PHILADELPHIA–Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and Fairmount Park Conservancy are proud to host the 2022 Greater & Greener Conference in Philadelphia. The biennial conference, presented by City Parks Alliance, brings together renowned experts and leaders to explore how urban parks can meet the challenges shared by 21st-century cities. The conference will take place June 18-21 at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown and other locations across the city.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of urban public spaces, particularly in Philadelphia where parks saw a 50% increase in visitors. The conference is an exciting opportunity for Philadelphia to showcase its robust urban park system and innovative approach to activating public spaces on an international stage.
“I’m proud world leaders will get to see the best that Philadelphia offers in our parks and public spaces during the Greater & Greener conference,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “Philadelphians love our parks, and this is a great opportunity to show our city’s best public spaces and to learn from other world-class cities as well.”
“The past two years have shown us that parks and green spaces are essential to a healthy, happy life in a city,” said Kathryn Ott Lovell, Commissioner of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. “Parks & Rec and Fairmount Park Conservancy have worked together to develop an exciting conference with hands-on tours and mobile workshops, plus thought-provoking panel sessions.”
“The Greater and Greener conference will allow our region’s public space leaders to showcase our best practices,” said Executive Director of Fairmount Park Conservancy Maura McCarthy, Ph.D. “But we are most looking forward to learning from the country’s best thought leaders about how we can increase accessibility and equity for all Philadelphians in our public land.”
Throughout the conference there will be many opportunities for Philadelphia media to cover Greater & Greener conference speakers and park tours, and to learn more about parks in their own backyard.
Tours led by Parks & Rec and FPC staff and other local leaders will take place throughout the city on Saturday, June 18, and Sunday, June 19. Mobile workshops with expert instructors will be led on Monday, June 20.A Volunteer Service Day will take place on June 19. A group of conference attendees will help plant trees, collect leaves, and put finish touches on the playground at Norris Square. The event begins at 9:30 am and a speaking program featuring Commissioner Ott Lovell will start at 12:30 pm.
Commissioner Ott Lovell will deliver opening remarks on Monday, June 20, at 8:30 am, after leading two tours of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Segways on Saturday, June 18 at 1:30 pm and 4 pm. She will also speak in a plenary session on Monday following her opening remarks.
The conference also features a Mayor’s Forum on Tuesday, June 21, from 8:30-10 am. The forum includes Mayor Kenney along with Leirion Gaylor Baird, Mayor of Lincoln, Nebraska; Miguel Trevino, Mayor of San Pedro Garza Garcia, Mexico; and Daniella Levine Cava, Mayor of Miami-Dade County, Florida.
Three Parks & Rec staff members will be giving presentations during the conference: Patrick Morgan, First Deputy Commissioner of Strategy and Engagement; Justin DiBerardinis, Director of FDR Park; and AeLin Compton, Environmental Restoration Crew Chief.
Six Parks & Rec staff members will be leading tours or workshops: Tony Croasdale, Environmental Education Program Specialist; Darren Fava, Communications Content Manager; Ash Richards, Urban Agriculture Director; Elisa Ruse-Esposito, Park Stewardship Administrator; Bill Salvatore, Deputy Commissioner, Program Division; and Erica Smith Fichman, Community Forestry Manager.
The schedule and locations for tours, workshops, plenary sessions, and presentations can be found here.
“City Parks Alliance is thrilled to bring Greater & Greener to Philadelphia this year to learn about the Rebuild program and showcase the array of ways that parks and recreation are working to serve the city and its residents, supporting social, economic and environmental resiliency from Center City to the neighborhoods,” said Catherine Nagel, Executive Director, City Parks Alliance.
Greater & Greener’s presenting sponsor is the William Penn Foundation. Additional conference support is provided by 29 sponsors including: The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation; Landscape Structures, Inc.; The Speedwell Foundation; Barr Foundation; Cescaphe; Dino & Dragon Stroll; TD Bank; The Toro Company; Cleveland Foundation; and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
All attendees must complete a health and safety preregistration.
Editor’s Note: Working reporters interested in attending the conference or arranging interviews please contact Jeanne McCann at 301-741-6234.