As Dave Harvey retires from his co-leadership position at Park People, he reflects on the incredible journey since founding the organization in 2011.
Park People’s Executive Director, Erika Nikolai, has been honoured with the Distinguished Individual Award from World Urban Parks—an international recognition that celebrates her leadership and the growing national movement Park People has helped build here in Canada.
In East Vancouver’s Champlain Heights, we sat down with two organizations leading a grassroots effort to restore native forests and build community.
Meet the Ontario Community Changemakers and learn more about their inspiring initiatives transforming parks across the province.
A guidance and resources to measure the impact of your park work on community health and wellbeing, integrating a social equity lens.
Shakeera Solomon from the Vision of Hope Resource Centre in Brampton, a recipient of a TD Park People Grant, shares valuable tips on transitioning indoor programs to the outdoors.
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By donating to Park People, you’ll support vibrant parks for everyone.
Why Parks?
86% of Canadians now live in cities, yet 40% aren’t connected to a park or green space in their community.
Parks can deliver outsized impacts on our health, ecology, and social belonging, but only when they’re shaped and animated by their communities. The health of people, cities, and our environment depends on us standing up for parks.
0%
of Canadians live in cities and spend over 93% of their time indoors
of urban Canadians say spending time in parks makes them happier
of urban Canadians aren’t connected to a park or green space in their community
Park People provides city residents with the funding, resources, mentorship, and training programs to transform local parks into vibrant community hubs.
Every year, our programs support over 325 community-led events and programs in parks, connecting over 20,000 people to nature and each other. Park events include youth-led gardens, tree planting and stewardship events, newcomer seniors’ walking clubs, cultural events, and so much more.
“We often have limits in our heads, where we don’t always feel capable of taking action. I overcame this barrier by meeting other people who are doing great things in the parks. Thanks to the Park People program, I was able to get the myth out of my head that I am limited. Everything is possible!”
Montreal Urban Park Champion
Municipalities build and maintain parks – the playgrounds, the paths, the gardens. But the majority of cities are not resourced to nurture the community life that transforms parks into vibrant, welcoming and inclusive spaces.
Park People fills that gap by supporting neighbours to create ongoing, community-led activities that celebrate culture, nature, and belonging.
“The event overall made my heart warm and felt like I contributed to making my city a better place. I loved how we got to choose from various native tree and shrub species to plant, increasing biodiversity together. My favourite part was seeing people of all ages and from various backgrounds coming together to discuss sustainability and community.”
Program event attendee, Name of group
Your donation fuels a growing national parks movement!
Your donation places leadership in the hands of community members – re-imagining what is possible when people come together to care for nature, strengthen belonging, and build healthier, more connected cities.
Examples of community-led events your donation supports:
When you donate to Park People, you help neighbours gather, learn from one another, and build a shared connection to nature and to each other — all within walking distance of a local park.
Your gift powers this movement!