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Concurrent Education Session

The Future of the Public Realm

MON-A02: Flipping the Paradigm: Transforming a Neglected, Contested Landscape into a Social-ecological Amenity

Monday, October 13, 2025
8:30 AM – 9:45 AM CT
1.25 PDH, LA CES/HSW

How can design, collaboration, and partnerships reclaim a neglected, historically contested site and transform it into an inclusive, socially-vibrant, and resilient public space? This session explores East Side Park’s transformation through grassroots advocacy, accessibility-driven design, and deep collaboration—showcasing how community voices and innovative ecological strategies can heal, connect, and inspire.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Examine strategies for environmental restoration/resilience in park design through partnerships, native species, and sustainable practices while addressing social equity to create inclusive spaces that support ecological health and community well-being.
  • Analyze the role of inclusive and accessible design in creating parks that serve diverse populations, with a focus on designing for mobility, sensory engagement, and intergenerational accessibility in challenging environments.
  • Learn about effective community engagement and participatory planning processes, including collaboration with local organizations, non-profits and stakeholders, to shape public spaces that reflect diverse community needs and values.
  • Identify innovative best practices for creating collaborative partnerships with nonprofits and community organizations, elevate a park’s design, community impact, and broader messaging and understanding within a region.