Conference Schedule

Greater & Greener is a bit different than other conferences. We curate the agenda to maximize networking, small group conversations, and hands-on experiences. Be sure to take time to review the schedule and map out your experience before entering the registration portal. Don’t forget to select backups as some sessions are capacity limited.

Pro-tips for easy registration!

Read about the session types and the waitlist process to help curate your experience.

Watch the Make the Most of Your Registration and How to Register a Group videos.

Register by April 7 to lock in the lowest rates with Early Bird pricing. Rates increase on April 8.

Need help?

For questions regarding your City Parks Alliance membership, including any issues you may experience with registering, email membership@cityparksalliance.org.

For all other Greater & Greener questions, email coordinator@greatergreener.org.

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  • 3:00 PM-​8:00 PM

    Registration

    Registration services for Greater & Greener participants and guests. If you are participating in a Saturday weekend tour, we recommend you pick up your creden…

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  • 8:00 AM-​8:00 PM

    Registration

    Registration services for Greater & Greener participants and guests. If you are participating in a Sunday weekend tour, we recommend you pick up your credenti…

  • 8:00 AM-​1:00 PM
    Weekend Tour

    Boating and Birding in Seattle’s Magnificent Old-Growth Forest

    Explore an old-growth forest right in the middle of Seattle and learn about the history, nature, and partnerships that make Seward Park a regional attraction.&…

  • 9:00 AM-​3:30 PM
    Weekend Tour

    Ballard Locks Kayak Tour

    Gain a fresh perspective on a beloved local treasure with this kayak tour through the Ballard Locks, which were designed to prevent saltwater intrusion from Pu…

  • 9:00 AM-​2:00 PM
    Weekend Tour

    Farm to Table: An Exploration of Historic Tollgate Farm and Nearby Growers

    Join leaders from the Trust for Public Land (TPL) as they take a group through the Tollgate Farm in North Bend just east of downtown Seattle. This space has a …

  • 9:00 AM-​2:00 PM
    Weekend Tour

    From Mountain Forests to Faucets: Collaborative Conservation in a Changing Climate

    Our increasingly hot, dry summers increase demand for water for spray parks, pools, and wading pools and prompt watering restrictions for park landscapes. The …

  • 10:00 AM-​2:30 PM
    Weekend Tour

    Pacific Northwest Public Gardens

    On this tour, visit two of the Pacific Northwest’s most spectacular public gardens made possible through public-private partnerships: the Olmsted-designed Wash…

  • 10:00 AM-​1:30 PM
    Weekend Tour

    Discover Discovery Park

    Join us on a walking tour of Seattle's largest park (534 acres) and the city’s crown jewel, with natural areas featuring majestic bluffs overlooking Puget Soun…

  • 11:00 AM-​3:00 PM
    Weekend Tour

    Food Desert to Festival: Seattle’s Approach to Food Justice and Celebrate Juneteenth

    Many communities of color at the lowest end of the socio-economic scale live in food deserts, and finding culturally relevant food choices can be an additional…

  • 12:00 PM-​4:00 PM
    Weekend Tour

    #SeattleShines with the Superintendent AP Diaz

    With Seattle Parks and Recreation’s Superintendent AP Diaz as your guide, visit some of the Emerald City’s most iconic spots that clearly show why #SeattleShin…

  • 1:00 PM-​5:00 PM
    Weekend Tour

    Bicycle the Olmsted-Designed Lake Washington Boulevard

    Enjoy the gorgeous Lake Washington Boulevard, Seward Park, and other smaller parks by bike. The boulevard is the longest and most scenic of Seattle’s Olmsted-d…

  • 1:00 PM-​5:00 PM
    Weekend Tour

    Marymoor Park to Eastlake Sammamish Trail Tour

    Begin at Marymoor Park, the jewel of King County parks, and see the wide variety of park amenities and activities available to visitors at this popular 640-acr…

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  • 8:00 AM-​7:00 PM

    Registration

    Registration services for Greater & Greener participants. If you are participating in a Sunday weekend tour, we recommend you pick up your credentials during …

  • 8:00 AM-​12:00 PM
    Weekend Tour

    Wetlands and Wildlife Canoe Tour

    Experience Lake Washington’s largest contiguous freshwater wetlands via canoe and learn how the City of Bellevue, a “City in a Park,” embraces our natural envi…

  • 9:00 AM-​1:00 PM
    Weekend Tour

    Beaches for Miles: West Seattle Water and Bike Tour

    West Seattle has some of the best beach parks in the city, boasting magnificent views of the Olympic Mountains, Puget Sound, and the Seattle city skyline. Thes…

  • 9:00 AM-​1:00 PM
    Weekend Tour

    From Swords to Plowshares: Warren G. Magnuson Park

    Discover Magnuson Park, Seattle’s second largest park at 350 acres, and learn about its transformation from a U.S. Naval Base into a dynamic, complex ecosystem…

  • 9:00 AM-​1:00 PM
    Weekend Tour

    Row, Row, Row in the Emerald City

    Come to Green Lake, Seattle's most-visited park and an Olmsted-designed gem, to take a rowing lesson from the staff at the Green Lake Small Craft Center. Rowin…

  • 9:30 AM-​2:00 PM
    Special Event

    Volunteer Service Day

    Lend a hand in making a lasting difference for children of all ages at the T.T. Minor Playground during Greater & Greener’s Volunteer Service Day. T.T…

  • 10:00 AM-​2:00 PM
    Weekend Tour

    Come One, Come All, Come Play Pickleball

    Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America, and its birthplace is right here in Washington State! Seattle Parks and Recreation staffers challenge begin…

  • 10:00 AM-​1:00 PM
    Weekend Tour

    East to West: Discovering Downtown Seattle Park by Park

    Tour several parks in downtown Seattle, each filling a unique niche in the history and culture of the Emerald City. Start at Yesler Terrace Park, a collaborati…

  • 10:30 AM-​12:00 PM
    Sunday Seminar

    The Future of Downtown Parks and Public Spaces

    In these increasingly disruptive and divisive times, many of our downtowns have lost their former vitality as people continue to work remotely more often than …

  • 11:30 AM-​3:00 PM
    Weekend Tour

    Food and Tasting Tour of Seattle’s Central District

    Stroll through Seattle’s historic Central District on a neighborhood walking food tour where eating is discovering!Immerse yourself, eat, and drink what the lo…

  • 12:00 PM-​4:00 PM
    Weekend Tour

    Destruction, Construction, and Revitalization: Seattle’s Waterfront Reimagined

    Tour the new and improved Seattle Waterfront to see the remarkable changes that have occurred after over a decade of planning and design. Construction began wi…

  • 12:00 PM-​4:00 PM
    Weekend Tour

    By Land and By Sea: Exploring the History of Seattle’s Lake Union

    Explore the diverse natural, cultural, and economic history of Lake Union (known in Lushootseed as Ha-ah-chu), as we hike and sail around the heart of Seattle'…

  • 12:00 PM-​4:00 PM
    Weekend Tour

    Recycled Parkland Bike Adventure

    Recycling is good for the environment, but recycled parkland is great for us all! On this tour, we will cycle to three of Seattle’s most notable parks, which t…

  • 12:00 PM-​4:00 PM
    Weekend Tour

    Next Gen Recreation: An Augmented Reality Adventure through Carkeek Park

    With the aid of augmented reality (AR) via the Agents of Discovery mobile app, this tour will take participants on a “mission” custom-designed for Greater &…

  • 1:00 PM-​4:00 PM
    Skill-Building Workshop

    Using Data to Create Equitable Park Investment Strategies

    As park leaders, we know the tremendous benefits of parks and open spaces to physical and mental health, local economies, climate resilience, and community con…

  • 6:30 PM-​9:00 PM
    Special Event

    Opening Reception

    Seattle’s waterfront is in the midst of a dramatic transformation, and Pier 62 is the inaugural site of the city’s future Waterfront Park. With the demolition …

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  • 6:00 AM-​7:30 AM
    Networking Event

    Walk & Talk: South Lake Union and Amazon Spheres

    Join a City Parks Alliance Board Member and fellow attendees on an informal walk to a local park. While this is not a guided tour of a specific park, it's an o…

  • 6:00 AM-​7:30 AM
    Networking Event

    Walk & Talk: The Seattle Waterfront

    Join a City Parks Alliance Board Member and fellow attendees on an informal walk to a local park. While this is not a guided tour of a specific park, it's an o…

  • 7:00 AM-​7:00 PM

    Registration

    Registration services for Greater & Greener participants.

  • 7:30 AM-​8:30 AM

    Coffee & Tea Service

    Join us early for some fresh brewed coffee and tea.

  • 8:30 AM-​9:05 AM
    General Session

    Welcome and Opening Remarks

    Join us for the official start of Greater & Greener, with a welcome from City Parks Alliance Executive Director Catherine Nagel and our host city of Seattl…

  • 9:05 AM-​10:00 AM
    Keynote

    Keynote

    Our keynote speakers will set the stage for Greater & Greener 2024 with a focus on how the federal government can support more equitable, sustainable, and …

  • 10:00 AM-​10:45 AM

    Networking Break

    Refresh and reinvigorate yourself, and discover our exhibitors' wonderful products and services in the Exhibition Hall.

  • 10:45 AM-​12:00 PM
    Topical Peer Conversation

    The Role of Elected Officials in Building and Expanding Parks

    What are the roles of elected officials such as mayors and councilmembers in park funding decisions, and how can parks practitioners better work with them? Thi…

    Track  Equitable and Sustainable Park Funding
  • 10:45 AM-​12:00 PM
    Panel Dialogue

    Power Sharing and Community-Driven Design for Parks

    What is "power-sharing" and how can it take the concept of community engagement to the next level in park partnerships? This panel dialogue will discuss t…

    Track  Inclusive Parks and Public Spaces
  • 10:45 AM-​12:00 PM
    Panel Dialogue

    Recognizing and Reclaiming Public Space as Indigenous Land

    This panel dialogue will discuss collaborative efforts that showcase innovative placekeeping initiatives to strengthen Indigenous connections with land and wat…

    Track  Inclusive Parks and Public Spaces
  • 10:45 AM-​12:00 PM
    Panel Dialogue

    Creating Jobs, Developing Skills, and Fostering Ownership in Parks and Public Spaces

    This panel dialogue will highlight parks-related workforce development programs with the potential to transform communities. Panelists will discuss the challen…

    Track  Parks, Recreation, Health, and Wellbeing
  • 10:45 AM-​12:00 PM
    Panel Dialogue

    Partnering with Medical Districts for Placemaking and Public Health

    Clusters of anchor institutions such as hospitals and healthcare facilities offer natural partners for parks practitioners to collaborate with to create, manag…

    Track  Parks, Recreation, Health, and Wellbeing
  • 10:45 AM-​12:00 PM
    Panel Dialogue

    The Duwamish Valley Resilience District: Collaborating on Sea-Level Adaptation Infrastructure

    The Duwamish Valley Resilience District is located in the South Park and Georgetown neighborhoods of Seattle on the Duwamish River, which is home to the tradit…

    Track  Parks and a Changing Climate
  • 10:45 AM-​12:00 PM
    Innovation Round

    Funding Community-Initiated Projects

    In this Innovation Round, participants will learn about unique approaches to funding community-led initiatives and discuss strategies for finding additional su…

    Track  Equitable and Sustainable Park Funding
  • 10:45 AM-​12:00 PM
    Topical Peer Conversation

    Greenway Maintenance for Climate Resilience

    How can we ensure that our parks and green spaces are properly maintained while also taking into account extreme climate impacts? In this Peer Conversation, di…

    Track  Parks and a Changing Climate
  • 10:45 AM-​12:00 PM
    Topical Peer Conversation

    The Imperfect Challenge of Diverting Waste in Parks

    Recycling and composting in parks present significant challenges. Unlike in buildings, controlling the situation outdoors is difficult, and parks agencies must…

    Track  Parks and a Changing Climate
  • 10:45 AM-​12:00 PM
    Cohort Peer Conversation

    The Legacy and Continued Relevance of Olmsted Parks

    Join this Peer Conversation to hear about the legacy of Olmsted parks across the country and how their leaders are working towards inclusivity. It will focus o…

    Track  Inclusive Parks and Public Spaces
  • 10:45 AM-​12:00 PM
    Topical Peer Conversation

    Inclusive Engagement in Brownfield-to-Park Transformations

    Brownfields – abandoned or underutilized sites suspected to be contaminated (usually due to historical industry presence and transportation infrastructure) -- …

    Track  Parks, Recreation, Health, and Wellbeing
  • 10:45 AM-​12:00 PM
    Cohort Peer Conversation

    Workforce & Volunteer Partnerships for Urban Forestry

    It’s a dynamic time for urban forestry, where its many benefits are being recognized through increased funding opportunities across the country. Join this…

    Track  Parks and a Changing Climate
  • 10:45 AM-​12:00 PM
    Cohort Peer Conversation

    Data-Informed Decision Making for Equitable Park Funding

    Join this Peer Conversation about how agencies and partners are leveraging data for more equitable funding decisions. Discussion leaders will share exampl…

    Track  Equitable and Sustainable Park Funding
  • 10:45 AM-​12:00 PM
    Cohort Peer Conversation

    The Roles of Citywide Park Non-Profits

    Join other leaders from individual park nonprofits or conservancies for a private, collegial peer-to-peer conversation on pertinent topics for those leading an…

    Track  Equitable and Sustainable Park Funding
  • 12:00 PM-​1:30 PM
    Networking Event

    Walk & Talk: Seattle Center

    Join a City Parks Alliance Board Member and fellow attendees on an informal walk to a local park. While this is not a guided tour of a specific park, it's an o…

  • 12:00 PM-​1:30 PM
    Networking Event

    Walk & Talk: Victor Steinbrueck & Pike Place Market

    Join a City Parks Alliance Board Member and fellow attendees on an informal walk to a local park. While this is not a guided tour of a specific park, it's an o…

  • 12:00 PM-​1:30 PM
    Networking Event

    Walk & Talk: Westlake

    Join a City Parks Alliance Board Member and fellow attendees on an informal walk to a local park. While this is not a guided tour of a specific park, it's an o…

  • 12:00 PM-​1:30 PM
    Networking Event

    Walk & Talk: Denny Park and Amazon Spheres

    Join a City Parks Alliance Board Member and fellow attendees on an informal walk to a local park. While this is not a guided tour of a specific park, it's an o…

  • 1:30 PM-​2:15 PM
    Networking Event

    Networking Break & Ice Cream Social

    We hope you left room for ice cream! After lunch, return to the Exhibition Hall for additional time with our exhibitors and our popular ice cream social.

  • 2:15 PM-​5:15 PM
    Mobile Workshop

    The Evolution of Green Space in Seattle’s Tech Town

    The workshop will highlight Seattle's distinctive approach to balancing the demands for economic development, parks and open space, historic preservation, and …

    Track  Inclusive Parks and Public Spaces
    Theme  Community Engagement   Design Solutions
  • 2:15 PM-​5:15 PM
    Mobile Workshop

    Giving Voice to Artists through Parks and Community Engagement

    This workshop explores how art is crucial in empowering individuals to understand their communities better. Beyond its intrinsic value, art enhances the liveli…

    Track  Inclusive Parks and Public Spaces
    Theme  Community Engagement   Resilience   The Year 2020
  • 2:15 PM-​5:15 PM
    Mobile Workshop

    Urban Community Agriculture: Connecting Food to Land and Restoring Urban Habitat

    The first stop of this mobile workshop is Kubota Garden and Natural Area, where you can explore the history of this Japanese American garden and its surroundin…

    Track  Parks, Recreation, Health, and Wellbeing
    Theme  Community Engagement   Design Solutions   Resilience
  • 2:15 PM-​5:15 PM
    Mobile Workshop

    Community Resiliency: Environmental Justice along the Duwamish River

    This walking mobile workshop will explore the South Park Neighborhood along the banks of the Duwamish River, Seattle’s only river, for a walking tour of recent…

    Track  Parks and a Changing Climate
    Theme  Community Engagement   Resilience
  • 2:15 PM-​5:15 PM
    Mobile Workshop

    Mountain Biking in the City: How Residents Transformed a Community Green Space

    This mobile workshop will take attendees to Cheasty Greenspace, a 43+ acre forest. The project is a collaborative effort with Community leaders from Friends of…

    Track  Parks, Recreation, Health, and Wellbeing
    Theme  Community Engagement   Design Solutions
  • 2:15 PM-​5:15 PM
    Mobile Workshop

    Seattle’s Northwest Parks & Boulevards: Olmsted’s Park System Expansion

    This mobile workshop highlights northwest Seattle's parks and boulevards, tracing the historic legacy of the Olmsted Brothers’ work here. Beginning with the bo…

    Track  Parks, Recreation, Health, and Wellbeing
    Theme  Community Engagement   Design Solutions
  • 2:15 PM-​5:15 PM
    Mobile Workshop

    Green Stormwater Infrastructure in Parks

    Explore the synergy of green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) in four unique spaces. This workshop will highlight strategies to unlock the potential of Green St…

    Track  Parks and a Changing Climate
    Theme  Design Solutions   Resilience
  • 2:15 PM-​5:15 PM
    Mobile Workshop

    Pathways Park: Demonstrating the Power of Diversity and Nature

    Explore the newly opened Pathways Park, a park that began with a dream to build a space that celebrates the power of diversity and nature.Meet the community or…

    Track  Inclusive Parks and Public Spaces
    Theme  Community Engagement   Design Solutions
  • 2:15 PM-​5:15 PM
    Mobile Workshop

    Walking on Water: Creating Parks over Reservoirs

    Explore Seattle's innovative transformation of open-air reservoirs into stunning parks, a trend initiated in the early 2000s, downstream of Cedar River and Tol…

    Track  Parks, Recreation, Health, and Wellbeing
    Theme  Community Engagement   Design Solutions
  • 2:15 PM-​5:00 PM
    Panel Dialogue

    Federal Funding Opportunities for Parks: Green Space, Recreation, Trails, and Resiliency

    Learn about federal funding sources (DOI/NPS, DOT, HUD, EPA, FEMA) that support urban parks, greenspace, recreation facilities, and playgrounds. Officials from…

    Track  Equitable and Sustainable Park Funding
  • 2:15 PM-​3:30 PM
    Topical Peer Conversation

    Decarbonizing Public Agencies and Park Systems

    Design standards for most American Parks Departments are influenced by operational costs and user expectations, which, unfortunately, have resulted in high-car…

    Track  Parks and a Changing Climate
  • 2:15 PM-​3:30 PM
    Panel Dialogue

    Parks and Climate Justice

    This panel dialogue will discuss the role parks can play in addressing climate challenges and promoting community resilience in the context of environmental ju…

    Track  Parks and a Changing Climate
  • 2:15 PM-​3:30 PM
    Cohort Peer Conversation

    Running While Black

    Join endurance athlete, activist, and mental health advocate Alison Mariella Désir and City Parks Alliance Co-Chair Mitchell Silver (formerly planning director…

    Track  Inclusive Parks and Public Spaces
  • 2:15 PM-​3:30 PM
    Cohort Peer Conversation

    Power Sharing with Community-based Organizations: Lessons from the P3 Cohort

    People, Parks, and Power (P3) is the first national funding initiative in the U.S. to support power building by community-based organizations to reverse deep-s…

    Track  Inclusive Parks and Public Spaces
  • 2:15 PM-​3:30 PM
    Cohort Peer Conversation

    Growing the Future Parks and Recreation Workforce

    This Peer Conversation will focus on developing the diverse workforce needs and the next generation of leaders in parks and recreation. Discussion leaders will…

    Track  Inclusive Parks and Public Spaces
  • 2:15 PM-​3:30 PM
    Cohort Peer Conversation

    Keys to Successful Partnerships for Parks Departments

    Hear from two park agency leaders about how they are more strategically approaching and managing relationships with various external partners, including develo…

    Track  Equitable and Sustainable Park Funding
  • 2:15 PM-​3:30 PM
    Topical Peer Conversation

    Integrating Actionable Research into Park Climate Planning

    How can park systems leverage the power of research partners to address climate-based threats? The pace at which climate change is impacting communities and mu…

    Track  Parks and a Changing Climate
  • 2:15 PM-​3:30 PM
    Topical Peer Conversation

    Creating Multi-Generational Parks and Public Spaces

    How can we design parks and public spaces that bring different generations together? This Peer Conversation will delve into the complexities of designing inclu…

    Track  Parks, Recreation, Health, and Wellbeing
  • 2:15 PM-​3:30 PM
    Topical Peer Conversation

    Dealing with Misinformation and Disruption in Community Engagement

    What is the future of public participation in the age of contentious social media? This Peer Conversation will explore how practitioners are dealing with misin…

    Track  Inclusive Parks and Public Spaces
  • 2:15 PM-​3:30 PM
    Panel Dialogue

    Parks and Big Data: Fostering Public Trust in Digital Systems

    Technology is becoming ever-present in our physical environments, including our parks. Video cameras film us as we enter a park, and sensors detect bicycle spe…

    Track  Inclusive Parks and Public Spaces
  • 2:15 PM-​3:30 PM
    Panel Dialogue

    (Re)Utilizing Transportation Infrastructure for Parks and Public Space

    This panel dialogue will discuss innovative projects that redefine urban spaces utilizing both old and new transportation infrastructure, providing more sustai…

    Track  Parks, Recreation, Health, and Wellbeing
  • 2:15 PM-​3:30 PM
    Panel Dialogue

    Activating Cemeteries for Community and Environmental Wellness

    This panel dialogue will discuss the transformative potential of cemeteries, recognizing them as dynamic community assets that contribute to environmental well…

    Track  Parks, Recreation, Health, and Wellbeing
  • 2:15 PM-​3:30 PM
    Innovation Round

    New Approaches, Techniques and Tools for Engagement

    In this Innovation Round, participants will learn about experimentation with and implementation of new approaches and techniques for community engagement.Speak…

    Track  Inclusive Parks and Public Spaces
  • 3:45 PM-​5:00 PM
    Research Lab

    City Parks Research Lab Discussions

    Meet, discuss, and learn from a curated group of presenters sharing new research, tools, and practical guidance for parks practitioners at the City Parks Resea…

  • 3:45 PM-​5:00 PM
    Cohort Peer Conversation

    Parks and Greenspace Coalitions: Building More Equitable Communities

    This Peer Conversation will share the story of Cleveland's Parks and Greenspace Coalition (PGC): its origins in the 2021 Cleveland Mayoral Election, how it has…

    Track  Inclusive Parks and Public Spaces
  • 3:45 PM-​5:00 PM
    Cohort Peer Conversation

    Equitable Access to Recreation Programs and Facilities

    Learn how Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) staff use technology and data for more equitable use of recreation facilities and programs. Participants will hear…

    Track  Inclusive Parks and Public Spaces
  • 3:45 PM-​5:00 PM
    Cohort Peer Conversation

    The Alphabet of Park Financing Tools: BIDs, CIDs, TIFs, TADs, SSDs, etc.

    BIDs, CIDs, TIFs, TADs, SSDs. How do they work? What are some exemplary examples? How effective are they? Join this Peer Conversation to learn more about these…

    Track  Equitable and Sustainable Park Funding
  • 3:45 PM-​5:00 PM
    Cohort Peer Conversation

    Journey to a Sustainability Program

    In the face of climate change, green spaces are valuable resources for environmental protection, education, and resilience building. Join this Peer Conversatio…

    Track  Parks and a Changing Climate
  • 3:45 PM-​5:00 PM
    Topical Peer Conversation

    Parks and Barks: Expanding Seattle’s Dog Off-Leash Area System

    The demand for facilities that serve dogs and their owners has increased over time. However, acquiring funding, identifying suitable locations, and managing co…

    Track  Parks, Recreation, Health, and Wellbeing
  • 3:45 PM-​5:00 PM
    Topical Peer Conversation

    Aesthetic Biodiversity in a Changing Urban Environment

    This Peer Conversation will focus on resilient landscapes that require minimal inputs but provide high-impact multifunctional plantings. Discussion leaders wil…

    Track  Parks and a Changing Climate
  • 3:45 PM-​5:00 PM
    Topical Peer Conversation

    Finding Common Ground: How Parks Can Flip the Script on Polarization

    What societal divisions can our parks help bridge? How can we use community engagement to help reduce polarization, loneliness, and prejudice? Discussion leade…

    Track  Inclusive Parks and Public Spaces
  • 3:45 PM-​5:00 PM
    Topical Peer Conversation

    Addressing Difficult Legacy Monuments in Parks

    How can we effectively involve the community and ensure cultural competence when addressing the social impacts of historical monuments? Discussion leaders will…

    Track  Inclusive Parks and Public Spaces
  • 3:45 PM-​5:00 PM
    Innovation Round

    Testing New Approaches to Climate Resilience in Parks

    In this Innovation Round, hear about new approaches to addressing climate resilience in parks and urban green spaces. Speakers will highlight projects that tes…

    Track  Parks and a Changing Climate
  • 3:45 PM-​5:00 PM
    Networking Event

    Walk & Talk: City Hall Park, Pioneer Square, and Occidental Square

    Join a City Parks Alliance Board Member and fellow attendees on an informal walk to a local park. While this is not a guided tour of a specific park, it's an o…

  • 3:45 PM-​5:00 PM
    Networking Event

    Walk & Talk: Bell Street/Olympic Sculpture Park

    Join a City Parks Alliance Board Member and fellow attendees on an informal walk to a local park. While this is not a guided tour of a specific park, it's an o…

  • 5:30 PM-​7:00 PM
    Special Event

    Exhibition Hall Happy Hour

    Join us for this great social activity and networking opportunity. Enjoy a light recesption and libations with our Exhibitors. It's a great way to wrap up pur …

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  • 6:00 AM-​7:30 AM
    Networking Event

    Walk & Talk: South Lake Union and Amazon Spheres

    Join a City Parks Alliance Board Member and fellow attendees on an informal walk to a local park. While this is not a guided tour of a specific park, it's an o…

  • 6:00 AM-​7:30 AM
    Networking Event

    Walk & Talk: The Seattle Waterfront

    Join a City Parks Alliance Board Member and fellow attendees on an informal walk to a local park. While this is not a guided tour of a specific park, it's an o…

  • 7:00 AM-​6:00 PM

    Registration

    Registration services for Greater & Greener participants.

  • 7:30 AM-​8:30 AM

    Coffee & Tea Service

    Join us early for some fresh brewed coffee and tea.

  • 8:30 AM-​9:30 AM
    Plenary

    Plenary

    Our plenary will feature a moderated panel dialogue about the roles of the private sector in building and sustaining more equitable park systems. Join us for a…

  • 9:30 AM-​10:15 AM

    Networking Break

    Refresh and reinvigorate yourself, and discover our exhibitors' wonderful products and services in the Exhibition Hall.

  • 10:15 AM-​11:30 AM
    Panel Dialogue

    The Success and Evolution of Park Funding Partnerships

    This panel dialogue will showcase successful park funding partnerships between government agencies, non-profit organizations, and the private sector.Speakers w…

    Track  Equitable and Sustainable Park Funding
  • 10:15 AM-​11:30 AM
    Panel Dialogue

    Managing Urban Natural Areas for Fire and other Threats

    This panel dialogue will discuss managing urban natural areas to protect them from fire and other threats. Panelists will focus on creating resilient communiti…

    Track  Parks and a Changing Climate
  • 10:15 AM-​11:30 AM
    Innovation Round

    Solving Multiple Policy Goals with Green Stormwater Infrastructure in Parks

    As the largest natural areas in urban spaces, park systems can offer ideal potential sites for implementing green stormwater infrastructure. Despite alignment …

    Track  Parks and a Changing Climate
  • 10:15 AM-​11:30 AM
    Topical Peer Conversation

    Partnerships for Large-Scale Urban Ecosystem Management

    How can multi-party partnerships be used to manage large-scale urban ecosystems, and how are they funded? Discussion leaders will share examples of partnership…

    Track  Equitable and Sustainable Park Funding
  • 10:15 AM-​11:30 AM
    Panel Dialogue

    Illuminating the Past and Healing the Present with Hidden Park Histories

    Uncovering (often intentionally) hidden histories about park spaces can provide invaluable opportunities for engagement and community building, in addition to …

    Track  Inclusive Parks and Public Spaces
  • 10:15 AM-​11:30 AM
    Topical Peer Conversation

    Using Tech, Media and Art for Youth Programming and Engagement

    Post-pandemic, there has been a significant rise in teenage violence and gang involvement in parks. To address this issue, park officials can leverage technolo…

    Track  Parks, Recreation, Health, and Wellbeing
  • 10:15 AM-​11:30 AM
    Topical Peer Conversation

    Race-Conscious Language to Promote Equity in Nature

    Words matter. When we say our parks and natural spaces are for "all," are we actually glazing over certain stories and reinforcing ones that have always been t…

    Track  Inclusive Parks and Public Spaces
  • 10:15 AM-​11:30 AM
    Cohort Peer Conversation

    Supporting Parks Employees through Traumatic Times

    The experience of the pandemic and its aftermath, including greater numbers of unhoused people in parks, has significantly impacted the work and mental health …

    Track  Parks, Recreation, Health, and Wellbeing
  • 10:15 AM-​11:30 AM
    Cohort Peer Conversation

    Funders Learning Network for Grant-Making Foundations

    Join your peers in philanthropy for a panel session featuring leaders in urban parks and public space grant-making, followed by a roundtable discussion. Watch …

    Track  Equitable and Sustainable Park Funding
  • 10:15 AM-​11:30 AM
    Cohort Peer Conversation

    Practitioners of Color Share Challenges and Strategies

    The recognition of racism's impact on social, mental, and physical well-being is validating for BIPOC communities, but also difficult when many continue to exp…

    Track  Inclusive Parks and Public Spaces
  • 10:15 AM-​11:30 AM
    Topical Peer Conversation

    Queering Parks and Public Space

    How can we create and promote gathering spaces for queer and trans individuals in our parks? With the increasing violence faced by 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, how ca…

    Track  Inclusive Parks and Public Spaces
  • 10:15 AM-​11:30 AM
    Cohort Peer Conversation

    Design in Kinship

    Join design professionals for this Peer Conversation about the value of pre-design relationship building. There is momentum in the field toward prioritizing pr…

    Track  Inclusive Parks and Public Spaces
  • 10:15 AM-​11:30 AM
    Panel Dialogue

    Physically Accessible Parks and Play Spaces

    This panel dialogue will explore how physically inclusive parks and play spaces set a precedent for community inclusivity. Speakers will discuss key design pri…

    Track  Inclusive Parks and Public Spaces
  • 10:15 AM-​11:30 AM
    Panel Dialogue

    Parks and the Unhoused

    Addressing the needs and impacts of the unhoused in our public parks is, unfortunately, an evergreen topic, but one whose magnitude has intensified in the pand…

    Track  Parks, Recreation, Health, and Wellbeing
  • 10:15 AM-​11:30 AM
    Research Lab

    City Parks Research Lab Discussions

    Meet, discuss, and learn from a curated group of presenters sharing new research, tools, and practical guidance for parks practitioners at the City Parks Resea…

  • 11:30 AM-​1:30 PM
    Mayors Forum

    Mayors Forum and Lunch

    Join us for this true lunch and learn opportunity and have lunch with our mayors.Our 2024 Mayors Forum will explore the roles of parks as public venues that ca…

  • 1:30 PM-​2:15 PM

    Networking Break

    Join us for some sweets with our Exhibitors.

  • 2:15 PM-​5:15 PM
    Mobile Workshop

    Protests and the Park: Evolving Community Needs in Cal Anderson Park

    Join us as we explore the evolving narrative of Cal Anderson Park and discuss the impact of community engagement in shaping this space. Learn about the collect…

    Track  Inclusive Parks and Public Spaces
    Theme  Community Engagement   The Year 2020
  • 2:15 PM-​5:15 PM
    Mobile Workshop

    Olmsted in West Seattle: Forest Parks, Boulevards and Playgrounds

    Join us for a mobile workshop delving into the historical impact of Olmsted-designed playgrounds, parks, and unrealized boulevards on the communities of West S…

    Track  Inclusive Parks and Public Spaces
    Theme  Design Solutions
  • 2:15 PM-​5:15 PM
    Mobile Workshop

    Farming and Foraging: Growing Community in Beacon Food Forest

    Join us for a mobile workshop exploring Beacon Food Forest, affectionately known as "your BFF." This grassroots project, conceived by four friends studying foo…

    Track  Parks, Recreation, Health, and Wellbeing
    Theme  Community Engagement   Resilience
  • 2:15 PM-​5:15 PM
    Mobile Workshop

    University of Washington: How Olmsted Integrated a Campus into Seattle’s Public Open Space

    This mobile workshop will delve into the rich history of The University of Washington Campus and the lasting impact of the renowned Olmsted brothers.  Rel…

    Track  Parks, Recreation, Health, and Wellbeing
    Theme  Design Solutions
  • 2:15 PM-​5:15 PM
    Mobile Workshop

    Pollinator Paradise at Woodland Park Zoo

    Discover Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo's vibrant connection to nature! Join us on a pollinator journey, a part of the movement to conserve the habitats of these …

    Track  Parks and a Changing Climate
    Theme  Design Solutions   Resilience
  • 2:15 PM-​5:15 PM
    Mobile Workshop

    Decolonizing Ecological Restoration: A Partnership Between Tribes and City Parks

    This mobile workshop takes participants on a walking tour to explore the cultural history amidst the abundant forests, wetlands, and ponds of Daybreak Star. Fo…

    Track  Inclusive Parks and Public Spaces
    Theme  Community Engagement   Resilience
  • 2:15 PM-​5:15 PM
    Mobile Workshop

    The Grand Connection: Funding Bellevue’s Vision for a ‘City in a Park’

    Explore Bellevue's visionary initiative, "The Grand Connection," designed to seamlessly link the thriving urban downtown core with its picturesque waterfront a…

    Track  Equitable and Sustainable Park Funding
    Theme  Community Engagement   Design Solutions
  • 2:15 PM-​3:30 PM
    Innovation Round

    The Roles of Parks in Promoting Healthy Food Systems

    In this Innovation Round, participants will learn about the important roles parks and urban green spaces can play in promoting healthy food systems.Speakers wi…

    Track  Parks, Recreation, Health, and Wellbeing
  • 2:15 PM-​3:30 PM
    Panel Dialogue

    Collaborating with Private Landowners for Parks and Public Spaces

    Acquiring new land for parks is one of the more vexing challenges facing agencies and their partners today. As a result, many are finding new ways to collabora…

    Track  Equitable and Sustainable Park Funding
  • 2:15 PM-​3:30 PM
    Panel Dialogue

    Revitalizing Public Spaces Through the Power of Technology

    The increased use of technology in the public realm has park leaders wondering about new ways to engage community members, enhance users’ experiences, and impr…

    Track  Inclusive Parks and Public Spaces
  • 2:15 PM-​3:30 PM
    Panel Dialogue

    The Role of Arts and Culture in Community Building

    How can public art and cultural events in parks foster more vibrant and connected communities? This panel dialogue will explore their impact, with speakers sha…

    Track  Inclusive Parks and Public Spaces
  • 2:15 PM-​3:30 PM
    Panel Dialogue

    Equitable Access to Outdoor Play and Learning

    Recognizing the critical importance of play environments in family life and community development, this panel brings together design experts, play advocates, a…

    Track  Parks, Recreation, Health, and Wellbeing
  • 2:15 PM-​3:30 PM
    Cohort Peer Conversation

    Transit Solutions to Close the Park Equity Gap

    Public transportation can be a solution to address the gap in community access to parks, trails, and green spaces both close and far from home. However, it req…

    Track  Inclusive Parks and Public Spaces
  • 2:15 PM-​3:30 PM
    Cohort Peer Conversation

    Equity in Practice: A Certificate Program to Advance Equity in Park and Recreation

    Equity in Practice (EiP) is a three-certificate program offered by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) that aims to expand and deepen the work …

    Track  Inclusive Parks and Public Spaces
  • 2:15 PM-​3:30 PM
    Cohort Peer Conversation

    Using Trails & Greenways to Make Access More Equitable

    This Peer Conversation will explore how community engagement, design solutions, and art can be used to make access to trails and greenway systems more equitabl…

    Track  Parks, Recreation, Health, and Wellbeing
  • 2:15 PM-​3:30 PM
    Panel Dialogue

    Parks and Urban Rivers: Designing for Resilience

    This panel dialogue will discuss insights from diverse perspectives on parks and urban rivers. Panelists will speak about community engagement, climate resilie…

    Track  Parks and a Changing Climate
  • 2:15 PM-​3:30 PM
    Topical Peer Conversation

    Creative Uses of Green Infrastructure for Parks

    As wildfires, droughts, and severe weather become the new normal in many communities, how can cities advocate for the responsible and efficient use of water wh…

    Track  Parks and a Changing Climate
  • 2:15 PM-​3:30 PM
    Topical Peer Conversation

    The Unhoused in Parks: Design Strategies for Inclusive Public Space

    As cities across the country struggle to respond to growing housing, mental health, and substance abuse crises, homelessness is increasingly visible in public …

    Track  Parks, Recreation, Health, and Wellbeing
  • 2:15 PM-​3:30 PM
    Topical Peer Conversation

    How to Leverage Visitor Count Data

    How can organizations use visitor count data to make informed decisions about their parks and improve their infrastructure?In this Peer Conversation, we will d…

    Track  Equitable and Sustainable Park Funding
  • 2:15 PM-​3:30 PM
    Topical Peer Conversation

    Community-Led Amenities in Parks

    How can we ensure that community members have a chance to provide input for local park amenities, and how can park practitioners balance those needs with other…

    Track  Inclusive Parks and Public Spaces
  • 2:15 PM-​3:30 PM
    Cohort Peer Conversation

    The Seattle Story: Shifting from Capital Improvements to Maintenance and Asset Renewal

    In 2014, Seattle voters approved the creation of a Metropolitan Park District to provide a sustained and dedicated source of funding for park and recreation op…

    Track  Equitable and Sustainable Park Funding
  • 3:45 PM-​5:00 PM
    Networking Event

    Walk & Talk: City Hall Park, Pioneer Square, and Occidental Square

    Join a City Parks Alliance Board Member and fellow attendees on an informal walk to a local park. While this is not a guided tour of a specific park, it's an o…

  • 3:45 PM-​5:00 PM
    Cohort Peer Conversation

    Finding Alignment Between Donors and Community

    Since 2020, those who raise funding for parks have been increasingly thinking about how issues of equity, access, and belonging in public spaces may surface in…

    Track  Equitable and Sustainable Park Funding
  • 3:45 PM-​5:00 PM
    Networking Event

    Walk & Talk: Victor Steinbrueck & Pike Place Market

    Join a City Parks Alliance Board Member and fellow attendees on an informal walk to a local park. While this is not a guided tour of a specific park, it's an o…

  • 3:45 PM-​5:00 PM
    Innovation Round

    Using Technology & Data to Enhance Accessibility

    In this Innovation Round, participants will learn about projects and approaches to provide more equitable access to parks and public spaces. Speakers will shar…

    Track  Inclusive Parks and Public Spaces
  • 3:45 PM-​5:00 PM
    Topical Peer Conversation

    Solutions for Public Restrooms and Parks

    Restrooms are the separation between the public sphere and private activities; thus, keeping certain people out of public restrooms serves to also keep them ou…

    Track  Parks, Recreation, Health, and Wellbeing
  • 3:45 PM-​5:00 PM
    Topical Peer Conversation

    Building Lasting Connections Between Youth and Parks

    Many people, especially young people, feel increasingly disconnected from nature. This disconnect is particularly prominent in underresourced, environmental ju…

    Track  Parks, Recreation, Health, and Wellbeing
  • 3:45 PM-​5:00 PM
    Topical Peer Conversation

    Protecting Your Vision Through Park Design, Construction, and Programming

    Completing large-scale capital projects involves managing budgets, revising timelines, securing contractors, and countless other resource-intensive tasks. The …

    Track  Parks, Recreation, Health, and Wellbeing
  • 3:45 PM-​5:00 PM
    Topical Peer Conversation

    Using Green Infrastructure to Create Community Spaces

    This Peer Conversation will discuss innovative solutions to stormwater management challenges. These solutions can serve as essential community gathering spaces…

    Track  Parks and a Changing Climate
  • 3:45 PM-​5:00 PM
    Cohort Peer Conversation

    Wildlife (and Pest) Management for Climate Change

    The pandemic and climate change are changing the way park practitioners need to manage conflicts with wildlife and other critters.In this Peer Conversation, yo…

    Track  Parks and a Changing Climate
  • 3:45 PM-​5:00 PM
    Cohort Peer Conversation

    Park Master Plans: Lenses and Lessons from Toronto’s Island Park

    Master plans are critical tools for policymakers and park practitioners, as well as essential documents for park partners for fund-raising, awareness, and advo…

    Track  Parks, Recreation, Health, and Wellbeing
  • 3:45 PM-​5:00 PM
    Cohort Peer Conversation

    There’s Power in Your Story

    Personal stories can be powerful tools for advocacy for parks and recreation. In this Peer Conversation, Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East …

    Track  Inclusive Parks and Public Spaces
  • 6:00 PM-​8:30 PM
    Special Event

    Closing Reception

    As Greater & Greener 2024 comes to a close, it’s time to wind down with friends old and new at Seattle’s iconic Gas Works Park. Sitting on the shores of La…

 

To help you curate your conference experience, you may want to print out the PDFs linked above and mark sessions of interest before you enter the registration portal. The portal only lists session titles, but rest assured, you can always go back and change your selections at any time after registration. Be sure to select backup options, as some sessions are capacity-limited.