PodParks

World Urban Parks

Official World Urban Parks Podcast

  1. 49. Lessons from the Field 2025: What We Learned About People and Parks

    12/16/2025

    49. Lessons from the Field 2025: What We Learned About People and Parks

    Season 3 of PodParks has been a year-long exploration of how parks shape cities, communities, and everyday life. Across this season, we’ve spoken with leaders, practitioners, and emerging voices working in very different contexts, but grappling with shared questions about equity, access, health, and the role of urban nature. From the challenges of building a global organisation, to the practical tools helping cities do better, these conversations have traced how ideas move from vision into action. In this season finale, host Maria Burnett brings those threads together in a short, reflective audio essay. Drawing on voices from across Season 3, including Jayne Miller, Tim Geyer, Mark Bowater, Michael Boland, Cecil Konijnendijk, Humera Sultan, Cecilia Vaca Jones, and Hannah Chapman-Carr, the episode revisits the moments and ideas that have shaped the year. Rather than revisiting each conversation in depth, this episode moves quickly through the themes that kept resurfacing: why equity now sits at the centre of urban parks work, how simple frameworks can reveal deep inequalities, and why recognising good ideas matters if we want them to travel. As the season closes, the focus shifts forward, toward what the next decade of World Urban Parks might require, and the people who will help shape it. HighlightsReflections on the key ideas that shaped Season 3Why equity and access have become central to urban parks workHow simple tools like the 3-30-300 rule and justice mapping are changing practiceWhy children’s freedom to explore matters for healthier citiesWhat the next decade of World Urban Parks could look like Feedback 🎧 Give feedback on this episode here. Or if you’d like to share your perspectives or stories about this episode, or contact us for any reason, you can email Maria Burnett (host) and the team at research@worldurbanparks.org.  About PodParks PodParks is the official podcast of World Urban Parks. Hosted by Maria Burnett, each episode shares real stories and bold ideas from the people making parks, public space, and urban nature more inclusive, innovative, and essential. 🎙️ Meet the PodParks Team Maria Burnett | Luis Romahn | Vitoria Martín Delgado | Vladimir Yañez Huehpa|  Cynthia Hernández Martínez 🌐 worldurbanparks.org 📱 Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter/X

    17 min
  2. 48. Nature, Neuroscience, and Burnout: How Parks Heal Our Brains with Lance Burdett

    12/09/2025

    48. Nature, Neuroscience, and Burnout: How Parks Heal Our Brains with Lance Burdett

    What happens inside the brain when we step into a park, hear birdsong, or simply look at a tree? And what does this mean not just for the public, but for the people who work in parks every day? In this episode of PodParks, host Maria Burnett speaks with Lance Burdett, former national crisis negotiator for the New Zealand Police and now a leading specialist in resilience, stress, and brain health. Drawing on neuroscience, brain-imaging research, and decades of experience in high-pressure environments, Lance explains why nature calms the amygdala, how diversity in landscapes supports neuroplasticity, and why even 15 minutes outdoors can reset our stress systems. But this conversation goes further than the benefits of parks for communities. Together, Maria and Lance explore the wellbeing of the parks workforce itself: a passionate, often under-resourced group at high risk of burnout. Lance breaks down practical, evidence-based habits that park professionals can use to protect their mental health, boost cognitive clarity, and stay grounded in a demanding sector. Highlights include: How natural environments calm the fight-or-flight systemWhy sensory stimulation from nature boosts cognitive functionThe difference between burnout and physical fatigue, and why thinking is the real danger zoneTangible, science-backed practices for lowering cortisol and improving sleepWhy planners must prioritise green access in urban developmentHow leaders can support mentally healthy workplaces in the parks sector Whether you’re a ranger, planner, designer, manager, volunteer, or someone passionate about how parks shape wellbeing, this episode offers both brain science and grounded, practical tools to help you thrive in your work and life. Featured Guests  Lance Burdett, General Export Manager, WARN International 🔗LinkedIn 🔗Facebook Feedback 🎧 Give feedback on this episode here. Or if you’d like to share your perspectives or stories about this episode, or contact us for any reason, you can email Maria Burnett (host) and the team at research@worldurbanparks.org.  About PodParks PodParks is the official podcast of World Urban Parks. Hosted by Maria Burnett, each episode shares real stories and bold ideas from the people making parks, public space, and urban nature more inclusive, innovative, and essential. 🎙️ Meet the PodParks Team Maria Burnett | Luis Romahn | Vitoria Martín Delgado | Vladimir Yañez Huehpa|  a...

    1h 4m
  3. 47.  Public Health Meets Parks with Humera Sultan

    12/01/2025

    47. Public Health Meets Parks with Humera Sultan

    How might our cities change if we planned parks with public health at the centre of every decision? In this episode, host Maria Burnett speaks with Humera Sultan, a Consultant in Public Health at Birmingham City Council and a National Institute of Health Research Doctoral Research Fellow. Humera brings a health focused perspective to nature planning, shaped through her work leading the Naturally Birmingham project and contributing to the city’s 25 year City of Nature Plan. Humera shares how public health tools, community insights and long term thinking can help cities design greener and healthier environments. She also discusses her PhD research, which explores how funding for Birmingham’s more than 400 parks has changed from 2013 to 2024, and what this means for equity, access and community wellbeing. This conversation highlights the value of cross agency collaboration, the importance of evidence in nature planning and the role of green spaces in supporting mental health, physical activity and social connection. Highlights include: How public health perspectives can strengthen citywide nature planningWhat Birmingham learned while creating its 25 year City of Nature PlanInsights from Humera’s research into funding, equity and park qualityThe relationship between green space and community wellbeingWhy partnerships across sectors lead to stronger long term outcomes Whether you work in health, planning, or park management, this conversation offers a new perspective on why nature belongs at the centre of every wellbeing strategy.\ Resources 🔗Connecting health and green spaces through Movement Data | ActiveXchange 🔗 Environmental Justice Webinar 20211123 130439 Meeting Recording 🔗Sultan H, Grayson N, Jones S, Pike D, Greenham S, Needle D, Sadler J, Frew E. Green space and environmental justice—a new metric to guide resource allocation in improving the amount and quality of green space. TCP Journal 2023. 92 (6). Available at Nov-Dec23.pdf Featured Guests  Humera Sultan, Consultant in Public Health at Birmingham City Council and NIHR Doctoral Local Authority Fellow Feedback 🎧 Give feedback on this episode here. Or if you’d like to share your perspectives or stories about this episode, or contact us for any reason, you can email Maria Burnett (host) and the team at research@worldurbanparks.org.  About PodParks PodParks is the official podcast of World Urban Parks. Hosted by Maria Burnett, each episode shares real stories and bold ideas from the people making parks, public space, and urban nature more inclusive, innovative, and essential. 🎙️ Meet the PodParks Team Maria Burnett | Luis Romahn | a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/vitoriamartind/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    54 min
  4. 46. What to Think About When Designing Park Lighting with Gary Jacquard

    11/17/2025

    46. What to Think About When Designing Park Lighting with Gary Jacquard

    46. What to Think About When Designing Park Lighting with Gary Jacquard Behind every welcoming park at night is a thoughtful lighting design. In this episode of PodParks, host Maria Burnett speaks with Gary Jacquard, General Export Manager at Eclatec, about how cities can use lighting to create atmosphere, comfort and safety without compromising biodiversity. From the glow of Paris’ historic lamp posts to smart lighting systems that adapt to use and season, Gary shares how technology and design can work together to make parks more inviting and sustainable. They also discuss why lighting should be considered early in park planning and how small choices in tone, brightness and placement can transform the way people experience public space. Highlights include: Why brighter doesn’t always mean saferHow early design decisions shape the feel of a parkThe growing role of smart lighting and sensors in public spacesBalancing light for people and biodiversityHow regional culture and climate influence lighting design Whether you’re a planner, designer or someone who enjoys an evening walk, this episode sheds light on how design decisions after dark can make parks more welcoming for everyone. Featured Guests  Gary Jacquard, General Export Manager, Eclatec 🔗LinkedIn Eclatec is part of the Agora Makers group, which brings together Metalco and other European companies that blend heritage design, innovation and sustainability in lighting and street furniture. World Urban Parks is proudly sponsored by Agora Makers! Feedback 🎧 Give feedback on this episode here. Or if you’d like to share your perspectives or stories about this episode, or contact us for any reason, you can email Maria Burnett (host) and the team at research@worldurbanparks.org.  About PodParks PodParks is the official podcast of World Urban Parks. Hosted by Maria Burnett, each episode shares real stories and bold ideas from the people making parks, public space, and urban nature more inclusive, innovative, and essential. 🎙️ Meet the PodParks Team Maria Burnett | Luis Romahn | Vitoria Martín Delgado | Vladimir Yañez Huehpa|  Cynthia Hernández Martínez| Boris Solis 🌐...

    43 min
  5. 45. The People, Projects and Parks Changing the World: WUP Awards 2025

    11/03/2025

    45. The People, Projects and Parks Changing the World: WUP Awards 2025

    What do the world’s most inspiring parks have in common? Behind every great green space are passionate people, designers, advocates, and communities who believe parks can change the way we live. In this special episode of PodParks, host Maria Burnett explores the real stories behind the World Urban Parks Awards, celebrating the people and projects transforming public spaces across the globe. Together with Michael Boland, Chair of the WUP Awards Committee, Maria dives into what makes these parks and leaders stand out and why their work matters for the future of cities. You’ll hear directly from the 2025 award winners, whose projects span continents but share a common purpose: to make urban life greener, healthier, and more connected. From inclusive play spaces to large-scale restorations and creative community programs, their stories show how imagination and collaboration can turn public space into something extraordinary. Along the way, you’ll also learn how the WUP Awards recognise innovation and leadership across regions, creating a truly global platform for parks and professionals of all kinds. Highlights include: Stories from the 2025 award-winning projects and the people behind themHow the World Urban Parks Awards celebrate leadership, creativity, and impactThe global and regional structure that makes the program accessible to everyoneReflections from Chair Michael Boland on how recognition can inspire a movementWhat cities and park professionals can gain by taking part Whether you work in parks or simply love them, this episode will remind you how powerful a single idea and a single park can be in changing the world. Featured Guests Michael Boland - Chair, World Urban Parks Awards 2025 WUP Award Winners 🔗 Learn more about the Awards Feedback 🎧 Give feedback on this episode here. Or if you’d like to share your perspectives or stories about this episode, or contact us for any reason, you can email Maria Burnett (host) and the team at research@worldurbanparks.org.  Featured Guests Michael Boland 🔗 LinkedIn 2025 WUP Award Winners 🔗 Learn more about the Awards and Award Winners About PodParks PodParks is the official podcast of World Urban Parks. Hosted by Maria Burnett, each episode shares real stories and bold ideas from the people making parks, public space, and urban nature more inclusive, innovative, and essential. 🎙️ Meet the PodParks Team Maria Burnett | Luis Romahn | Vitoria Martín Delgado | a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/vladimir-ya%C3%B1ez-huehpa-62a5a9120/" rel="noopener...

    55 min
  6. 43. Designing Cities for Children: A Conversation with Cecilia Vaca Jones

    09/30/2025

    43. Designing Cities for Children: A Conversation with Cecilia Vaca Jones

    What happens when we design cities through the eyes of a child? In this inspiring episode of Podparks, host Maria Burnett is joined by Cecilia Vaca Jones, Senior Advisor to the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority and former Executive Director of the Van Leer Foundation, the organisation behind Urban95. A passionate advocate for children’s wellbeing, Cecilia shares how childhood memories, evidence-based policy, and citizen participation can transform urban life. Together, they explore how investing in children creates cities that work better for everyone — from the elderly to families, women, and people with disabilities. Cecilia reflects on her experiences across Ecuador, Abu Dhabi, and beyond, offering practical and hopeful ideas for shaping inclusive, playful, and people-centred cities. Highlights include: How childhood experiences inspire Cecilia’s global work on parks and public spaceWhy designing for babies and children creates inclusive cities for allThe four pillars of child-friendly urban design: proximity, mobility, design, and participationHow public policy must go beyond numbers to focus on behaviours and use of spaceWhy investing in vulnerable communities is key to equity and social cohesionA vision of thriving, playful, sustainable cities in 2040 🎧 Listeners are encouraged to add their perspectives: email research@worldurbanparks.org to share your own story or response to the conversation. Featured Guests Cecilia Vaca Jones 🔗 LinkedIn About PodParks PodParks is the official podcast of World Urban Parks. Hosted by Maria Burnett, each episode shares real stories and bold ideas from the people making parks, public space, and urban nature more inclusive, innovative, and essential. 🎙️ Meet the PodParks Team Maria Burnett | Luis Romahn | Vitoria Martín Delgado | Vladimir Yañez Huehpa | Cynthia Hernández Martínez | Boris Solis 🌐 worldurbanparks.org 📱 Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter/X

    1 hr

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Official World Urban Parks Podcast