In this blog post, go straight to the heart of the human impact of public spaces and examine how parks function as public health infrastructure, combat the epidemic of social isolation, and foster inclusive communities where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Repositioning Parks as Public Health Infrastructure Think about the last time you felt […]
This is the first in a four-part series exploring how the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program helps cities transform their communities. City Parks Spark Local Economic Vitality At a time of economic uncertainty, city leaders face the persistent challenge of generating local economic growth while improving the quality of life for all residents. Public […]
Shifting federal funding, macroeconomic uncertainty, and limited philanthropic resources mean traditional funding models are no longer enough. Modern parks require a blended approach that weaves together financial resources from diverse buckets across the public, private, and philanthropic sectors, strategically deploying each to multiply the impact of every dollar invested. Moving Beyond a Single Funding Source […]
As cities invest heavily in public spaces, park leaders face the challenge of ensuring these improvements directly benefit existing residents without driving displacement. At Greater & Greener 2026, leaders from across the country gathered to share real-world strategies for healing historical urban divides, transforming neglected assets, and creating shared prosperity through public spaces. Confronting Historical […]
When Nature Rewrites the Agenda Back home now in the nation’s capital city, one overarching takeaway from Greater & Greener 2026 keeps clinging to me like Washington, D.C.’s hot, humid summer air: urban parks can no longer be viewed as mere green leisure spaces. Today, they are serving as our cities’ most vital physical and […]
Washington, D.C. (July 1, 2026) – At City Parks Alliance’s June Board of Directors meeting, the board elected two new members. The board also elected a new Treasurer and board committee leaders, while recognizing several board members for completing their board service. Two New Members Elected to Board of Directors Erin Lonoff (Minneapolis, MN) is […]
Zilker Metro Park Awarded $50K to Develop Sustainable Maintenance Facility AUSTIN, TX – June 15, 2026 – Today, Zilker Metropolitan Park, “the crown jewel of the Austin Parks system,” received The Toro Company Urban Park Innovation Award of $50,000 in support of the development of a new, sustainable maintenance facility for the park’s facilities and […]
Over the past 20 years, as I have led City Parks Alliance, I have been struck by a simple truth: parks hold a city’s DNA. They are markers of a city’s history, politics, culture, and values. You can visit a city’s park system and learn to read these indicators by the condition and accessibility of […]
Dear City Parks Alliance Members: For the past twenty years, I have had the incredible honor of leading the City Parks Alliance. Together, we have built a movement that recognizes urban parks not just as amenities, but as essential infrastructure for healthy, resilient, and equitable cities. Today, I am sharing the news that I have […]
No Single Leader Can Make Thriving Parks Happen Alone No single leader—or agency—can meet the full potential of parks today. Once green islands whose boundaries were managed independently, parks today touch other urban infrastructure and need to be managed accordingly. In 2026, a park isn’t just a place to sit; it’s a cooling center, a […]
Request for Proposals for Event Planning, Administration, Coordination & Consultation Services for Greater & Greener 2028 Atlanta, GA • June 3-6, 2028 City Parks Alliance seeks a full-service, professional event-planning firm to provide consultation and administrative services to implement an operational plan and coordinate all the components necessary to produce our biennial Greater & Greener […]
City park leadership today requires a rare skillset: the ability to manage people, steward nature, and respond to unpredictable, rapidly changing circumstances. To help communities thrive in turbulent times, park leaders have moved far beyond traditional roles. The most successful are finding innovative ways to deploy park and recreation resources that deliver significant city-wide results. […]