The Common Ground Framework
Building community power through park and green space engagement
Parks and green spaces are our common ground. In a time when the United States—and, indeed, much of the world—feels increasingly polarized across political, racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic lines, green space offers a much needed space for building bridges and relationships across lines of difference. Based on Trust for Public Land’s extensive experience creating parks and protecting land with a diverse range of communities, we offer an evidence-based community engagement model, along with more than 50 recommended strategies for planning, programming, and design activities that are proven to help communities thrive.
The paper demonstrates how the formation of social ties, the development of a sense of belonging, and engagement with civic action can set up neighbors to shape and achieve their health, climate resilience, and equity goals. The Common Ground Framework is a call to action for all park advocates, shedding light on community engagement strategies, policy recommendations, and research needs that can drive a kinder, more connected future.
Building Common Ground is a practical, flexible toolkit designed to help park practitioners create more vibrant public spaces.
Developed by the Trust for Public Land, this resource builds on the Common Ground Framework, a research-based approach to strengthening parks as essential places that foster connection, belonging, and community wellbeing.
Informed by feedback from more than 70 park practitioners across 20 cities, this toolkit translates research into actionable steps you can use in your day-to-day work.
Parks and Public Spaces Build Common Ground
Parks are more than green spaces. They’re powerful civic and social infrastructure. Explore tools, trainings, and stories for city leaders, park practitioners, and community advocates.
