As Dave Harvey retires from his co-leadership position at Park People, he reflects on the incredible journey since founding the organization in 2011.
Why are events in parks important? How do grants fit into Park People’s larger goals for creating change in city parks?
Park clean-ups bring neighbours together, foster connection, and leave a lasting impact—explore our 5-step guide to get started.
Explore inspiring community-led events funded by our microgrants program, from land-based learning to nature walks and skill-sharing workshops.
Finding volunteers doesn’t have to feel like an uphill battle. Here are some tips to create an engaged, connected, and joyful volunteer team.
Come together with community members, park professionals, and municipal staff at the 2025 Toronto Park Summit!
By donating to Park People, you’ll support vibrant parks for everyone.
This case study is part of the 2023 Canadian City Parks Report, showcasing Inspiring projects, people, and policies from across Canada that offer tangible solutions to the most pressing challenges facing city parks.
Canadian municipalities are feeling squeezed on parks. Years of tight operating budgets require parks departments to stretch already thin dollars further as pressures grow from higher use, while land has become much more expensive to acquire—if you can even find a suitable parcel anymore.
One tempting tool in the face of these challenges is privately-owned public spaces, more commonly known as POPS. These spaces are built through private development and remain privately owned and maintained—seemingly a win-win for cities finding it difficult to provide public space and pay for upkeep.
For years there has been pressure by developers for municipalities to accept POPS as satisfying parkland dedication requirements required for new developments—a policy that some municipalities have resisted.
One park planning manager pointed out that while POPS have their role in providing open space, they are not equivalent to public parkland and it’s important for cities to push developers for the conveyance of land for public parks.
To better guide the role of POPS, Toronto mapped over 170 locations and created POPS design guidelines and a signage strategy to ensure spaces were inviting and clearly labeled as public. Vancouver also mapped POPS locations in relation to downtown parks and public plazas as part of their Downtown Public Space Strategy. The Strategy contains actions including developing a policy framework for acquiring new POPS and ensuring spaces “are designed and programmed to be publicly-accessible and welcoming to all users.”
Some cities like Newmarket, Brampton and Vaughan allow for some level of credit for POPS towards parkland dedication. Vaughan, which recently concluded a study exploring parkland dedication policies, ultimately approved a by-law change to allow for 100% credit for POPS, subject to council approval.
Park managers are, however, cautious regarding POPS. If public space is about the creation of accessible, democratic and open spaces, one park manager argued, then privatizing space seems to be contradictory as it comes with “tangible or intangible restrictions” such as limitations on uses, active surveillance, and likely commercial intentions. Where they can be helpful and critical, he said, is in the creation of pedestrian connectivity through private developments or supporting, but not replacing, a publicly owned open space network.
In Brampton, the city allows a 50% credit for POPS.
“In dense areas, you’re not going to get a community or neighbourhood park, so you need a more collaborative approach with the owners of the land and the city.”
Jaskiran Kaur Bajwa, Brampton Park Planning Supervisor
But the city is still cautious about their use and is working on POPS guidelines. “POPS need to contribute to the community,” Brampton’s former Manager of Park Planning and Development Werner Kuemmling said.
They can’t just be an open space or thoroughfare. They have to be functionally used.” Some developers propose POPS as the leftover sites in their developments “and that’s not okay.
Werner Kuemmling, Brampton’s former Manager of Park Planning and Development
When your park group’s events, programs, or advocacy activities get featured in the media, it can boost your visibility, attract more volunteers, and even rally support for park improvements.
Local newspapers, radio stations, blogs, and podcasts are always on the lookout for interesting stories. With the right hook and approach, your group can land valuable media coverage! Here’s how to make it happen.
Build a list of journalists and media outlets that cover local news events or the focus issues that your park group is seeking to amplify.
You can maximize your media opportunities by tailoring a single pitch for different outlets. For example, let’s say you’re launching a new community garden program:
Timing is everything when pitching to the media. Different outlets have varying lead times, so it’s essential to plan accordingly:
Pro Tip: Tie your pitch to seasonal themes like spring cleanups, summer picnics, fall festivals, or winter activities to make it timely and relevant.
Most journalists prefer email, so your subject line and opening paragraph are crucial. Be concise, clear, and compelling. Your email should answer these questions:
Include a photo or a link to visuals. Before-and-after photos of park improvements or images of community members in action are especially effective.
The easier you make it for journalists to cover your story, the better your chances of getting featured. Think about how you can offer the following:
If you don’t hear back from a journalist, send them a polite follow-up email:
Don’t sweat it if you don’t hear back about your follow-up. Instead of emailing them again, take the opportunity to revisit your pitch. Could it be more engaging or relevant? Experiment with different angles to refine your message in the future.
Media relationships take time to build. Stay proactive by sharing updates about your park group regularly. This keeps your organization on their radar for future stories.
With these practical tips, your park group can secure meaningful media coverage, amplify your efforts, and inspire your community to take part in creating better parks for everyone!
Pumpkin parades are a creative way to celebrate local creativity and give carved jack-o’-lanterns a second life.
Usually held the next evening after Halloween, pumpkin parades encourage neighbours to light up local pathways and parks in a stunning display of community spirit. Free, family-friendly, and great for photos, these parades also encourage sustainability as volunteers arrange to compost submissions after the parade is over.
Pumpkin parades are also a made-in-Canada phenomenon! Back in 2004, the Friends of Sorauren Park kicked off the trend when they organized local residents to publicly display their creations in the park. From about 100 pumpkins in that first year to over 3,000 today—and with copycat parades now being held across the continent—the pumpkin parade is here to stay.
Ready to turn your own park or neighborhood into a glowing showcase? Here’s a step-by-step guide to make your pumpkin parade a smashing success.
Take a walk around the park with your community park group to choose the best route for your pumpkin parade. It can be hard to predict how many jack-o-lanterns will be part of your parade in the first year, so make sure you have the flexibility to make the path longer if necessary. Keep wheelchair and stroller accessibility in mind, and find opportunities to place pumpkins on different levels for optimum visibility.
Most park events of this size require a permit. In Toronto, there’s even a special Pumpkin Parade permit which makes the compost process simple and affordable. Check with your municipality or parks department to see if you require a permit or special insurance.
For effective (and free!) promotions, use social media to post in neighbourhood groups and email community centers, elementary schools, local businesses, and your city councillor asking them to spread the word through their own newsletters, bulletin boards, and social accounts. Put up posters in high-traffic areas like libraries, coffee shops, and grocery stores, and distribute flyers at local events leading up to the parade. Engage local media outlets—like newspapers, radio stations, and blogs—to feature the event in their community calendars. Finally, invite community members to help with promotion by tagging friends or sharing photos of their pumpkins as they prepare for the big night. The more people feel connected to the event, the more excitement and turnout you’ll generate!
You’ll need a few helping hands to prepare a great parade. Schedule a few volunteers to arrive early to get the pathway started and help people place their pumpkins. Community members can drop off jack-o-lanterns earlier than you might expect, with the after-school period being the most convenient time for many. Our park group experts advise groups to be on-site by 3:30pm.Volunteers can also distribute candles and help to light (and re-light) jack-o-lanterns throughout the night. Finally, you’ll want to have volunteers set up a table to collect sign-ups for your e-newsletter and ask people if they want to sign on to volunteer for next year’s Pumpkin Parade.
Will you clean up the park the night of the Parade or the next morning? Either way, you’ll need lots of volunteers with wheelbarrows or wagons to efficiently move the pumpkins from the ground to the compost bin, and to remove all of the candles from the jack-o-lanterns. The City of Toronto supports this effort by providing organic waste bins, and the pumpkins are turned into compost that can be used in parks and gardens throughout the city.
Make sure to let people know what to bring and what time to gather.
Food is a great way to bring people together in parks! Adding an outdoor picnic to events like a park stewardship day or a harvest festival can make the experience even more enjoyable.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plan a successful event—from securing permits to post-picnic cleanup.
When selecting your location, think about accessibility, proximity to parking or transit, and amenities like restrooms, water fountains, and shade. Read our resource on making your event accessible and inclusive to help guide your thinking.Once you’ve picked the perfect spot, research your park’s rules and regulations. Many parks require permits for group events, especially if you’ll be reserving picnic tables, bringing grills, or hosting activities.Here’s a general guide, but note: regulations will vary depending on the city you live in. Contact your local parks department to confirm requirements and apply for permits well in advance.
Learn more about events permits in the following cities:
Keep the menu simple, portable, and easy to serve. Finger foods like sandwiches, wraps, and fruit skewers work perfectly. If grilling is allowed, burgers, hot dogs, or veggie options can elevate your picnic. Provide plenty of water and refreshing drinks, and don’t forget desserts like cookies or cupcakes! Bring coolers or insulated bags to keep perishables fresh and ensure food safety.
You’ll also want to provide diverse food options to accommodate different dietary needs and preferences—such as vegetarian/vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, halal and kosher options. Be sure to clearly label ingredients and allergens at the event.
Note: If you’re advertising your picnic as open to the public and are serving or selling food, you may be required to contact your local Public Health Authority and fill out a Temporary Food Establishment Application as part of your Special Event Permit.Only food that’s prepared in an inspected kitchen (a commercial kitchen or a community kitchen) can be served to the general public. If you’re not buying prepared food, or do not have access to this type of kitchen, consider encouraging community members to bring their own picnic basket of homemade food. The experience of eating together, rather than sharing food, can help you get around some permit hurdles.
Bonus tip: There are some foods that are considered lower risk foods. Focus on them to keep your application and health inspection simple.
A successful park picnic is more than just food—it’s about the fun! Think about activities that can engage attendees of all ages. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Once your permit has been approved and your agenda is planned, it’s time to let your community know about the picnic!
A good picnic leaves the park as beautiful as it was before. Encourage attendees to clean up by providing designated trash and recycling bags. Enlist a few volunteers to help with final cleanup efforts, ensuring that nothing is left behind. If compost bins are available, separate food scraps appropriately. Consider adding a “Leave No Trace” message to your promotions to emphasize sustainability, and encourage participants to bring and use reusable plates and utensils.
Read our resource on how to plan a zero-waste event in your park.
A community picnic is a great way to start a local community park group or find new volunteers for an already established one.Collect people’s email addresses on the day of the picnic so you can follow-up with them on future park activities, and talk to people about what other events they would like to see in the park. A movie night? Nature walk? Community garden? The sky’s the limit!
I’ve always been drawn to the sun. Like a housecat, I’ll seek out a sunbeam and bask in it all day. Needless to say, the dark and damp Vancouver winters aren’t usually my favourite time of the year.
But I’m proud to announce that this was the year I finally pushed myself to get outside and brave the elements. And I’ve never appreciated the wet winter weather more!
Feelings of freedom and pure joy overtook me as I welcomed the raindrops splashing on my face. I felt like a little kid again as I ignored all the usual nagging worries of frizzy hair. I accepted the rain and to my surprise, it was delightful.
Since we can’t pick and choose our weather, it’s important to get outside and enjoy nature—no matter what the forecast.
Here are 10 drizzle-friendly ideas for easy family activities, plus some guidance for parks groups looking to organize all-weather events for the public. We promise they’ll have you looking forward to the next rainy day.
Do you have any other tips or ideas for rainy day activities? We’d love to hear from you!
In June 2023, the District of Saanich introduced a new dog park strategy, redefining the ways that public spaces will be shared among people and pets.
Work on the strategy began in 2021, driven by changing needs in a growing municipality. Alongside Saanich’s population growth has come increased conflict between park goers, rooted in differing expectations of how park spaces should be used.
Recognizing the divisive nature of the issue, community engagement became the anchor of the dog park strategy, involving a wide spectrum of stakeholders and community members. Through the engagement activities, Saanich city staff sought to identify shared values and challenges that transcended different stakeholders’ individual positions.
The engagement process kicked off with public surveys designed to capture a broad cross-section of perspectives in the community. The surveys were complemented by deeper methods, including park pop-ups and community dialogue sessions, providing a platform for residents to voice their concerns, share their perspectives, and connect with fellow community members. An important goal of the sessions was to foster empathy and understanding among participants, helping to find common ground.
Open houses served as a forum for collaboration. Residents, pet owners, wildlife advocates, and environmentalists came together to discuss their visions for Saanich’s parks. Through hearing from one another directly, these diverse stakeholders began to identify common values despite their different perspectives.
A shared love for the municipality’s natural environment, an appreciation of public spaces, and a desire for accessible, safe, and enjoyable parks emerged as common threads. These conversations allowed the focus to shift from conflicting interests to the shared aspiration of fostering a vibrant, sustainable community that accommodates everyone’s needs.
The engagements also uncovered common challenges. Residents collectively acknowledged the need to protect the environment, maintain the safety and well-being of pets and people, and address the increasing demand for public spaces on Vancouver Island’s largest municipality as the population of Saanich continues to grow.
Out of these learnings, the People, Pets, and Parks Strategy took shape with a list of six shared community values at its core. These values were determined through consultations, and each recommendation in the strategy is linked to one or more of the values, transparently rooting each action in the strategy to the goals outlined by the community. The city went further to prioritize transparency with residents by publishing a detailed FAQ page explaining the motivation behind each decision.
The strategy is paired with a commitment to the development of new, dedicated off-leash dog parks. These areas are strategically located to balance the needs of pet owners and other park users. This approach exemplifies the commitment to create parks that are safe, enjoyable, and environmentally sustainable, addressing both common values and challenges.
More on this topic:
TD Park People Grants is a nation-wide program that builds vital connections between people and parks.
Each year, we support over 70 community groups across 21 urban areas to animate their local green spaces with engaging events. From Indigenous plant medicine workshops to nature walks, we’re looking for unique ideas that centre environmental education, sustainability, or stewardship, and are designed with accessibility and inclusivity in mind.
In 2025, event organizers are eligible to receive $2,000 to bring their park vision to life.
Need some inspiration for your park event? Read on to learn about three of the incredible groups that received TD Park People Grants in 2024!
La Boussole is a Francophone nonprofit organization based in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. They support people experiencing poverty or marginalization to access health services, housing, and employment in French, while uniting their voices to raise awareness of the issues that face the community.
Through their 2024 TD Park People grant, La Boussole sought to reduce the barriers that prevent Downtown Eastside residents from enjoying nature in their city—such as transportation costs and the stigmatization that unhoused people face when in green spaces—and create restorative experiences that supported their participants’ mental health and wellbeing.
La Boussole organized two events, starting with a nature walk in Spirit Pacific Trail. Participants were led by a facilitator who shared knowledge of natural preservation, Indigenous land rights, and climate justice as they explored the lush forest together. Next, they held an eco-art-therapy session in Stanley Park, where participants were guided to create art using natural elements without damaging the environment.
“These kinds of events are crucial for our audience as the Downtown Eastside area is extremely urban,” noted La Boussole’s facilitators. “The population is suffering from extreme heat in summer and losing its connection to nature.”
Thanks to their efforts, 28 participants had the chance to deepen their connections to the environment, and to one another, through restorative experiences in their local forests.
”I really enjoyed this outing in the forest. It was nice to return to the Pacific Spirit Park, it’s been a long time since I’ve been there. I love forest smells, pine smells and it was cool to go on the walk with Aloïs because there were lots of things we learned that I didn’t know. Being with the whole group, everyone was able to share a little bit of their little anecdotes, the little information they had on their side so it was a great experience.”
Event participant
LifeSchoolHouse is a network of barter-based “folkschools” that create connections through skill-sharing across Nova Scotia. Folkschools are informal learning spaces, usually held in a person’s home, where neighbors become teachers as they share their skills in small group workshops.
LifeSchoolHouse breaks down the financial barriers many people face when trying to access education, and helps to connect neighbours in simple but meaningful ways. In this vein, organizers at the LifeSchool House in Spryfield, Nova Scotia used their 2024 TD Park People grant to organize two free outdoor events where neighbours shared knowledge of environmental education, sustainability, and stewardship with fellow community members.
These immersive experiences included guided nature walks for 43 participants of all ages to explore their surrounding environment. 16 volunteer teachers assisted them in identifying flora and fauna, while offering tips on sustainable practices for preservation.
After their walk, the groups enjoyed a locally-sourced lunch followed by a litter clean-up session—offering a tangible way for participants to keep contributing to the wellbeing of the local green spaces.
“These parks are right in our backyards and we don’t even realize all the treasure they hold.”
“Thank you so much for putting this together! We expected it would be fun, but it far exceeded all expectations. Everyone was so kind, especially with the sort of chaos that comes with little people. It meant so much that my child was welcome. We loved getting to meet everyone, and feel like this is our community!”
The Kapabamayak Achaak Healing Forest Winnipeg is a living memorial to Indigenous children lost to or affected by the residential school system. It was the second Healing Forest developed in Canada, and is part of a growing network of sites linked by the National Healing Forest Initiative.
A place for healing and contemplation, the Winnipeg forest is an open-air, land-based classroom for elders to share teachings and ceremony. These Keepers of the Forest have hosted dozens of teachings and ceremonies since the site was developed in 2017.
In 2024, they used their TD Park People grant to partner with local schools to bring together children and educators to reflect upon Truth and Reconciliation and the value of environmental conservation. Their land-based learning experience incorporated Indigenous Ways of Knowing, showing children the healing power of connecting with the land and traditional plants like the sage which grows in the forest.
Their two events in 2024 brought together over 300 attendees (students, teachers, and community members), and included a nourishing meal of bannock and jam.
“The schools we work with have large numbers of Indigenous children. Many have relatives who are still dealing with the intergenerational trauma of residential schools. These events honour their lived experience and provide a path to healing based upon Indigenous Ways of Knowing.”
Event organizers
Have these events inspired you?
Visit our TD Park People Grants page for more information, and full eligibility criteria, for this year’s program. Applications are open now and close on February 24, 2025.
At Park People, we believe parks are vital to the health of Canada’s cities and our environment, and everyone—regardless of their income, identity, ability, or age—deserves equal access to the benefits of public green space.
Yet not everyone experiences parks in the same way. Systemic racism and white supremacy are prevalent and visible in our parks and public spaces where Black, Indigenous and racialized people experience suspicion, surveillance, harassment, and violence.
Our Canadian City Parks Report found Black, Indigenous, and people of colour were far more likely to report that concerns about policing, ticketing, and social judgment prevented them from visiting parks as much as they’d like.
It’s clear we must do more to address the reality that in their current form, Canada’s parks are not for everyone.
Park People is actively working with communities across Canada to disrupt and dismantle the implicit and explicit structures of power, privilege, and racism in parks and public spaces.
Here are some useful reports, articles, toolkits, and webinars that we’re reviewing to better educate ourselves in this work. We hope you’ll join us.
Racism in Canada is Ever-Present, But We Have a Long History of Denial, Maija Kappler, May 2020
Policing Black Lives: State Violence in Canada from Slavery to the Present, Robyn Maynard, 2017.
Subdivided, Ed. Jay Pitter and John Lorinc. 2016.
Why Race Matters in Planning Public Parks, Brentin Mock, March 2016
Public Space, Park Space, and Racialized Space, KangJae Lee, January 2020
Placemaking When Black Lives Matter, Annette Koh, April 2017
Being Black in Public, Jay Pitter, November 2024
Parks Need Leaders of Colour, Park People, July 2021
Urban Parks and Forests Are Missing in Racialized and Marginalized Neighbourhoods, Nature Canada, March 2022
Place Driving Equity, Reimagining the Civic Commons, November 2021
A renewed attention on environmental equity and justice, National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health, December 2022.
Five Ways Urban Planners Are Addressing a Legacy of Inequity, Jon Gorey, May 2023
Race and Nature in the City Engaging Youth of Colour in Nature-Based Activities, Jacqueline L. Scott & Ambika Tenneti, April 2021
In our survey, 60% of cities said that developing non-profit partnerships to co-manage parks is a high or medium priority in the next year. This strong interest is perhaps unsurprising given the benefits collaborative governance models offer, from deepening community engagement to enhancing stewardship at a time when municipal maintenance resources are strained.
Yet, the nuts and bolts of these arrangements are often opaque. Roles and responsibilities, funding sources, decision-making processes, and community involvement structures are just some of the variables that define the distinct ways these partnerships play out.
In Saskatoon, Meewasin Valley Authority offers an example of how collaborative governance can operate in a large-scale urban park. At approximately 6700 hectares, Meewasin Valley is a treasure within Saskatoon that includes land on both sides of the South Saskatchewan River, 60 kilometres of trail networks, and extensive biodiversity.
It is a rarity not only for its size, but also its unique governance structure. Meewasin Valley is managed by three core partners: the City of Saskatoon, the University of Saskatchewan and the Province of Saskatchewan.
The Meewasin Valley Authority, a non-profit organization, is the mechanism that allows the three partners to work together in managing the park. The organization was created in 1979 after the completion of a 100-year concept plan, which outlined a vision for collaborative governance to allow integrated decision-making. This is important given the park’s complicated landscape, consisting of land owned privately, and by universities, First Nations, the federal government, provincial government and multiple municipalities.
Today, the non-profit consists of a team of staff who carry out day-to-day management of the park, park programming, community engagement and park stewardship, and a Board of Directors composed of four representatives from each of the core partners. The Board focuses on policy across five committees: Development Review, Conservation Advisory, Design Advisory, Education Advisory, and Fund Development.
Establishing clearly defined roles and responsibilities through memoranda of understanding has been key to Meewasin’s success, as has refining elements of the partnership over time. The funding model, for example, has evolved over Meewasin’s history to reflect the reality of increased demands on public funds. To supplement core funding, Meewasin has expanded revenue sources through fundraising, grants, contract work within mandate areas, an endowment, paid programming and capital campaigns for larger projects.
Looking to the future, Meewasin is broadening its engagement with partners across the country and deepening its relationships with First Nations. Meewasin is currently engaging with Parks Canada in a pre-feasibility study to explore its potential as a National Urban Park. It is also part of Park People’s Cornerstone Parks network, a national community of practice that allows representatives from large urban parks with complex governance structures to exchange challenges, learnings, and engage in collective problem-solving.
Further reading:
As many cities struggle to find ‘new’ parkland in dense urban areas, one Montreal initiative highlights the power of partnerships to make use of what’s already there.
Nestled within Montreal’s Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough, the Darlington Ecological Corridor was founded by Alexandre Beaudoin, Biodiversity Advisor at the Université de Montréal. The goal of the project was to bridge the nature flowing from Mount Royal into the urban landscape, providing new passageways for both wildlife and residents.
Tying together a patchwork of open spaces along a former railroad, the project connects land fragmented along lines of ownership into a cohesive green corridor by fostering collaboration.
The Darlington Ecological Corridor uses an innovative co-management model integrating diverse stakeholders. By uniting academic institutions, community organizations, non-profits, experts, and local residents, the project weaves together several priorities into a coherent vision that serves both the community and nature.
The concept of co-management involves engaging a network of partners working collaboratively, with well-defined roles and responsibilities outlined through management agreements. In this model, Éco-pivot serves as the trustee, providing administrative support and oversight. Université de Montréal contributes academic insight, with 19 master’s students currently dedicated to the project and shaping its evolution. The borough plays a pivotal role, providing a dedicated staff person to anchor the project within the borough’s institutional framework. This tangible commitment by the local government legitimizes the project’s significance within the community and ensures its alignment with broader objectives.
A distinguishing feature of the Darlington Ecological Corridor’s governance model is its adaptability. Over time, through community and partner involvement, the project has broadened its mission, assuming a larger role in addressing social challenges. This evolution is exemplified by a partnership with Multi-Caf, a local organization focused on combating food insecurity in the neighbourhood. The site has a vegetable garden developed in partnership with the YMCA to introduce youth to urban agriculture and gardening. This collaboration highlights the corridor’s transition from a primarily ecological initiative to a multifaceted project that addresses pressing social needs.
The Darlington Ecological Corridor has influenced ecological corridor movements in other boroughs across the city, prompting a similar initiative in the Sud-Ouest. Following the borough’s first-ever participatory budget, one of the winning projects was an ecological corridor connecting the Sud-Ouest to Lasalle.
The success of the Darlington model highlights how creating more connected partners can create more connected green spaces, inviting us to think beyond land acquisition as a strategy to meet parkland needs.