houston who are utilizing new tactics, and leave with ideas to bring to your own communities. Sign up for the conversation at https://lnkd.in/eD4tFpUx.

Parks are more than green spaces—they’re essential to the vibrancy, equity, and resilience of our cities. But their future depends on collective action. By joining the City Parks Alliance, you’ll help drive meaningful change: advocating for parks in national conversations, supporting programs that strengthen communities, and connecting with leaders who are shaping the future of urban spaces. Join us and make a difference: cityparksalliance.org/join.

Parks across the country face increasing maintenance challenges, from limited budgets to staffing shortages. Join us to discuss creative strategies to address these obstacles in our Peer Conversation on Wednesday, February 19 at 2:00 pm EST. Hear from park leaders in Providence and Houston on how they’ve secured funding, streamlined practices, and improved staff training. Then, connect with peers to share your experiences, ideas, and actionable solutions! Sign up for the conversation at: https://lnkd.in/eD4tFpUx

Last week, our board meeting in Miami took us on an inspiring journey to see climate resilience and sustainability in action in urban parks: 💧 Everglades Restoration Flow-Way/Cutler Slough Rehydration Project: We witnessed the vital work of restoring freshwater flows to Biscayne Bay, protecting coastal wetlands from rising seas, and managing sensitive ecosystems with multi-sector collaboration. 🌊 UM RSMAS Sustain Laboratory: We explored groundbreaking research on hurricane impacts and coral preservation, featuring the world’s largest wave simulator. 🌳 Matheson Hammock Park: We saw firsthand this scenic gem, which showcased climate-proofing in action—elevated parking lots and nature-based solutions to tackle storm impacts and sea level rise. From managing wetlands to sustainable golf courses, we’re inspired by the ingenuity and collaboration driving climate resilience throughout Miami. Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces

Urban parks transform communities, but driving change takes the right tools, knowledge, and partnerships. Make that impact with a City Parks Alliance membership! What’s included: 🌳 Cutting-Edge Education: Expand your knowledge with expert-led learning opportunities: Peer Conversation: The Co-Benefits of Green Stormwater in Parks – Jan. 22 Webinars on Equity and Technology in Parks – Feb. 2025 🌳 Exclusive Access to Park Study Tours: Explore groundbreaking park projects—next stop: Houston, TX, Oct. 22-24, 2025! 🌳 Resources to Make Progress Happen: Get tools and case studies to turn big ideas into real-world impact. 🌳 Connections to Drive Innovation: Collaborate with a national network of urban park professionals and thought leaders. 🌳 National Advocacy: Amplify your voice with local advocacy resources and representation at the federal level. Don’t wait—join today and gain early access to 2025 events and resources. Become a member at cityparksalliance.org/join.