Communities of Practice

On Common Ground is a national research and capacity building program at Trust for Public Land (TPL) that highlights the capacity of parks and public spaces to mitigate the impacts of polarization, loneliness, and division through high-quality community engagement, park programming, and stewardship activities. TPL published The Common Ground Framework in 2023, a first-of-its-kind that establishes a comprehensive evidence base for park practitioners and advocates across the country to leverage in the development of park and open space programs. 

This Community of Practice will build on the concepts of The Common Ground Framework. Cities will specifically explore how they might apply stewardship tactics to support local communities. 

Program Structure

From March 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 series. If you are unable to attend every session of a track, please have an additional representative from your city register to join the track. 

Session Topics

• March 20, 2025: How Friends of Groups Build Strong Communities

• April 17, 2025: Reducing Red Tape: Right Sizing Requirements and Streamlining Systems

• May 15, 2025: Building and Sustaining Community Leadership

• June 26, 2025: Making and Funding the Case for Community Activation