Written by Mary Petres, Capital Trees Horticulture Manager

In June, I had the opportunity to attend the City Parks Alliance Greater & Greener Conference in Austin, Texas. The City Parks Alliance is the only independent national nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to urban parks in the United States. Every two years, the conference brings together professionals from government agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations to share ideas, learn from one another, and explore what is possible when communities work collaboratively toward common goals.  

Over several days, I immersed myself in Austin’s parks, trails, and public spaces while participating in educational sessions and discussions with colleagues from across the country. It quickly became clear that, regardless of location, many communities face similar challenges when developing and maintaining public greenspaces. What inspired me most was the creativity and determination with which these challenges are being addressed. 

Throughout the conference, I noticed several recurring themes and shared characteristics of successful park and greenspace projects. Here are some of my takeaways…

A Clear Mission Matters 

Organizations that clearly understand their mission are better equipped to identify the right partners, prioritize projects, and make decisions that align with their long-term goals. Successful projects begin with a strong sense of purpose and direction. 

Strong Partnerships Drive Success 

One of the strongest messages throughout the conference was the importance of public-private partnerships. In addition, long-lasting projects depend on clearly defined roles, responsibilities, and written agreements among partners. 

Building these relationships is rarely quick or easy. Speakers emphasized that effective partnerships often require years of trust-building before formal agreements can be established. However, that investment of time creates the foundation needed for sustainable success.  

Community Engagement Must Be Authentic 

Successful projects actively engage the community at every stage — from planning and design through implementation and ongoing stewardship. Emphasis was placed on involving the next generation and ensuring community voices remain part of the conversation long after a project is completed.  

Design for Multiple Benefits 

Space is limited, and communities are increasingly designing parks and public spaces to serve more than one purpose. Examples discussed included recreational spaces that also help manage stormwater, reduce urban heat island effects, or improve environmental resilience. Greenspaces that are functional as well as beautiful are seen as more valuable and have greater community support. 

Maintenance is the Foundation of Sustainability 

Perhaps the most consistent message throughout the conference was that truly sustainable greenspace projects must consider a plan for maintenance from the very beginning. Questions that need to be addressed from the outset include: 

• How will maintenance be funded? 

• Who will be responsible for oversight? 

• What are the expected maintenance standards? 

• What will be the frequency of upkeep and capital improvements? 

Time and again, presenters noted that the difference between thriving projects and struggling ones often comes down to the quality of maintenance planning before construction ever begins.  

Inspiring Projects in Austin 

Among the most inspiring projects I visited were the Waterloo Greenway and Park and the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. These projects demonstrate how thoughtful planning, environmental stewardship, and strong partnerships can transform urban spaces into vibrant community assets.  

Waterloo Greenway and Park

Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail

Another notable project was the Red Line Parkway Initiative, a planned 32-mile bike and pedestrian corridor connecting Downtown Austin to Leander alongside the CapMetro Red Line train route.  

This project highlights the opportunities and challenges associated with large-scale regional trail systems. The trail needed to balance the needs of both recreational users and commuters and take the proximity of nearby businesses into consideration. Because the project spans multiple jurisdictions they faced additional challenges around budgeting, coordination, and timelines.

Conversations Beyond the Field 

In addition to site visits, I participated in discussions and presentations on: 

• Authentic community engagement 

• Urban microforests 

• Equitable development 

• Inclusive public space design 

These conversations reinforced an important principle: public greenspaces — parks, trails, greenways, or parkways — should be welcoming, accessible, and beneficial to all members of the communities they serve. They should enhance well-being, foster connection, and create opportunities for everyone to thrive.  

Bringing it Back to Richmond 

I returned from the conference energized by what I learned and inspired by what is possible. The examples from Austin and other communities across the country demonstrated that transformative projects are achievable when vision, partnerships, and community engagement come together. 

As I think about Richmond, I am excited not only by what exists today, but by what could be created in the future. Our ability to shape vibrant, inclusive, and resilient public spaces is limited only by our willingness to think creatively, collaborate effectively, and challenge our own assumptions about what is possible.  

Greater & Greener reminded me that parks and public spaces are more than amenities — they are investments in community well-being, resilience, and quality of life.