PodParks

This week, we celebrate World Parks Week with a very special narrative-style episode! 🌍🎧

Join us on a global journey exploring how parks shape healthier, more resilient, and more connected cities.

You'll hear reflections from inspiring voices around the world, including:

🌳 Carl McClean on parks as instruments of global equity

🌳 Dorothea Sulzbacher on the essential link between parks and mental well-being

🌳 Gabino Carballo on parks as cultural memory and public commons

🌳 Kevin Halpenny on the power of community-led green spaces

🌳 Yasemin Duygu Bolat on green infrastructure as a tool for social equity

Together, they reveal how parks are not just patches of green — they are strategies for a better, more sustainable future.

Learn more about World Parks Week and how you can get involved: World Parks Week – World Urban Parks 🌎

📢 Stay Connected:

• Visit World Urban Parks to learn more about global green space leadership.
• Follow PodParks wherever you listen to your podcasts!

#PodParks #WorldParksWeek #WorldUrbanParks #GreenCities #ParksForTheFuture

Mentioned in this episode:

Eclatec

Season 3 of PodParks continues with a powerful narrative-style episode exploring our complex relationship with nature—and how nature-based solutions can help cities meet today’s biggest challenges.

New host Maria Burnett, a parks strategist from Aotearoa New Zealand, brings us stories and reflections from three inspiring voices who are reshaping the way we think about urban nature:

🌿 Cecil Konijnendijk, Co-Director of the Nature Based Solutions Institute

🌱 Deborah Lambert, Co-Founder of Felix Landscape Architects

🌳 Gabino Carballo, Project Coordinator at Natural Base Solutions

Together, they reflect on the global momentum behind nature-based solutions, the role of advocacy committees, and the power of collaboration in transforming our cities into healthier, greener places for all.

🗓️ As we head into Parks Week 2025, from April 28 to May 4, this episode offers timely insight into why urban green spaces are not just nice-to-haves—they're critical to community well-being, climate resilience, and social equity. Parks Week also marks a major milestone: World Urban Parks’ 10th anniversary, a celebration of a decade of progress and a commitment to the decade ahead.

We’re deeply grateful to our guests for sharing their insights and experiences:

• Learn more about Cecil’s work at the3300rule.com
• Explore Deborah’s firm at felixwith2xs.nl
• Connect with Gabino on LinkedIn

🎧 Listen now to reconnect with the natural world—and discover how global experts are bringing nature back into the heart of our cities.

Subscribe and stay connected with the international parks community at worldurbanparks.org.

Welcome to a brand-new third season of PodParks!

In this episode, we introduce our new host, Maria Burnett, and explore the exciting themes that will shape Season 3. From climate adaptation and inclusivity to Indigenous perspectives and youth engagement, this season promises fresh insights and meaningful conversations about the future of urban parks.

We also take a moment to reflect on the journey of PodParks so far, revisiting key topics like mental health, urban rewilding, and green infrastructure. With Maria at the helm, we’ll bring fresh perspectives and deeper discussions on how parks can serve communities better, foster biodiversity, and integrate cutting-edge technology.

Join us for this engaging season opener as we set the stage for meaningful discussions with experts, advocates, and park lovers worldwide. Don’t miss out—subscribe and be part of the conversation!

Listen now and stay connected with the global community of park professionals at worldurbanparks.org.

Mentioned in this episode:

Metalco Ad

Exciting news! PodParks returns for its third season with a brand-new host, Maria Barnett, an open spaces planner from Aotearoa, New Zealand. As World Urban Parks celebrates its 10th anniversary, this season explores nature play, climate resilience, indigenous perspectives, and emerging park technologies, featuring global experts.

New episodes launch this April—subscribe now and be the first to listen!

Welcome to PodParks, the podcast from World Urban Parks for park enthusiasts and nature lovers! In this exclusive sneak peek of Season 3, meet our new host, Maria Barnett, joining us all the way from Aotearoa, New Zealand, where she works as an open spaces planner.

This season, we’re celebrating World Urban Parks' 10th anniversary — a decade of connecting people with nature around the globe. Get ready for exciting conversations around crucial topics like nature play, climate resilience, indigenous perspectives, and cutting-edge tech that’s shaping the future of parks. We'll be speaking with parks managers, university professors, smart city experts, and more.

Whether you're a parks professional or simply someone who enjoys the outdoors, this season has something for you. Don't miss the premiere this April — it's going to be an exciting ride!

This week on Podparks, we are recording live from Adelaide Australia, where we’re currently holding our Global Parks Congress in collaboration with Parks and Leisure Australia and Green Adelaide. We’ve had a great conference week with insightful conversations, technical tours and many reflections about the past, present and future of our communities and cities.

Can urban jungles transform to become sustainable, green and equitable cities? This week on Podparks, we explore transformative citymaking with Jorge Perez Jaramillo, Advisor to the government of Antioquia, from Medellin, Colombia. Medellin has been an example for urban metamorphosis, developing solutions for the city’s growing urban populations that integrate mobility, environmental protection and community engagement. 

This week on Podparks, we are exploring the growing niche of park awards and certifications, what they even mean, how they work, and what their implications are for parks pursuing them around the world. Park standards and certifications allow parks to maintain a certain level of quality and ensure that different aspects of park experiences are taken into account in strategic investments and management plans.

We have another podparks episode!

Here's a sneak peek to the episode notes, you can access the complete notes and resources at https://worldurbanparks.org/blog/

How can we learn from other park professionals while we push to create greener, more habitable cities? This week on Podparks, we’re discussing collaborative park making, and park professionalizations and certificates with Mayu Ferrufino,  Director of Cuscatlan Park Foundation, from San Salvador, El Salvador. Mayu has had lifelong positive experiences with parks, which led her to the Latin American parks world and to direct Parque Cuscatlán, one of El Salvador’s largest parks. In this role, she has undergone plenty of professional development courses and park manager certifications, which have given her the knowledge and tools to better advocate for parks at a local and regional level. Mayu and Alice discuss the nuances of park management learning, and the need to consider both universal approaches to park management as well as culturally relevant perspectives and experiences that tap into regional park management issues.

If you want to read the complete notes for this episode check our blog section on our website. This podcast is only one of the many resources available inside the WUP member platform. Discover more resources and connect with park professionals around the world at www.worldurbanparks.org​​

Welcome back to podparks!

Here's a sneak peek to the episode notes, you can access the complete notes and resources at https://worldurbanparks.org/blog/

Have you ever thought about coastal environments as parks? When we think about public green, our mind sometimes goes directly towards a traditional, green park or urban forest, but beaches and wetlands and other forms of waterways are just as important. Today we are discussing coastal environments, why they’re incredibly important for our park systems and how park professionals from around the world are going about their management. We are joined by AP Diaz, Superintendent of Seattle Parks and Recreation, and Brenton Grear, Director of Green Adelaide.

If you want to read the complete notes for this episode check our blog section on our website. This podcast is only one of the many resources available inside the WUP member platform. Discover more resources and connect with park professionals around the world at www.worldurbanparks.org​​