The past few years have affirmed the importance of parks for our physical and mental well-being. The healing power of parks, however, goes beyond personal health. Public greenspaces are also where community bonds are formed, diverse ideas are experienced, and where cultural enrichment flourishes. We also look to parks to heal and strengthen the urban environment—to manage stormwater, reduce flooding, cool and filter the air, and provide natural habitat. At Park Pride’s 2023 Parks & Greenspace Conference (taking place on Monday, March 27 at the Atlanta Botanical Garden), we’ll discuss all this and more while exploring “The Healing Power of Parks.”

SOURCE: Saporta Report

In Park Pride’s final contribution to Saporta Report’s “People, Places, and Parks” for the year, Park Pride’s Michael Halicki reflects on why 2022 is the most memorable during his tenure as Executive Director. Through all the accomplishments of the past year, Park Pride laid a solid foundation upon which we’ll continue to build into 2023 and beyond, advancing our mission to engage communities to activate the power of parks.

SOURCE: Saporta Report

“This is a community space: envisioned by community, championed by community, and then built by the community.” Dr. Mironda Williams, granddaughter of Ms. Mattie Freeland. This simple yet powerful statement cuts to the heart of what makes Mattie Freeland Park so special and why Park Pride is committed to making great parks accessible to all. Read more in this month’s contribution to Saporta Report by Park Pride’s Director of Communications & Policy, Rachel Maher.

SOURCE: Saporta Report

A once-vacant lot nestled in the English Avenue neighborhood now has a new life as a City of Atlanta park. On Thursday, Oct. 27, city officials, community leaders and park advocates gathered to celebrate the opening of Mattie Freeland Park on the city’s Westside.

SOURCE: Saporta Report

At Park Pride, we are motivated by the philosophy of the power of parks. That is “When parks meet the needs and reflect the unique character of the communities they serve, they are welcoming places for all members of the community to gather, play, relax, and connect with nature, encouraging mental and physical health and enhancing the resilience of our neighborhoods.” What is meant by parks have the power to enhance the resilience of our neighborhoods? In this month’s contribution to the Saporta Report, Park Pride’s Director of Communications and Policy, Rachel Maher, reflects on this question through the lessons learned at the Regional Leadership Institute.

SOURCE: Saporta Report