Communities of Practice
Parks Plus: Economic Vitality
Explore the role that investment in parks and green spaces can play in boosting economic vitality, with a particular focus on how cities leverage parks to promote small businesses, workforce recruitment and development, placemaking, tourism, and specific strategies for inclusive and equitable growth.
Cities nationwide are exploring parks and open spaces as tools to stimulate economic growth. This track will discuss the role that investment in parks and green spaces can play in boosting economic vitality, with a particular focus on how cities leverage parks to promote small businesses, workforce recruitment and development, placemaking, tourism, and specific strategies for inclusive and equitable growth.
What to Expect
From November 2024 to July 2025, the Communities of Practice will convene city and community leaders, and park practitioners and advocates to discuss and advance policies and practices that leverage the multiple benefits of parks. The following commitments are required for participation:
- Active engagement. Each workshop is divided into opening plenaries with a panel of speakers and subject matter experts, followed by breakout groups for peer-to-peer discussion.
- Sustained attendance throughout the year. If you are unable to attend every session of a track, please have an additional representative from your city register to join the track.
- Registration. Sign-up is required before October 30.
Session Topics
We will meet every other month on Wednesdays, 2PM – 3PM ET
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Parks & Prosperity: Drivers of Economic Vitality — November 6, 2024
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Mobilizing Parks as Employment Magnets — January 15, 2025
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Making Spaces into Places — March 5, 2025
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Stimulating Tourism & Local Economies — May 7, 2025
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Parks Beyond Boundaries: Strategies for Inclusive Growth — July 9, 2025