Despite the historically high use of parks during the pandemic, many park organizations may lack a data-driven picture of how park use is changing and how this could impact their deployment of limited resources. Park leaders understand the urgency in ensuring they can continue to serve their communities during these challenging times, but may lack sufficient tools to measure use and better understand the needs of their park systems and communities.
Hear about international and domestic examples of cities that are tracking park use and other data and using that data to make smarter decisions about how to manage their park systems.
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS AVAILABLE:
- AICP
Speakers
Martin van Jaarsveld, Manager, Community Parks and Places, Parks, Sport and Recreation, Auckland Council, Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau – New Zealand
Martin van Jaarsveld has been involved in the parks industry for over 18 years, using his passion for urban planning and place-making to deliver outcomes that cater to the needs of all park users. His background in planning and asset management has enabled him to take a strategic, but pragmatic approach in the delivery of park outcomes. Martin has been a member of Recreation Aotearoa for 15 years, and is an Accredited Recreation Professional (ARPro).
Jesús Aguirre, Superintendent, City of Seattle Parks and Recreation – Seattle, WA
Jesús Aguirre is superintendent of Seattle Parks and Recreation. He began his public service career in the education as a middle school science teacher in Los Angeles. His prior roles include State Superintendent of Education for the District of Columbia and Director of the District of Columbia Department of Parks and Recreation. He has served as Superintendent of Seattle Parks and Recreation since 2015 and takes great pride in the agency’s focus on healthy people, a healthy environment, and strong communities.
Moderator
Diana Colangelo, Senior Program Manager, City Parks Alliance
Diana Colangelo is a Senior Program Manager at City Parks Alliance, and develops CPA’s workshops, learning exchanges, webinars, and other peer-to-peer and member capacity-building initiatives designed to amplify the impact of cross-sector park partnerships. Prior to joining CPA, Diana served as a Projects & Policy Specialist for the City of Burlington, Vermont’s Community & Economic Development Office, where she worked on small business development and a range of projects affecting economic vitality in the city.
This event developed in partnership with:
