New Publication: Sparking Change
Sparking Change tells the story of communities that have taken action to become more engaged in their local parks through spearheading improvements, engaging diverse community members, and organizing events and activities that draw people into the park—a process referred to as “park engagement.”
The report explores the social impacts of communities in underserved neighbourhoods becoming involved in animating and improving their local park, and identifies common strategies taken by both community members and partner organizations to support this work.
Through interviews with community volunteers, partner organizations, and city staff in seven different North American cities, including Toronto, we highlight five major social impacts of park engagement. Through stories, lessons, and strategies, the report explores how park engagement can:
Create a sense of change and shared ownership
Build confidence and inspire civic leaders
Reduce social isolation and create inclusive communities
Provide a place for diverse people to gather
Support local economic development
About the organizer
Park People is an independent charity that builds strong communities by animating and improving parks, placing them at the heart of life in the city. As Canada’s first citywide park organization, Park People is leading a renaissance for our parks, built around a simple principle: when communities get involved, parks get better.
Embedded Tweets
Attend Feb 13 report launch & panel explore community development impact of parks in underserved neighbourhoods https://t.co/8hsb25uCmw pic.twitter.com/LJjbdHnZ8J
— Park People (@Park_People) February 6, 2017
Catalyze social impacts of parks in underserved neighbourhoods. NEW report from Park People released today. https://t.co/yI77DSUbbi pic.twitter.com/rIqZakfIQz
— Green Line Toronto (@GreenLineTO) February 1, 2017
Check out "Sparking Change Report Launch " https://t.co/YxrVNmdA0P @Eventbrite
— Riverdale.nature.play (@riverdalepark) February 3, 2017
The power of #parks as social connectors: https://t.co/NXW36fOkx8 (new report) pic.twitter.com/pySCiQLlAc
— Craig Easdown (@Stuff_by_Craig) February 6, 2017
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