Community Strategies - Trust for Public Land

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Research & Frameworks

Grounded in Evidence

Our research shows how parks, schoolyards, trails, and public land create stronger, more connected communities. Explore the frameworks and publications guiding this national movement.

The Common Ground Framework

The foundation of our work: a research-based roadmap showing how parks drive civic and social change.

Four people dressed in jackets stand in a grassy, wooded area, gathered around a blue tent under tall trees.

Building Common Ground

A Toolkit for Community Engagement in Parks and Public Spaces

Most community schoolyard teams hit at least a few setbacks along the way. Don’t get discouraged! Remember why you started this project in the first place. Your hard work and dedication will create a treasured outdoor destination for your school and community for generations to come. © JENNA STAMM

The Community Compass

A hands-on guide for practitioners to measure the social impact of parks and public spaces.

Aerial view of an urban park with a blue basketball court, green lawn, and people playing basketball; city buildings and street traffic surround the park.

Grounds for Change: A Policy Playbook for Social Connection and Civic Life

Clear, actionable recommendations for governments and advocates to advance parks as civic infrastructure.

Featured Publications

A modern pedestrian bridge with green spaces spans over a river, with highways and urban landscape in the background under a cloudy sky.

Revitalize Parks to Strengthen Democracy

A man is playing with two young boys in a playground.

Parks: The Great Unifiers

The Power of Parks to Strengthen Community: A Special Report

Training & Practitioner Tools: From Research to Action

We equip leaders and practitioners with the skills and tools to put community-building principles into practice.

Communities of Practice

Interactive, plain-language sessions that make research approachable and actionable for local government and park staff.

Programming with Purpose: Creating Welcoming Park Experiences

Discover practical strategies to design and deliver inclusive and accessible park programming.

Park Stewardship

Advance high quality stewardship programs and practices that result in strong, connected local communities.

Community Power

Build your understanding of how parks and civic engagement strengthen community power and support a healthy democracy.

Community Engagement

Explore best practices and tools to design and lead meaningful, equitable community engagement that strengthens relationships and drives lasting local impact.

Practical Guides & Templates

Worksheets, case studies, and tools designed to turn big ideas into everyday action.

Resources from our partners

Cultivating Contact: A Guide to Building Bridges and Meaningful Connections Across Groups

American Immigration Council

Belonging Barometer: The State of Belonging in America

Over Zero and the American Immigration Council

Community Engagement Resource Guide

National Recreation and Parks Association

Stories in Action
Real Stories, Real Impact

From neighborhood parks to national policy, see how communities are using parks to build trust, belonging, and connection.

Community Spotlights
Success stories from communities using the Common Ground Framework to activate parks as social infrastructure. Read the case studies.