World Urban Parks looks to offer increased member opportunities

World Urban Parks has advised its stakeholders of “important new directions” and significantly increased opportunities for its members.

World Urban Parks is the international body that champions urban park outcomes for city liveability, place-making, conservation and access, and provides strong membership services by connecting, leveraging and supporting diverse memberships across the international urban parks, open space and recreation community and allied sectors.

With a vision, ‘World Parks Leaders Grow Here’, it aims to highlight how parks and open spaces make the world a better place with its members ready to help each other.

The organisation recently released a Strategic Directions Statement that outlines how it will achieve its vision and how it is contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

In a communication to members and stakeholders, World Urban Parks Chief Executive, Neil McCarthy wrote “we have also reaffirmed our commitment to our Vision through our Value Statement which outlines the value of being active member of World Urban Parks.

“The benefits of membership have grown significantly over the last two years and will grow further through new programs such as Peer reviews and Expert Advice and Exchange programs and expanded Awards and professional certification and training opportunities (and) we have also expanded our conferences and webinars.

“The importance of making a difference is a central theme of leadership and World Urban Parks (and) understanding the world and the changes that are occurring, provides a foundation for action and making a difference.

“The recent news regarding the pending closure of the UK's highly successful Heritage Lottery Fund, reminded me of this challenge, where we assume that this will not happen to my parks, open space or greenspace.

“However, in this same country we are seeing the emergence of new ideas and concepts such as the National Park City, which is shaping the way we think about the future and how we provide parks. It is this leadership, where individuals step up to contribute to making a difference. It is the reason why I have been so committed to helping all cities to make a difference by just participating and showing support.”

For more information on World Urban Parks, including further benefits and members discounts for conferences, go to www.worldurbanparks.org

Image of Sydney's Centennial Parklands used for illustrative purposes only.