The Park People Network Guiding Principles

Resource | janvier 26, 2018

The Park People Network is based on core principles that help make parks and communities thrive. Please review these guiding principles and feel free to use them, or adapt them, for your work in parks. 

The Park People Network is based on core principles that help make parks and communities thrive. Please review these guiding principles and feel free to use them, or adapt them, for your work in parks. 

  1. Inform and involve others

    We recognize that park groups’ efforts connect them to other groups and individuals who have a shared interest in the park. As such, park groups should strive to keep key city staff (park supervisor, city councillors) and other neighbourhood groups (non-profits, schools, etc.) informed and involved in their work wherever possible

  2. Safe and inclusive groups and programs

    We recognize that parks are shared public spaces and that park groups are at their best when they include people with different interests and perspectives. Parks should provide programs that reflect the needs and character of the neighbourhoods they serve. Everyone should feel safe and included in our parks and park groups. Examples of how park groups can work inclusively are:
    • Meeting people where they are This might mean going door to door, meeting in libraries and community centres, and standing in the park while talking to people as they pass by about opportunities to get involved in the community park group.
    • Seeking out groups and individuals who are often underrepresented Seniors, youth, newcomers and people living on lower incomes. Ask yourself who’s here? and who’s not? and then ask why or why not?
    • Hosting community meetings Use open public meetings as an opportunity to gather input from the larger community and ensure you are representing community interests to the fullest possible extent.
    For more information about inclusivity, take a look at our Sparking Change report. It tells the stories of communities that have engaged diverse community members to help make their local parks and green spaces thrive.  

  3. Transparency

    We believe transparency is essential to community and park work.  It is important for park groups to share and allow others to see how they operate. Examples of how park groups can work transparently are by:
    • Posting information about the timing of regular meetings on local bulletin boards or social media sites to allow community members to attend.
    • Sharing regular meeting notes through website or email.
     

  4. Respect and care for the natural environment

    We believe it's important to care for and respect the natural environment in parks. We ask park groups to maintain a balance between engaging the community and respecting the natural environment of the park. For more ideas on this, check our resource ‘How to Connect with Nature in the Park’.