Plenary Archive

  • The Alphabet of Park Financing Tools: BIDs, CIDs, TIFs, TADs, SSDs, etc.

    BIDs, CIDs, TIFs, TADs, SSDs. How do they work? What are some exemplary examples? How effective are they? Join this Peer Conversation to learn more about these…

    Read More
  • Journey to a Sustainability Program

    In the face of climate change, green spaces are valuable resources for environmental protection, education, and resilience building. Join this Peer Conversatio…

    Read More
  • Parks and Barks: Expanding Seattle’s Dog Off-Leash Area System

    The demand for facilities that serve dogs and their owners has increased over time. However, acquiring funding, identifying suitable locations, and managing co…

    Read More
  • Aesthetic Biodiversity in a Changing Urban Environment

    This Peer Conversation will focus on resilient landscapes that require minimal inputs but provide high-impact multifunctional plantings. Discussion leader…

    Read More
  • Finding Common Ground: How Parks Can Flip the Script on Polarization

    What societal divisions can our parks help bridge? How can we use community engagement to help reduce polarization, loneliness, and prejudice? Discussion …

    Read More
  • Addressing Difficult Legacy Monuments in Parks

    How can we effectively involve the community and ensure cultural competence when addressing the social impacts of historical monuments? Discussion leaders will…

    Read More
  • Testing New Approaches to Climate Resilience in Parks

    In this Innovation Round, hear about new approaches to addressing climate resilience in parks and urban green spaces. Speakers will highlight projects that tes…

    Read More
  • Parks and Climate Justice

    This panel dialogue will discuss the role parks can play in addressing climate challenges and promoting community resilience in the context of environmental ju…

    Read More
  • Running While Black

    Join endurance athlete, activist, and mental health advocate Alison Mariella Désir and City Parks Alliance Co-Chair Mitchell Silver (formerly planning director…

    Read More
  • Power Sharing with Community-based Organizations: Lessons from the P3 Cohort

    People, Parks, and Power (P3) is the first national funding initiative in the U.S. to support power building by community-based organizations to reverse deep-s…

    Read More
  • Growing the Future Parks and Recreation Workforce

    This Peer Conversation will focus on developing the diverse workforce needs and the next generation of leaders in parks and recreation. Discussion leaders will…

    Read More
  • Keys to Successful Partnerships for Parks Departments

    Hear from two park agency leaders about how they are more strategically approaching and managing relationships with various external partners, including develo…

    Read More
  • Integrating Actionable Research into Park Climate Planning

    How can park systems leverage the power of research partners to address climate-based threats? The pace at which climate change is impacting communities and mu…

    Read More
  • Creating Multi-Generational Parks and Public Spaces

    How can we design parks and public spaces that bring different generations together? This Peer Conversation will delve into the complexities of designing inclu…

    Read More
  • Dealing with Misinformation and Disruption in Community Engagement

    What is the future of public participation in the age of contentious social media? This Peer Conversation will explore how practitioners are dealing with misin…

    Read More
  • Decarbonizing Public Agencies and Park Systems

    Design standards for most American Parks Departments are influenced by operational costs and user expectations, which, unfortunately, have resulted in high-car…

    Read More
  • Parks and Big Data: Fostering Public Trust in Digital Systems

    Technology is becoming ever-present in our physical environments, including our parks. Video cameras film us as we enter a park, and sensors detect bicycle spe…

    Read More
  • (Re)Utilizing Transportation Infrastructure for Parks and Public Space

    This panel dialogue will discuss innovative projects that redefine urban spaces utilizing both old and new transportation infrastructure, providing more sustai…

    Read More
  • Activating Cemeteries for Community and Environmental Wellness

    This panel dialogue will discuss the transformative potential of cemeteries, recognizing them as dynamic community assets that contribute to environmental well…

    Read More
  • Federal Funding Opportunities for Parks: Green Space, Recreation, Trails, and Resiliency

    Learn about federal funding sources (DOI/NPS, DOT, HUD, EPA, FEMA) that support urban parks, greenspace, recreation facilities, and playgrounds. Officials from…

    Read More