After the success of this summer's parks conference in New York City, Project for Public Spaces is planning the first international Great Parks/Great Cities conference for 2004. Our partner is GreenSpace (previously called the Urban Parks Forum), a British not-for-profit that helps those committed to the planning, design, management and use of public parks and open spaces. Anyone who cares about parks and their role in making cities more livable should come to London, July 10-13, 2004. The conference will give civic leaders an up-close look at the unique situation in Britain, where the government is supporting a renaissance of parks and green spaces through a wide range of initiatives and programs.
GreenSpace's experience and broad network of partners will provide conference-goers with an insider's view of London's greatest parks and the exciting changes that are taking place throughout the city. The conference also promises a lively dialogue between US and international leaders: Americans can experience firsthand fresh ideas from an international community, and GreenSpace attests to folks abroad who are anxious to learn about the unique variety of public/private partnerships that have evolved in the States.
Register for updates and stay current on conference news. In order to achieve a good international balance, there are limits to the number of people who can attend from each nation, so let us know soon if you are interested.
Parks in the News
A Look Back on Great Parks/Great Cities: Celebrating 150 Years of Central Park
Planum The European journal of planning reviews the 2003 parks conference, including an interview with PPS Vice President Kathy Madden. (Translated from Italian)
Philadelphia's No-Frills Riverfront Path to Open in Spring 2004
Philadelphia Inquirer Many joggers and bicyclists are already enjoying the path along the Schuylkill River, but due to inflation and legal costs, the park's $14 million budget will not be able to provide landscaping, benches, or public art. (December 7)
Washington DC Reveals Ambitious Plan to Renew Anacostia Waterfront
Washington Post The plan, which includes 32 acres of parks and 20 miles of riverwalk, is a 20-year blueprint for transforming one of the city’s most blighted areas into one of its most attractive. (December 3)
CA Plans to Clean Up and Restore Littered Park
Sacramento Bee Candlestick State Park was acquired by the State in 1972; two-thirds of the park has remained littered with garbage and debris. Park Planners hope to have the park cleaned and restored by 2005. (November 28)
Urban Bike Trails Offer Connections to Community
Christian Science Monitor Providence is one city working to create utilitarian trails that integrate into everyday lives, rather than trails that are purely recreational. (November 19)
Historic Trolleys May Return to the Streets of Brooklyn
New York Post The Brooklyn Bridge Coalition is planning a 1.3 mile long park along the Brooklyn waterfront. A trolley system connecting the northern and southern ends of the park is part of the proposed design. (November 17)
Health Officials Hope New LA Trail Will Improve Community Health
Los Angeles Times The new hiking trail is being offered as a potential remedy for high rates of heart disease, stroke and diabetes for nearby minority communities, which are at a higher risk of obesity. (November 16)
