Welcome to World Urban Parks! 

World Urban Parks is the international representative body for the urban parks, open space and recreation sector.  It would be an understatement to say that it is an exciting time to be working on urban parks at a global scale. We have done quite a lot, yet the process has shown us that much more remains to be done. The world urban population will double from 3.5 billion to over 7.0 billion in the next 40 years. This means that half of the communities that will exist within the lifetime of our children have not been built yet. This represents a magnificent opportunity as well as an enormous responsibility to support the development of parks and open spaces as critical elements in creating vibrant cities and healthy communities where all citizens can live healthier and happier lives.

At a time when urban growth will see 70 percent of the world’s population living in urban areas by 2050, sharing knowledge and providing a collective voice for people and organisations leading or involved in urban parks, green city, conservation, recreation, sport, health and related outcomes is vital. Together we want to build healthy, liveable and sustainable communities.

We look forward to working with you to achieve our purpose.

Yours truly,

Jayne Miller - Chair of World Urban Parks

Member Benefits!

• Advocating for access to urban parks, open spaces and recreation and promoting conservation and effective management of natural and cultural values to create healthy, liveable and sustainable communities and a healthy planet

• Providing global research and experience demonstrating the health and social benefits of urban parks and making the case for more funding

• Forming a strategic international 'think-tank' or group of respectful individuals to credibly advance and advocate for the cause of urban parks

• Partnering with like-minded global bodies and sectors to speak with a unified voice to advance common agendas and ensure parks are recognised as an essential city-building tool

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• In addition to Organisation Members information
• Facilitating specialised education and training, including by webinar
• World Parks Academy International professional development, certification and credentialing
• Great international network support, standing committee and working group roles; advancing young professionals

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• Advocating and supporting common causes and issues internationally, nationally and on behalf of organisations
• Facilitating international networking, project collaboration, study tours, peer reviews, staff exchange and consultancy, and bringing government, businesses, and communities together
• Accessing the latest international data and information on urban park issues, actions and efficiencies through conferences and seminars, collaborative research studies, policy development, a knowledge hub and e-communications translatable into many languages
• Setting international standards and providing bench-marking services and awards to drive and recognise excellence in city liveability and sustainability, and organisational and community leading practices
• Coordinating and facilitating international programs and events
• Strengthening national associations through member discounts, brokering speakers and world conference status, promoting and expanding services, and assisting the formation of new national associations
• World Urban Parks endorsement and promotion of quality services and products by organisations and groups

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Our Value Proposition

This means...

• Everyone is a leader
• Everyone has a role
• You can learn by being a part of the network
• You can contribute
• You can make a difference
• You can feel supported

Our Purpose

This Means...

• Making a difference
• Sharing knowledge
• Being the solution

What we do!

A Global voice supporting the value and benefits of parks and the industry through academic research, science and unity.

Advocacy »

World-class communities, organisations, and professionals recognised for high standards and efficiencies through congresses, bench-marking, awards and certifications.

Best Practices »

Resolving issues and increasing knowledge and capacity through diverse networks of colleagues and partnerships.

Collaboration »

This Means...

World Urban Parks influences at an international and local level in direct support of its members whether setting global standards, advocating the benefits of urban parks, open space and recreation or supporting a funding bid, a campaign, or professional development.

Member Insights! 

"Forming and maintaining mutually beneficial relations, and interacting internationally, is a paramount importance in the horticultural fraternity. Interacting succors members by sharing experiences, knowledge, relevant information and contacts with other networking members by establishing sustained partnerships. World Urban Parks is consequently an imperative role-player, especially in the African Continent!"

-Emmanuel Maphorogo, Parks Manager, Johannesburg City Parks, South Africa

"We are a long way from most folks and culling the best ideas from around the world is a great way to not waste money reinventing the proverbial wheel and that's the best political sell of all!" 

-Anne Charlton, Retired Director of Parks, City of Calgary, Canada

"Developed countries with reduced budgets, developing countries with high population growth - all need information, best practice, and benchmarking to resolve these common concerns and challenges. We want to push forward with the good parks development learned from a variety of efforts from around the world."

-Kenzo Oguchi, Executive Director, Park and Recreation Foundation, Tokyo, Japan