How do we create public spaces that center communities historically left out of placemaking—knowing that when we design for those at the margins, we design for everyone? Can artwork – such as sculptures integrated into multi-use paths and parks, murals in recreation buildings, or artist-designed accessible surfacing at playgrounds – allow the community to experience art in their daily lives and create more memorable experiences?
In this panel, an interdisciplinary team from the Petaluma River Park Foundation, Kimzin Creative (an arts and equity consulting group), and CMG Landscape Architecture will share how they co-created a model for culturally responsive, equitable, and community-powered park planning through the two-year community engagement process in Petaluma, California. At the heart of the 35-acre Petaluma River Park project is a commitment to center equity, artistry, and joy. The team engaged more than 1,000 community members—prioritizing BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, low-income, immigrant, and disabled residents—through immersive and accessible arts-based experiences: poetry workshops, bilingual coloring books, live music, murals, and more. These tools helped demystify planning concepts and turned civic engagement into celebration. The data that resulted was incorporated into a concept design that is inspiring millions of dollars in public and private investment.
In Tempe, Arizona, the City’s Parks and Recreation Department, Tempe Community Arts and Tempe Public Art are collaborating to develop art installations and programming in the City’s 60+ parks, as well as distribute funding to support artists in their work. With 16-20 events annually, the free Arts in the Parks program provides community members with accessible ways to engage with a variety of artforms. The program gives Tempe residents an opportunity to connect with their neighbors and local artists while expressing their creativity. Meanwhile, Tempe’s neighborhood grant program invests in community-initiated projects designed to enhance the quality of life, including many arts projects.
The speakers will reflect on practical tools, lessons learned, and how arts-forward, equity-centered engagement is both ethical and effective.