Has there ever been a better time to talk about city parks? Never before have urban parks and green spaces proved so essential to the health and well-being of every American. If this crazy year of pandemics and politics has taught us nothing, it is that the need for access to healthy outdoor spaces has never been greater.
While the pandemic kept us cooped up and isolated, parks provided respite, freedom, and sanity for those who had access– and we were undeniably reminded that access to parks and nature continues to be unequal.
Normally at this time of year, City Parks Alliance would be bubbling with excitement preparing to welcome you to our Greater & Greener conference in another fabulous host city
In lieu of an in-person Greater & Greener conference, City Parks Alliance is pleased to present the Summer Series, two weeks of virtual programming, designed to fit your busy schedule that addresses the most pressing issues faced by city, community, and park leaders in light of the crises of the past year.
We think you will agree, there are many compelling reasons why you don’t want to miss the City Parks Alliance’s Summer Series. Here are six:
Reason #1: Address Serious Issues Facing Parks and Cities
In preparation for what would have been our in-person conference, 28 expert reviewers read through and curated from 267 extraordinary proposals; an amazing line-up of sessions on how cities are reckoning with racial justice, building an inclusive workforce, driving an equitable economic recovery, leveraging parks and public spaces to connect people and create stronger more resilient communities, or rethinking monuments and historic narratives. Presented by leaders and peers from across multi sectors, these diverse speakers will address the role of parks in solving some of the most challenging issues cities face today. Through a unique blend of deep-dive interactive sessions, panels, peer-to-peer discussions, virtual mobile workshops, and keynotes, the Summer Series will explore success stories that you can learn from and immediately implement in your work.
Reason #2: Hear from Top Leaders in their Field about the Role of Parks and Green Spaces
The impressive line-up of Summer Series speakers includes Dr. Cecilia Martinez, head of Environmental Justice for the Biden administration, one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2020, mayors from cities large and small, community organizers, landscape architects, philanthropic innovators, journalists, urban planners, transportation and environmental influencers, and pioneering Park and Recreation directors from across the country. Not only are our speakers from diverse fields, they represent the most ethnically diverse line-up of speakers we’ve ever had, with over 70% being non-white, representing a mix of large and small cities from across the U.S. and Canada.
And you’ll have an opportunity to interact with speakers, peers, park leaders, and experts during live chats and virtual break-out rooms to swap ideas and ask burning questions.
Reason #3: Invest in Your Organization and Staff
The speakers and sessions offered in our Summer Series provide replicable models and recommendations from some of the most pioneering leaders in cities today. It’s an economical way to keep your whole organization and staff ahead of their field by hearing directly from innovative leaders about lessons learned during the pandemic, and plans for the future. Take advantage of the efficiencies of virtual: all City Parks Alliance Organizational Members at the $2,500 level or above can purchase a bulk registration and provide access to the Summer Series for every staff person in their organization. Smaller organizational members can register five staff and receive one additional registration free. Take advantage of our bulk rates and low-pricing to enable all of your staff to discover and learn innovative strategies that they can tailor to your local community’s needs.
Reason #4: Leverage Networking Opportunities
The Summer Series provides valuable networking opportunities with park leaders from across the country and around the world through its peer-to-peer sessions on cutting-edge topics and important conversations of today.
Reason #5: Earn credits towards your Professional Licensure
Summer Series sessions are accredited by the Pennsylvania Park and Recreation Association (CEUs), The American Society of Landscape Architects (LA CES), and the American Institute of Certified Planners (CMs). We guarantee you’ll come away a better professional for having participated.
Reason #6: Get Excited for Greater & Greener Philadelphia, 2022!
Believe us when we say we’re just as eager as you to meet again face to face to discuss everything we’ve learned since last meeting in Denver in 2019—so much swapping of great information to be done! The Summer Series program provides a preview of next summer’s Greater & Greener, which will take place in Philadelphia, June 18 – 22, 2022. We can’t wait to see you again in the city of brotherly love and sisterly affection, and until then, see you on-line at the Summer Series!
