IMPACT Parks’ Post

Across the U.S., cities are finding innovative ways to "counteract trends of loneliness, distrust, harmful climate impacts and the economic segregation in American neighborhoods." That's the core of Reimagining the Civic Commons. In Philadelphia we are proud to pursue these goals with local partners Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, CENTENNIAL PARKSIDE CDC, Strawberry Mansion CDC, and Bartram's Garden.

Big news for community parks and recreation! 🌳⚽ Public officials are ramping up investments in parks, sports, and recreation projects to boost quality of life, health, and community engagement. From playgrounds and trails to sports facilities and scenic retreats, these spaces are now getting the attention—and funding—they deserve. Check out the full article to learn more about the latest trends in #CommunityDevelopment and how public leaders are prioritizing these innovative projects. https://lnkd.in/gvtnX6fu #ParksAndRecreation #PublicFunding #Sustainability #UrbanPlanning #GovCon #GreenDevelopment

Is Your Community Truly Inclusive? 🌿 Building a community is powerful, it's where we find connection, shared passions, and cultural alignment. But as community builders, we often label our spaces "inclusive" without fully living up to it. WoeMan Outdoors is on a journey to redefine what inclusivity truly means for us. Yes, we’ve called ourselves an inclusive community, but simply stating it doesn’t make it so 🌱 A moment of reflection made it clear that our community, as vibrant as it is, was primarily accessible to those who already had the means, transport, money, time, and equipment. This gap in accessibility struck me hard 💡 True inclusivity goes beyond words; it means ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can participate and thrive. That’s why WoeMan Outdoors is committed to creating opportunities for those without the resources to experience the joy and healing of nature 🧠 Now, we’re actively working to expand our reach and make outdoor spaces a place for everyone. 🛤️ Help Us Grow This Mission: If you’re connected to communities, authorities, or individuals who share this vision or can offer insights, I’d love to connect. Let’s build a network that lowers barriers and makes the outdoors accessible for all. #Community #Nature #Outdoors #Accessibility

How can green spaces bring people together? Having access to green spaces can offer many opportunities for connection and socialisation. This can be through spending time with friends and families 👨👩👦 at a summer picnic; helping children 🧒 learn how to make new friends and play; or meeting new people 👋 at outdoor park events. Green spaces can improve community cohesion by allowing different social groups to interact, bond and grow attached to their local parks 🍃 These spaces are free and welcome to all, making them inclusive and accessible which reduces obstacles to socialising for vulnerable groups of people (e.g. disabled people, ethnic minorities, the youth and elderly, and those with financial difficulties). We must value our green spaces and parks to encourage community engagement and ensure that there are available and welcoming spaces for everyone 💚 (Design created by Sara Lopez)

A new report by the Trust for Public Land emphasizes the pivotal role of public parks in strengthening social bonds. Parks serve as vital hubs for fostering connections among diverse communities, ultimately bridging divides. Bradley Schurman reports that cities with well-developed park systems exhibit enhanced community ties and increased volunteerism rates. Investing in parks and involving communities in their evolution can pave the way for healthier, more cohesive societies. #CommunityCohesion #PublicParks #SocialCapital https://lnkd.in/gsJtNdyT

What makes a city truly safe for everyone? This question resonated with me as I explored an article that shines a light on the efforts to create Safer Cities. It reminded me of my own experiences in urban environments, where interactions often dictate our sense of security. I remember a time when my community came together to improve local parks. It wasn't just about beautification; it fostered connections among residents and made the area feel more welcoming. The article emphasizes that safety goes beyond traditional measures. It's about engaging communities, promoting inclusivity, and working collaboratively with local stakeholders. By prioritizing community involvement, cities can become spaces where people feel empowered and secure. Takeaway: True safety is rooted in community connection and active participation. What changes can we advocate for in our own neighborhoods to create a safer atmosphere for all?

🌟 Collaborating for Change in Western NSW 🌟 Yesterday, Stephanie Crossley and Adrian Vuong facilitated an online workshop to strengthen collaboration between the Western NSW Local Health District and local councils. The session focused on identifying opportunities to reimagine local streets and support vibrant, active communities. Over five focused hours, we guided participants through: ✅ Identifying a problem street and its challenges ✅ Generating and prioritising ideas into do-now and do-later actions ✅ Developing a street design solution ✅ Evaluating whether the solution met its goals ✅ Crafting a compelling pitch to communicate the solution: why it’s needed, who benefits, what it is, and how it will be implemented 🔍 Key challenges and insights 🔎 : 🚗 Pivoting pre-1960s car-centric street design towards streets for people and prosperity. This isn’t an easy task, especially in regions where infrastructure was built with vehicles in mind rather than people. 🌡️ The harsh environment—droughts, flash floods, high winds, and extreme temperatures—requires innovative, immediate-term alternatives to traditional solutions like street trees. 🏘️ Community groups hold significant autonomy and influence, far greater than in metropolitan areas. Their engagement and support are crucial to success. To implement change effectively in such contexts, we identified the importance of incremental change. Subtle, step-by-step improvements can build trust, respect long-standing relationships, and, most importantly, turn powerful community groups into advocates for change rather than adversaries. This approach helps ensure meaningful progress while maintaining community buy-in in sensitive settings where nothing goes unnoticed. Through this workshop, participants developed impactful solutions and crafted a persuasive pitch to secure stakeholder support, setting the stage for long-term transformation. Workshops like these aren’t about passive learning—they’re about empowering people, fostering collaboration, and creating strategies tailored to unique contexts. Big thank you to Karen Lloyd Hayley Crump (Vaughan) Alison Karbowiak Kelly Cook for organising the day! #Collaboration #RegionalChallenges #WorkshopFacilitation #TransportPlanning #ActiveStreets #CommunityAdvocacy #CrossleyTP #WNSWLHD #GuidingCommunities #PublicHealth

How We Create Safe and Welcoming Spaces Meet Rafael, part of the Affinity family, where hard work and heart come together. From safety checks to creating inviting spaces, he makes sure every detail reflects care and respect for our residents. 'Every day, I see the difference we make,' he says—and that’s what makes us proud. #AffinityandBeyond #ManagedByAffinity #AffinityTeam #CommunityCare #PropertyManagement

very interesting project on public spaces

I don’t know about you, but more often than not, screens make me feel disconnected, not connected. Yet, they do help us find something powerful: the actual space to connect that can reignite a sense of belonging. Places where real connections happen, where collaboration and innovation spark, and where we’re reminded what it actually means to be part of something bigger. Technology isn’t the bad guy—it’s how we use it. It can guide us toward the spaces where we come together in person, cutting across differences to create something meaningful. For me, that’s the soul of Minnesota: lifting each other up and making real, lasting connections. What’s your third space? And what kind of spaces do you think build stronger communities? #Community #MinnesotaProud #Connection https://lnkd.in/gFKPGkXP