PodParks

How might our cities change if we planned parks with public health at the centre of every decision?In this episode, host Maria Burnett speaks with Humera Sultan, a Consultant in Public Health at Birmingham City Council and a National Institute of Health Research Doctoral Research Fellow. Humera brings a health focused perspective to nature planning, shaped through her work leading the Naturally Birmingham project and contributing to the city’s 25 year City of Nature Plan.Humera shares how public health tools, community insights and long term thinking can help cities design greener and healthier environments. She also discusses her PhD research, which explores how funding for Birmingham’s more than 400 parks has changed from 2013 to 2024, and what this means for equity, access and community wellbeing.This conversation highlights the value of cross agency collaboration, the importance of evidence in nature planning and the role of green spaces in supporting mental health, physical activity and social connection.Highlights include:How public health perspectives can strengthen citywide nature planningWhat Birmingham learned while creating its 25 year City of Nature PlanInsights from Humera’s research into funding, equity and park qualityThe relationship between green space and community wellbeingWhy partnerships across sectors lead to stronger long term outcomesWhether you work in health, planning, or park management, this conversation offers a new perspective on why nature belongs at the centre of every wellbeing strategy.\Resources🔗Connecting health and green spaces through Movement Data | ActiveXchange🔗 Environmental Justice Webinar 20211123 130439 Meeting Recording🔗Sultan H, Grayson N, Jones S, Pike D, Greenham S, Needle D, Sadler J, Frew E. Green space and environmental justice—a new metric to guide resource allocation in improving the amount and quality of green space. TCP Journal 2023. 92 (6). Available at Nov-Dec23.pdfFeatured Guests Humera Sultan, Consultant in Public Health at Birmingham City Council and NIHR Doctoral Local Authority FellowFeedback🎧 Give feedback on this episode here.Or if you’d like to share your perspectives or stories about this episode, or contact us for any reason, you can email Maria Burnett (host) and the team at research@worldurbanparks.org. About PodParksPodParks is the official podcast of World Urban Parks. Hosted by Maria Burnett, each episode shares real stories and bold ideas from the people making parks, public space, and urban nature more inclusive, innovative, and essential.🎙️ Meet the PodParks TeamMaria Burnett | Luis Romahn |

46. What to Think About When Designing Park Lighting with Gary JacquardBehind every welcoming park at night is a thoughtful lighting design. In this episode of PodParks, host Maria Burnett speaks with Gary Jacquard, General Export Manager at Eclatec, about how cities can use lighting to create atmosphere, comfort and safety without compromising biodiversity.From the glow of Paris’ historic lamp posts to smart lighting systems that adapt to use and season, Gary shares how technology and design can work together to make parks more inviting and sustainable. They also discuss why lighting should be considered early in park planning and how small choices in tone, brightness and placement can transform the way people experience public space.Highlights include:Why brighter doesn’t always mean saferHow early design decisions shape the feel of a parkThe growing role of smart lighting and sensors in public spacesBalancing light for people and biodiversityHow regional culture and climate influence lighting designWhether you’re a planner, designer or someone who enjoys an evening walk, this episode sheds light on how design decisions after dark can make parks more welcoming for everyone.Featured Guests Gary Jacquard, General Export Manager, Eclatec🔗LinkedInEclatec is part of the Agora Makers group, which brings together Metalco and other European companies that blend heritage design, innovation and sustainability in lighting and street furniture. World Urban Parks is proudly sponsored by Agora Makers!Feedback🎧 Give feedback on this episode here.Or if you’d like to share your perspectives or stories about this episode, or contact us for any reason, you can email Maria Burnett (host) and the team at research@worldurbanparks.org. About PodParksPodParks is the official podcast of World Urban Parks. Hosted by Maria Burnett, each episode shares real stories and bold ideas from the people making parks, public space, and urban nature more inclusive, innovative, and essential.🎙️ Meet the PodParks TeamMaria Burnett | Luis Romahn | Vitoria Martín Delgado | Vladimir Yañez Huehpa|  Cynthia Hernández Martínez| Boris Solis🌐...

What do the world’s most inspiring parks have in common? Behind every great green space are passionate people, designers, advocates, and communities who believe parks can change the way we live.In this special episode of PodParks, host Maria Burnett explores the real stories behind the World Urban Parks Awards, celebrating the people and projects transforming public spaces across the globe. Together with Michael Boland, Chair of the WUP Awards Committee, Maria dives into what makes these parks and leaders stand out and why their work matters for the future of cities.You’ll hear directly from the 2025 award winners, whose projects span continents but share a common purpose: to make urban life greener, healthier, and more connected. From inclusive play spaces to large-scale restorations and creative community programs, their stories show how imagination and collaboration can turn public space into something extraordinary.Along the way, you’ll also learn how the WUP Awards recognise innovation and leadership across regions, creating a truly global platform for parks and professionals of all kinds.Highlights include:Stories from the 2025 award-winning projects and the people behind themHow the World Urban Parks Awards celebrate leadership, creativity, and impactThe global and regional structure that makes the program accessible to everyoneReflections from Chair Michael Boland on how recognition can inspire a movementWhat cities and park professionals can gain by taking partWhether you work in parks or simply love them, this episode will remind you how powerful a single idea and a single park can be in changing the world.Featured Guests Michael Boland - Chair, World Urban Parks Awards 2025 WUP Award Winners🔗 Learn more about the AwardsFeedback🎧 Give feedback on this episode here.Or if you’d like to share your perspectives or stories about this episode, or contact us for any reason, you can email Maria Burnett (host) and the team at research@worldurbanparks.org. Featured Guests Michael Boland 🔗 LinkedIn 2025 WUP Award Winners 🔗 Learn more about the Awards and Award WinnersAbout PodParksPodParks is the official podcast of World Urban Parks. Hosted by Maria Burnett, each episode shares real stories and bold ideas from the people making parks, public space, and urban nature more inclusive, innovative, and essential.🎙️ Meet the PodParks TeamMaria Burnett | Luis Romahn | Vitoria Martín Delgado |

Dünyanın en dinamik şehirlerinden birinde oyun ve parkların geleceği nasıl şekilleniyor?PodParks’in bu özel bölümünde, sunucu Maria Burnett, peyzaj mimarı, akademisyen ve Landscape Istanbul Fair 2025 ile World Urban Parks Sempozyumunun önde gelen isimlerinden Dr. Ahmet Cemil Tepe ile bir araya geliyor. Birlikte, İstanbul’daki parkları ve kamusal alanları şekillendiren fikirleri—oyuna yönelik yeni yaklaşımlardan, kentsel peyzajlarda inovasyonu ileriye taşıyan küresel iş birliklerine kadar—ele alıyorlar.Bu sohbet, uluslararası uzmanları, tasarımcıları ve düşünce liderlerini dört gün boyunca içgörü, ilham ve bağlantı için bir araya getiren Landscape Istanbul Fair 2025’in (8–11 Ekim 2025) hemen ardından geliyor. Bu yılki etkinlik ayrıca World Urban Parks’ın 10. yılını kutlayarak, kentsel doğa ve yaşanabilir şehirler alanındaki on yıllık küresel liderliğini taçlandırıyor.

What does the future of play and parks look like in one of the world’s most dynamic cities?In this special episode of PodParks, host Maria Burnett sits down with Dr Ahmet Cemil Tepe, a landscape architect, academic, and key figure behind the Landscape Istanbul Fair 2025 and the World Urban Parks Symposium. Together, they explore the ideas shaping parks and public spaces in Istanbul - from new approaches to play to the global collaborations driving innovation in urban landscapes.This conversation follows the Landscape Istanbul Fair 2025 (8–11 October 2025), which brought together international experts, designers, and thought leaders for four days of insight, inspiration, and connection. This year’s event also marks the 10-year anniversary of World Urban Parks, celebrating a decade of leadership in urban nature and liveable cities worldwide.

What happens when we design cities through the eyes of a child?In this inspiring episode of Podparks, host Maria Burnett is joined by Cecilia Vaca Jones, Senior Advisor to the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority and former Executive Director of the Van Leer Foundation, the organisation behind Urban95. A passionate advocate for children’s wellbeing, Cecilia shares how childhood memories, evidence-based policy, and citizen participation can transform urban life.Together, they explore how investing in children creates cities that work better for everyone — from the elderly to families, women, and people with disabilities. Cecilia reflects on her experiences across Ecuador, Abu Dhabi, and beyond, offering practical and hopeful ideas for shaping inclusive, playful, and people-centred cities.Highlights include:How childhood experiences inspire Cecilia’s global work on parks and public spaceWhy designing for babies and children creates inclusive cities for allThe four pillars of child-friendly urban design: proximity, mobility, design, and participationHow public policy must go beyond numbers to focus on behaviours and use of spaceWhy investing in vulnerable communities is key to equity and social cohesionA vision of thriving, playful, sustainable cities in 2040🎧 Listeners are encouraged to add their perspectives: email research@worldurbanparks.org to share your own story or response to the conversation.Featured GuestsCecilia Vaca Jones 🔗 LinkedInAbout PodParksPodParks is the official podcast of World Urban Parks. Hosted by Maria Burnett, each episode shares real stories and bold ideas from the people making parks, public space, and urban nature more inclusive, innovative, and essential.🎙️ Meet the PodParks TeamMaria Burnett | Luis Romahn | Vitoria Martín Delgado | Vladimir Yañez Huehpa | Cynthia Hernández Martínez | Boris Solis🌐 worldurbanparks.org 📱 Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter/X

What do parks look like across the globe, and how do local contexts shape global action?In this special panel episode, host Maria Burnett is joined by four World Urban Parks Regional Committee Chairs: Juan Carlos Acevedo (Latin America), Julia Watson (Africa), Carl McClean (Europe), and Thomas Dixon (Asia Pacific).Together, they explore what it means to represent their regions within a global movement. From cultural traditions to funding challenges, from community voices to ecological priorities, each Chair shares observations from their corner of the world and how those insights connect back to the bigger picture of parks and people everywhere.Highlights include:Why regional committees are vital to World Urban Parks’ global missionHow park priorities vary between regions, countries, and even individualsThe importance of local context when balancing conservation, culture, and community needsWhat it means to be “eyes and ears” for a region rather than speaking for itHow collaboration across regions fuels shared learning and innovation🎧 Listeners are encouraged to add their perspectives: email research@worldurbanparks.org to share your own story or response to the conversation.Featured GuestsJuan Carlos Acevedo – Co-Chair, Latin America Region 🔗 LinkedInJulia Watson – Co-Chair, Africa Region 🔗 LinkedInCarl McClean – Chair, Europe Region 🔗 LinkedInThomas Dixon – Co-Chair, Asia Pacific Region 🔗 LinkedInAbout PodParksPodParks is the official podcast of World Urban Parks. Hosted by Maria Burnett, each episode shares real stories and bold ideas from the people making parks, public space, and urban nature more inclusive, innovative, and essential.🎙️ Meet the PodParks TeamMaria Burnett | Luis Romahn | Vitoria Martín Delgado | Vladimir Yañez Huehpa|  Cynthia Hernández Martínez| Boris Solis🌐 worldurbanparks.org 📱 Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter/X

エピソード概要本エピソードのDeep Diveでは、**World Urban Parks（WUP）**の3つの最新アップデートを紹介します。·   WUPシンポジウム2025（トルコ・イスタンブール）：2025年10月8〜10日開催。会期中にWUPアワードを実施。·   再設計されたWUP公式サイト：より速いナビゲーション、強化された検索、モバイル対応。·   新しい会員向けオンラインコミュニティ：知識共有と国際協働を促進。最後に、2025年12月に欧州で開催予定のハイエナジーなWUPイベントのティーザーもお届けします（詳細は近日公開）。主要ポイント / Takeaways·   イスタンブール2025： WUPシンポジウム（10月8〜10日、イスタンブール・フェア・センター）は、パーク分野のリーダー、プランナー、アドボケイト、研究者、学生が集う世界的ハブ。·   WUPアワード： 世界中から100件超の応募。9月上旬にファイナリストと受賞者を発表予定。·   新ウェブサイト： 「Events → Symposium」「Digital Library」「Blog」「PodParks」「Webinars」への導線がより明確に。検索性が大幅向上し、完全モバイル対応。·   会員コミュニティ： ピアサポート、ワーキンググループ、コラボレーションのためのモダンな場。会員特典・リソースへのアクセスも簡素化。·   今後の予定： 2025年12月・欧州イベント。ネットワーキング、学び、優れた公園のガイドツアーにフォーカス。PodParksについてPodParksはWorld Urban Parksの公式ポッドキャストです。Maria Burnettがホストを務め、各回で、公園・公共空間・アーバンネイチャーをより包摂的・革新的・不可欠な存在にしている人々のリアルなストーリーと大胆なアイデアをお届けします。English:This episode was made possible thanks to the collaboration of World Urban Parks Japan.日本語（Japanese)このエピソードは、World Urban Parks Japanのご協力により実現しました。🎙️ PodParksチームの紹介Maria Burnett | Luis Romahn | Vitoria Martín Delgado | Vladimir Yañez Huehpa|  Cynthia Hernández Martínez| Boris Solis🌐 worldurbanparks.org 📱 Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter/X

En este Deep Dive presentamos tres grandes novedades de World Urban Parks (WUP):WUP Symposium 2025 en Estambul, Turquía (8–10 de octubre), con la ceremonia de los WUP Awards.Un sitio web de WUP totalmente rediseñado, con navegación más rápida, mejor búsqueda y acceso móvil.Una nueva comunidad en línea para miembros, pensada para conectar, compartir conocimiento y colaborar a nivel global.Cerramos con un teaser de un evento WUP en Europa en diciembre de 2025—muy pronto más detalles.Puntos clave / TakeawaysEstambul 2025: El WUP Symposium (8–10 de octubre, Istanbul Fair Centre) será el punto de encuentro global para líderes de parques, planificadores, defensores, académicas/os y estudiantes.WUP Awards en el Symposium: Más de 100 postulaciones recibidas a nivel mundial; finalistas y ganadores se anunciarán a inicios de septiembre.Nuevo sitio web: Rutas más claras hacia Eventos → Symposium, Biblioteca Digital, Blog, PodParks y Webinars, con una búsqueda muy mejorada y experiencia totalmente móvil.Comunidad para miembros: Un espacio moderno para apoyo entre pares, grupos de trabajo y colaboración, con acceso simplificado a beneficios y recursos.En el horizonte: Diciembre 2025 en Europa: evento enfocado en networking, aprendizaje y visitas guiadas a parques destacados.Sobre PodParks PodParks es el pódcast oficial de World Urban Parks. Con la conducción de Maria Burnett, cada episodio comparte historias reales e ideas audaces de quienes hacen que los parques, el espacio público y la naturaleza urbana sean más inclusivos, innovadores y esenciales.🎙️ Conoce al equipo de PodParks Maria Burnett | Luis Romahn | Vitoria Martín Delgado | Vladimir Yañez Huehpa|  Cynthia Hernández Martínez| Boris Solis🌐 worldurbanparks.org 📱 Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter/X

Your WUP Briefing: A New EraEpisode summaryIn this Deep Dive, we unpack three major updates from World Urban Parks (WUP):the WUP Symposium 2025 in Istanbul, Türkiye (Oct 8–10) featuring the WUP Awards;a reimagined WUP website designed for faster navigation, better search, and mobile access; anda new online community platform for members to connect, share knowledge, and collaborate globally. We close with a teaser for a high-energy WUP event in Europe in December 2025—details coming soon.Key highlights / takeawaysIstanbul 2025: The WUP Symposium (Oct 8–10 at Istanbul Fair Centre) is the global meeting point for park leaders, planners, advocates, academics, and students.WUP Awards at the Symposium: Over 100 submissions received worldwide; finalists and winners to be announced in early September.New website: Faster, clearer paths to Events → Symposium, Digital Library, Blog, PodParks, and Webinars, plus a much-improved search and fully mobile-friendly experience.Members’ community: A modern space for peer support, working groups, and collaboration—with simplified access to member benefits and resources.On the horizon: A December 2025 WUP event in Europe focused on networking, learning, and guided visits to standout parks.About PodParksPodParks is the official podcast of World Urban Parks. Hosted by Maria Burnett, each episode shares real stories and bold ideas from the people making parks, public space, and urban nature more inclusive, innovative, and essential.🎙️ Meet the PodParks TeamMaria Burnett | Luis Romahn | Vitoria Martín Delgado | Vladimir Yañez Huehpa|  Cynthia Hernández Martínez| Boris Solis🌐 worldurbanparks.org 📱 Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter/X

What does it take to build a truly global parks movement – and where is World Urban Parks heading next?In part two of our special 10-year anniversary celebration, host Maria Burnett is joined by three leaders shaping the future direction of World Urban Parks: Mark Bowater, Michael Boland, and Hannah Chapman-Carr.Together, they explore the organisation’s strategic vision for the next decade – from equitable access to urban parks, to nurturing emerging leaders and sharing knowledge across continents. Through stories of personal growth, global collaboration, and bold ambition, this episode shows what’s possible when parks are driven by purpose and people.Highlights include:Why social equity and access are at the heart of WUP’s strategic visionWhat leadership and collaboration mean on a global scaleHow emerging professionals are shaping the future of urban parksThe role of advocacy, innovation, and community ownership in the next ten years🎧 If you haven’t yet, listen to Part I to hear from WUP board leaders Jayne Miller and Tim Geyer on how it all began.Featured GuestsMark Bowater – Deputy Chair, World Urban Parks 🔗 Mark Bowater | LinkedInMichael Boland – Co-Chair, Large Urban Parks Committee 🔗 Michael Boland | LinkedInHannah Chapman-Carr – Governance Chair, World Urban Parks 🔗 Hannah Chapman-Carr | LinkedInAbout PodParksPodParks is the official podcast of World Urban Parks. Each episode shares real stories and bold ideas from the people making parks, public space, and urban nature more inclusive, innovative, and essential.🎙️ Meet the PodParks TeamMaria Burnett | Luis Romahn | Vitoria Martín Delgado | Vladimir Yañez Huehpa|  Cynthia Hernández Martínez| Boris Solis🌐 worldurbanparks.org 📱 Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter/X

Have you been listening to PodParks and wondering how World Urban Parks actually came about?As WUP celebrates its tenth birthday, we’re taking you behind the scenes to uncover the story of how a global parks movement was born, and where it might go next.In this special episode, host Maria Burnett speaks with two people who were there from the beginning: Jayne Miller and Tim Geyer. From international collaboration to a shared belief in the value of public space, they reflect on how World Urban Parks grew from an idea into a global network that connects and empowers park leaders around the world.✨ Highlights include:How WUP started, and what nearly stopped itThe importance of building a global voice for urban parksWhat ten years of leadership, collaboration and community have taught usA look ahead to the future of World Urban ParksFeatured GuestsJayne Miller  – Immediate Past Chair of the World Urban Parks Board🔗 Jayne Miller | LinkedInTim Geyer – Chair of the World Urban Parks Board🔗Tim Geyer | LinkedInAbout PodParksPodParks is the official podcast of World Urban Parks. Hosted by Maria Burnett, each episode shares real stories and bold ideas from the people making parks, public space, and urban nature more inclusive, innovative, and essential.🎙️ Meet the PodParks TeamMaria Burnett | Luis Romahn | Vitoria Martín Delgado | Vladimir Yañez Huehpa|  Cynthia Hernández Martínez| Boris Solis🌐 worldurbanparks.org 📱 Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter/X

What if a park wasn’t just a green space, but a catalyst for equity, biodiversity, and long-term resilience?In this episode of PodParks, host Maria Burnett sits down with Michael Boland, renowned landscape architect, strategic advisor, and former Chief Park Officer of the Presidio Trust in San Francisco. With over three decades of experience transforming one of the most innovative urban national parks in the world, Michael shares how clear vision, community leadership, and ecological values can shape the future of our cities.From childhood wonder to global advocacy, this episode explores the philosophy and strategy behind enduring parks, and how large urban parks are uniquely positioned to address the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and social equity.✨ Highlights include:Why access to nature in cities is essential, not a luxuryA behind-the-scenes look at transforming the Presidio from army base to national parkLessons from parks around the world, from Alcatraz to Paris to SydneyThe triple bottom line: people, planet, and financial sustainabilityWorld Urban Parks’ next chapter — and what it means for the global parks community👤 Featured Guest Michael Boland – Strategic Advisor, Landscape Architect, and Co-Chair of the Large Urban Parks Committee at World Urban Parks 🔗 Michael on LinkedInReferenced in this episode:Presidio of San Francisco – A former military post turned urban national parkWorld Urban Parks – Large Urban Parks CommitteeCentennial Parklands, Governor’s Island, Western Sydney Parklands, and moreAbout PodParksPodParks is the official podcast of World Urban Parks. Hosted by Maria Burnett, each episode shares real stories and bold ideas from the people making parks, public space, and urban nature more inclusive, innovative, and essential.🎙️ Meet the PodParks TeamMaria Burnett | Luis Romahn | Vitoria Martín Delgado | Vladimir Yañez Huehpa|  Cynthia Hernández Martínez| Boris SolisWorld Urban Parks🌐 worldurbanparks.org 📱 Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn |...

What happens when green infrastructure isn’t just a design project, but a shared mission across professions?In this episode of PodParks, host Maria Burnett shares conversations recorded at the Green Days 2025 Congress and Expo in Jyväskylä, Finland. The event brought together professionals from planning, design, research, and industry who are all working to create greener cities through collaboration.From landscape ecology and soil networks to garden coaching and cross-industry standards, this episode highlights what becomes possible when we stop working in silos and start creating shared solutions.Highlights include:Soil as the hidden foundation of urban green networksHow private gardens can support public environmental goalsDesigning for seasonal extremes in Nordic citiesTurning academic research into community changeCreating shared standards for long-term successFeatured Conversations🧑‍🏫 Marina Cervera – Barcelona Architectural School Lecturer and practitioner focused on landscape architecture, urbanism, and bridging theory with practice 🔗 LinkedIn | Website🧑‍🔬 Outi Tahvonen – HAMK University of Applied Sciences Research scientist exploring the role of soil, gardens, and community engagement in ecological planning 🔗 LinkedIn | X/Twitter👷‍♂️ Taavi Forssell – Finnish Association of Landscape Industries Executive director leading cross-sector collaboration in the Finnish green industry 🔗 LinkedIn | WebsiteReferenced in this episode:Green Days Congress – annual gathering of Europe’s landscape and planning professionalsFinnish Association of Landscape Industries – collaboration across the green industry value chain in FinlandHAMK University of Applied Sciences – research and applied learning for ecological and community solutionsInterested in attending Green Days 2026?Learn more and stay connected with future events at Green Days CongressAbout PodParksPodParks is the official podcast of World Urban Parks. Hosted by Maria Burnett, each episode shares real stories and bold ideas from the people making parks, public space, and urban nature more inclusive, innovative, and essential.Meet the PodParks TeamAlongside Maria, the podcast is brought to life by a passionate and creative team working together to share stories from around the world: Luis Romahn Vitoria Martín Delgado a...

The 3-30-300 RuleStraight from the source: Maria Burnett sits down with Cecil Konijnendijk, the urban forester behind the world-famous 3-30-300 rule.Together, they unpack how this deceptively simple guideline — 3 trees in view, 30 percent canopy cover, and 300 meters to green space — can reshape urban planning, public health, and social equity.From city streets to forest roots, this is a global idea with deeply personal beginnings and a conversation that might just change how you see the world outside your window.Learn more or connect with Cecil nbsi.eu/3-30-300 Cecil on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cecil-konijnendijk-2038201Questions or feedback Contact Maria Burnett: research@wup.govt.nz Share your thoughts: bit.ly/podparks-feedback Explore more🌿 worldurbanparks.org – Join our online community and become a member🎧 Follow Podparks for more voices shaping the future of urban naturePodcast Episode Notes – Attribution DisclaimerThis podcast episode contains short audio excerpts from publicly available YouTube videos. These clips are used for purposes of commentary, analysis, and discussion under the principles of fair use as defined in Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act.All rights to the original content belong to their respective creators.Featured sources include:•Video Title: "Future cities: Urban planners get creative | DW Documentary" YouTube Channel: "DW Documentary" Search Link: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Future+cities%3A+Urban+planners+get+creative+%7C+DW+Documentary+DW+Documentary•Video Title: "How trees can keep cities cool" YouTube Channel: "CBS TEXAS" Search Link: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=How+trees+can+keep+cities+cool+CBS+TEXAS•Video Title: "Johannesburg plans on growing its urban forest" YouTube Channel: "CGTN Africa" Search Link: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Johannesburg+plans+on+growing+its+urban+forest+CGTN+Africa•Video Title: "Melbourne's Urban Forest Strategy | City of Melbourne" YouTube Channel: "City of Melbourne" Search Link: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Melbourne%27s+Urban+Forest+Strategy+%7C+City+of+Melbourne+City+of+Melbourne•Video Title: "Saudi Arabia Insane Plan to Turn its Desert into Green Paradise" YouTube Channel: "Civil Mentors" Search Link: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Saudi+Arabia+Insane+Plan+to+Turn+its+Desert+into+Green+Paradise+Civil+Mentors•Video Title: "Statewide Urban Forest Map Aims To Help Cities Close Gaps In Tree Cover" YouTube Channel: "WTIU & WFIU - Indiana Public Media" Search Link: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Statewide+Urban+Forest+Map+Aims+To+Help+Cities+Close+Gaps+In+Tree+Cover+WTIU+%26+WFIU+-+Indiana+Public+Media•Video Title: "Students adding to tree canopy" YouTube Channel: "CTV News" Search Link: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Students+adding+to+tree+canopy+CTV+News•Video Title: "The Importance of a Tree Canopy" YouTube Channel: "CuyahogaCounty" Search Link: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=The+Importance+of+a+Tree+Canopy+CuyahogaCounty•Video Title: "The cooling effects of urban tree canopies" YouTube Channel: "CBC British Columbia" Search Link:...

What if the greenest part of a city was its rooftops?In this episode of Podparks, Maria Burnett speaks with Oliver Hanna from ZinCo about how green roofs are transforming cities - from cooling buildings and managing stormwater to supporting biodiversity and urban life. Recorded at FutureScape in Riyadh, this is a grounded, global conversation for planners, designers, and anyone curious about greener futures.Mentioned Projects:High Line, NYCCopenHill, CopenhagenAl Shaheed Park, KuwaitStavros Niarchos Centre, AthensConnect with Oliver and ZinCo:Oliver Hanna – LinkedInZinCo – LinkedIn | Instagram | FacebookExplore more:worldurbanparks.org – global conversations on parks, public space, and urban nature

What if a bench was more than just a bench?In this episode of Podparks, host Maria Burnett sits down with Daniela Bertino, international development lead for Agoramakers, for a lively, unfiltered conversation about public space, beauty, and belonging. From benches turned skateparks to lighting that shapes how we feel in a city, Daniela shares stories and reflections from a career spent helping cities design for people.Recorded in the Middle East with laughter, background ambience, and spontaneity intact, this episode explores how design can foster dignity, inclusion and joy. Beauty in public space is not just nice to have. It is deeply meaningful. One highlight is a story about a dancer in Paris who transforms a simple lighting pole into a stage. It's a powerful reminder that when we design with care and creativity, people will find their own ways to bring public spaces to life. Daniela also reflects on movements like guerrilla gardening, where everyday citizens reclaim forgotten urban corners and turn them into vibrant green pockets of community care.Topics include:Why benches, bins and lighting matter more than we thinkDesigning for emotional impact, not just functionStories from Italy, Colombia and the GulfCreating places that are safe, welcoming and built to lastSustainability, accessibility and unexpected uses of public designThe intersection of culture, community and creativity in urban space🔗 Links and ResourcesDaniela BertinoDaniela on LinkedInMetalcoLinkedInFacebookInstagramEclatecLinkedInFacebookInstagram🎥 Lighting pole as stage: Iya Traoré in ParisWatch on YouTube🌍 Become a World Urban Parks memberJoin here

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 equityTogether, 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 #ParksForTheFutureMentioned 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 SolutionsTogether, 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.comExplore Deborah’s firm at felixwith2xs.nlConnect 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