Citywide park nonprofits play a vital role in urban park systems. They advocate for equitable park investments, empower local residents to engage with their parks, raise funds for projects and programs, champion the impacts of urban parks, and promote the need for greater public support and investment.
Whether your city has an established park nonprofit or is looking to start one, we learned about the essential functions of these organizations. We heard from nonprofits across the country and connected with peers to learn how to build or strengthen your city’s park nonprofit.
Our panel featured leaders from Akron Parks Collaborative and Portland Parks Foundation (OR), who described how they were founded, their governance structures and partnerships with city agencies, and how they fund their own operations and grassroots initiatives. Plus, they talked about their biggest challenges and the strategies behind their success.
COURSE CONTRIBUTORS:
Bridget Ambrisco
Executive Director
Akron Parks Collaborative
Jessica Green
Executive Director
Portland Parks Foundation
Jamal Boddie
Executive Director
Bloom, Memphis, TN
COURSE LEADER:
Diana Colangelo
Assistant Director of Programs
City Parks Alliance
WORKSHOP:
Build core skills in this three-hour course and leave with practical tools to enhance your work in urban parks. Learn key concepts and actionable strategies through real-world examples, then collaborate with peers to explore practical applications and next steps in your work. Bring your team for an even more impactful experience.