Communities of Practice

Connecting People to Parks: Strategies to Increase Park Access

Learn about park access from the perspective of enabling physical and social conditions, the integration of mobility planning, and strategies that ensure spaces are safe, inclusive, and welcoming to all.

What You'll Explore

A 10-minute walk to a park is a critical component of park access, but communities can only experience the multiple benefits of parks when they can safely and reliably reach parks. This track will examine park access from the perspective of enabling physical and social conditions, the integration of mobility planning, and strategies that ensure spaces are safe, inclusive, and welcoming to all.

What to Expect

From October 2024 to June 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:

    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. Registration. Sign-up for this track is required by September 30.

Session Topics

We will meet every other month on Thursdays, 2PM – 3PM ET
  • Assessing Park Access Gaps — October 3, 2024
  • Strategies to Transform Open Spaces into Parks — December 5, 2024
  • Safe Routes to Parks — February 13, 2025
  • Integrated Mobility Planning with Parks — April 10, 2025
  • Social Access: Park Activation & Programming — June 12, 2025