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Neil McCarthy, the newly appointed Chief Executive of World Urban Parks has outlined the value of the association, explaining the role parks can play in meeting global and societal challenges.

In a Blog, McCarthy writes “as a global society we face many challenges including inequality, various first and third world health agendas, climate change, social cohesion and segregation, and at times these seem to be insurmountable problems.

“It is difficult to make a difference and even decide where to start. Sometimes it is difficult to see what can be done to change the future.

“Many of us have seen in recent times the overwhelming evidence that parks can play in addressing these challenges and many of you have been involved in embryonic movements to find solutions from ‘Healhty Parks Healthy People’ through to the ‘National Park City’ concept.

“There exists an opportunity to utilise our skills, voice and relationships to influence and work with others we have hardly engaged with to make a difference, generate change and create a lasting impact on the world around us.”

Promoting growing support and commitment to the ideals of World Urban Parks, McCarthy, who replacing inaugural World Urban Parks Chief Executive Digby Whyte at the end of last year, explains how its purpose and values can stand as a legacy by doing the right thing on issues that are central to a modern and caring society, and being a catalyst for change in the world.

He adds “World Urban Parks seeks to be that change, and the future of this organisation can be part of the solution and enable society to ‘rethink’ and address these challenges.”

Founded in 2015, World Urban Parks champions urban park outcomes for city liveability, place-making, conservation and access, and provides strong membership services by connecting, leveraging and supporting diverse memberships across the international urban parks, open space and recreation community and allied sectors. 

Image: Neil McCarthy, courtesy of North East Catchment Management Authority, Victoria.

1st December 2017 - WORLD URBAN PARKS ANNOUNCES NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE 

30th September 2016 - WORLD PARKS CONGRESS RESOLUTIONS RECOGNISE THE VALUE OF URBAN OPEN SPACE 

17th July 2016 - $10 MILLION INITIATIVE TO CHANGE THE GREENING OF PUBLIC SPACES 

28th June 2016 - RESEARCHERS FIND 30 MINUTES A WEEK SPENT IN PARKS CAN BOOST HEALTH

2nd February 2015 - WORLD URBAN PARKS BODY TO LAUNCH IN APRIL

13th November 2014 - PARKS FORUM CEASES OPERATIONS

20th August 2014 - WORLD URBAN PARKS ORGANISATION TO CHAMPION URBAN OPEN SPACE ​

27th July 2012 - REPORT HIGHLIGHTS GROWING IMPORTANCE OF URBAN GREEN SPACE 

10th May 2011 - PARKS ESSENTIAL FOR HUMAN HEALTH

27th June 2008 - PARKS FORUM HIGHLIGHTS VALUE OF PARKS 

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