45. The People, Projects and Parks Changing the World: WUP Awards 2025
Description
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 them
- How the World Urban Parks Awards celebrate leadership, creativity, and impact
- The global and regional structure that makes the program accessible to everyone
- Reflections from Chair Michael Boland on how recognition can inspire a movement
- What cities and park professionals can gain by taking part
Whether 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
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.
Featured Guests
Michael Boland
2025 WUP Award Winners
🔗 Learn more about the Awards and Award Winners
About PodParks
PodParks 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 Team
Maria Burnett | Luis Romahn | Vitoria Martín Delgado | Vladimir Yañez Huehpa| Cynthia Hernández Martínez| Boris Solis
United States
