Park Bench Chat: Park Development as Equitable Development

A 10-Minute Walk Mayors Roundtable

Equitable development means making sure that everyone’s needs – especially those in underserved communities – are met as our cities change and transform over time. As cities find new ways of reducing disparities and creating strong, livable communities, it’s essential that parks and greenspaces are prioritized as part of the solution.

Parks and greenspaces can help address some of the most urgent challenges of today and tomorrow. They link neighbors to each other, provide space for leisure and exercise, and create shade and protection from weather events. They offer powerful opportunities to build healthy and connected neighborhoods, and places that people want to live, work, and play. However, with 100 million people lacking access to close-to-home parks, these benefits are not equitably available. And unless action is taken today, these inequities will continue to grow.

Come join us for an engaging discussion on how city leaders can plan for parks and greenspace projects that benefit all residents, especially those who are most impacted by economic burdens, health issues, and social disparities. During this 10-Minute Walk Mayors Roundtable, you’ll hear from city leaders who are using innovative policies and practices that leverage parks as a tool for equitable development. They’re helping to tackle systemic community problems like poverty, environmental justice, and health equity through their park and greenspace projects.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how your city can create a more inclusive and thriving community through its park and greenspace strategy!

Speakers include:

Randall Winston
Deputy Mayor of Infrastructure
City of Los Angeles, CA

Danene Sorace
Mayor
City of Lancaster, PA

John Surico
Moderator
Journalist and Researcher

Christina Jang
Presenter
Senior Program Manager
Trust for Public Land