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Room:
Virtual Conference Session

Session Title: Small Victories: Community Creation in Neighborhood Parks

Description: Community parks are often celebrated as the epitome of urban park experiences, evidenced in Google results, bustling vehicular traffic and the ambient sounds present. However, we tend to overlook the invaluable opportunity to forge community bonds through the intimate spaces of neighborhood parks. Not all citizens show up to our parks after a 9-5 shift with their kids in a minivan ready for active recreation. This session will bring to light the significance of deliberate design, meticulous planning and thoughtfully curated programming in neighborhood parks and places where foot traffic naturally occurs. By adopting an inclusive planning approach, we can influence the vitality and essence of our smallest public spaces to the advantage of the broader community. We will explore small parks, pocket parks, privately owned public spaces (POPS) and linear parks to see how their success can redefine the urban experience. Throughout the session, we will uncover the intricacies of planning and design choices that contribute to the often overlooked spaces becoming catalysts for robust community connections. Furthermore, we will emphasize the pivotal role of community input in shaping these environments, ensuring that they authentically reflect the diverse needs and desires of residents.

Topic(s): Equity and Inclusion, Planning and Design, 2024 Conference Theme: "Where You Belong"

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