Designing and maintaining parks for resilience and adaptability is increasingly complex as climate impacts evolve, from flooding and sea level rise to drought, wildfires, and biodiversity loss. With changing funding streams and evolving community needs during times of crisis, park leaders must constantly innovate, adapt, build new partnerships, and find new resources.
In this conversation, we heard how park leaders in Los Angeles and Boston are addressing uncertainty and community needs, including offering childcare after wildfires and adjusting to funding changes for flood resilience projects. Then attendees shared how their city is navigating climate challenges and learned from peers’ experiences.
CONVERSATION STARTERS:
• Norma García-González, Director, County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation
• Marin Braco, Senior Project Manager, Boston Parks and Recreation Department
MODERATOR:
• Diana Colangelo, Assistant Director of Programs, City Parks Alliance
PEER CONVERSATION:
Connect with your peers to candidly discuss the complex issues facing urban park systems. Actively talk about your real-world challenges and successes, brainstorm fresh ideas, swap resources, and gain insights from practitioners across the country.
NOTES:
Photo credit: Stoss, Inc.