Leveraging the Power of City Parks
City parks play a vital role in the social, economic, and physical well-being of America’s cities and their residents. Nearly 80 percent of the American population lives in urban areas (Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2016). As cities continue to grow, planners, elected officials, and community advocates are taking a fresh look at parks and their potential to help address critical urban infrastructure and public health issues.
City parks provide access to recreational opportunities, increase property values, spur local economies, improve safety, and mitigate stormwater runoff and other environmental threats. Parks are now recognized as powerful tools for urban communities and local economies to help drive more vibrant and equitable cities.
City Parks Alliance History
City Parks Alliance Established
City Parks Alliance is established in 2000 by a nationwide group of urban parks administrators and advocates as an outgrowth of the Lila Wallace-Reader’s Digest Fund’s Urban Parks Initiative in the 1990s. Early workshops and conferences focused on partnerships, advocacy, and recreation.
First Strategic Plan Adopted
City Parks Alliance expands it federal advocacy work with its first “Day on the Hill” in Washington, DC in 2009 and participates in the White House Conference on America’s Great Outdoors in 2010. City Parks Alliance establishes a research partnership with Georgia Institute of Technology – School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, holds our first Urban Park Study Tour in Chicago, IL, and organizes the first Greater & Greener international urban parks conference.
Focus on Advocacy and Research
City Parks Alliance launches the Mayors for Parks Coalition that focuses on federal funding of city parks. Outdoor Recreational Legacy Partnership federal grant program launches with a focus on urban park funding. City Parks Alliance develops new research partnerships, draws more than 1,000 participants to Greater & Greener in San Francisco, CA, and hosts the first international park study tour in Toronto, Canada.
Advocacy and Research Tools Expanded
City Parks Alliance releases new advocacy and research tools, research and member resources to better equip communities to leverage the power of parks to address critical urban infrastructure and public health issues. City Parks Alliance also launches the Funders Learning Network and a new research project with Urban Institute and Groundwork USA focusing on funding parks and green infrastructure.
Framework for Change
City Parks Alliance’s Framework for Change outlines how we elevate the importance of city parks and equip park leaders to become agents for change in their communities.