The City Parks Alliance is offering a free webinar on Friday, April 24 from 1-2 pm ET. Titled, Planning for the Summer and Beyond in Our Parks, it will address preparations that park organizations of every kind are making for their summer programming and events as the "new normal" takes over this season and even farther out.

 
According to the alliance, even with the uncertainty over what public health guidelines will allow, how severely budgets will be affected by the pandemic, and maybe the biggest question of all, what will be the future public demand for programs and park amenities, "park professionals are forging ahead to strategically and creatively plan for various contingencies."

The session will explore how park organizations are approaching such issues as summer camps, volunteer management, communicating with residents, scenario planning and risk assessment, and data collection in parks that both informs the ongoing safe use of parks and makes the case for the importance of investing in this critical infrastructure in the future.

If you are unable to join live, the recording will be available on their website by the following Monday afternoon. All registrants will also receive an email with a link to the recording and related resources.

The session will be moderated by Caryn Ernst, director of strategic initiatives for City Parks Alliance. The scheduled speakers are Justin Hellier, strategic advisor for Seattle Parks and Recreation, Lakema Bell, "Get Moving" initiative strategic advisor for Seattle Parks and Recreation, Allison Watkins, chief strategy officer for Austin Parks Foundation and Dave Hutch, director of planning and park development, Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation.

https://cityparksalliance.org/event/planning-summer-beyond-parks/