When parks are managed thoughtfully and equitably, they support diverse local entrepreneurship, generate meaningful public revenue, and serve as shared civic spaces where social cohesion is built. However, these benefits aren’t guaranteed. New amenities and activation efforts can raise concerns about gentrification, displacement, and neighborhood change; and increased programming can lead to tensions around parking, crowding, and quality of life—especially when long-time residents feel excluded.
This panel will explore how parks can address the historic exclusion of certain groups and types of neighborhoods by anchoring equitable economic development strategies in communities of all sizes. Drawing from decades of experience in public space development, public-private partnerships, and cultural infrastructure, civic leaders Carol Coletta and Michelle Woods will discuss how to navigate political risk, unlock economic opportunity, and ensure that park systems benefit both residents and the broader urban fabric.
They’ll discuss how cities can align parks with broader strategies for inclusive growth through small business programs, equitable concession models, and sustained investment in under-resourced communities. Whether you are considering new capital projects, activating existing public spaces, or building park programs that reflect the communities they serve, this session will offer practical models and cautionary tales for maximizing impact.
