207 – Repurposed and Unexpected Parks and Rec – When Space is Limited, Where Can Communities Play?

As available land becomes scarce and budgets continue to shrink, the development of parks becomes increasingly challenging. In high-density urban areas where infill development is prevalent, it can be nearly impossible to find any open space at all. Yet, park space is essential, and communities across the country recognize new and innovative opportunities to deliver parks that fit within any size of footprint or budget. From pocket parks to pop-up plazas, collaborations with private entities, or the repurposing of nonpark-related facilities, there are various ways to reassess and repurpose public spaces to create inclusive, equitable, and adaptable destinations in our ever-changing environment. Join Raine Gardner, PE, and Shannon Gapp, AICP, on a journey of exploration and discovery, with ideas about transforming overlooked public spaces into public centerpieces enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.
Learning Outcomes:
- See examples of the types of parks and recreational amenities that can be integrated into small and large open/community spaces and the benefits these amenities can provide.
- Learn how to be more inclusive in planning for parks.