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Special Invitation from the Ambassador
Gil Penalosa
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Hello <<First Name>>,
I hope this email finds you well.
In these difficult times, the critical role parks and green spaces play in healthy liveable cities cannot be overstated. Readily available and accessible urban parks and green space are fundamental to an active healthy lifestyle, with the health benefits being both physical and mental wellbeing.
This is why the work of the World Urban Parks organisation is more important than ever. And we, as a collective, have the opportunity to significantly shape a healthier future for cities worldwide, in a post Covid-19 world.
With this in mind, as former chair and current ambassador, I am writing to you with some important updates and calls to action.
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Mr. Gil Penalosa, Ambassador of World Urban Parks
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Join an Advocacy Committee: World Urban Park’s Advocacy Portfolio Objective is to be a global voice supporting the value and benefits of parks, open space and recreation and the industry through science and unity.
To further this objective, World Urban Parks has five advocacy committees that work on diverse initiatives, to create greener and more livable communities.
- Children Play & Nature
- Climate Change & Resilience
- Healthy Parks, Healthy Cities
- Large Urban Parks
- Older Adults & Parks
I invite you to have a different member of staff from your organization participate in each of the World Urban Parks committees, based on their subject matter expertise. These committees are a great way to connect with international colleagues and work together towards our common goals.
This will allow your organization to maximize the value of your membership in World Urban Parks, including international networking, access to peer-reviewed research, exploration of case studies from real-life park projects and collaboration on initiatives at a global scale.
It does not take much time for a member and the benefits can benefit much, the person and the organization. Committees meet via web conference just 4 - 6 times a year. For more information on each committee, please click here. To appoint a staff member from your organization to a committee, please contact the Secretariat Coordinator, Ben Jonnah at office@worldurbanparks.org for more information.
Organizational Update: After almost 3 years as Chair and now Ambassador of World Urban Parks, I have also taken on the role of Lead Co-Chair of the Older Adults & Parks Advocacy committee, with Dr Mary Worrall as my esteemed Co-Chair. I thank Tim Geyer for his commitment as over the past few years. Tim will stay on as a member of the Older Adults committee and as Co-Chair of the Asia Pacific Regional committee.
Older adults is one third of people’s lives. Unfortunately, by age, this is the segment with lowest use or urban parks in most countries, including North America. Clearly there is a problem when it’s also the period of life when people have more time to go to the parks. I feel strongly that we can contribute much to having healthier and happier lives. The committee presents a wonderful opportunity to learn from each and contribute to these objectives at the neighborhood, city, national and international level.
I would also personally like to extend an invitation to join the Older Adults & Parks Advocacy committee. Our Committee Objectives are:
- To foster and engage an international network related to Older Adults and Parks, and to exchange knowledge and experience
- To engage in and utilize any relevant activity such as conferences, seminars, research, databases, peer reviews, technical visits, working parties, staff exchange etc.to further the exchange of knowledge pertaining to Older Adults and Parks.
- To advocate at international, regional and local levels, targeting Government/policy makers, professional designers and the wider community, in reference to Older Adults and Parks.
- To represent and lead the network of organisations and people interested in the committee outcomes
I am excited about the work we have ahead of us, as more than ever before, urban parks will be instrumental in ensuring positive health outcomes for all citizens, and especially, Older Adults!
Here’s a preview of what some of what we’re working on:
- Research Database: As part of a collaboration with the WHO through its Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities, we are conducting research and establishing a database of evidence to demonstrate the physical and mental health benefits of accessible unban parks and greenspace. This data is important to support the work of the Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities. The database will be open access available to all WUP and WHO affiliates and member organisations.
- Webinar series: The committee will establish an ongoing series of webinars, focusing on Older Adults and Parks, highlighting different countries and cultures across the globe. In May 2019, the Older Adults and Parks committee launched its first Webinar based on the “Creating Parks and Public Spaces for People of All Ages: A Step-by-Step Guide”. The guide is an exciting new resource for community leaders and residents who are interested in building more inclusive public spaces. The webinar is available for free viewing at the World Parks Academy.
Our next meeting is May 28th, 2020. I encourage you to appoint a colleague from your organization to join!
I believe in the power of this organization to achieve our shared mission to promote and support the provision, effective management and use of urban parks, open space and recreation world-wide as an integral contribution to healthy communities connected to the natural world.
Wishing you all good health,
Sincerely,
Gil (Guillermo) Penalosa MBA PhDhc CSP
World Urban Parks Ambassador
8 80 Cities Founder & Chair
Toronto, CANADA
gpenalosa@880cities.org
+1 416 399 2550
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