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Panel Discussion

Economic Trends and Transformations

Urban Parks and Open Spaces, Cost or Catalyst?

Sunday, April 26, 2026

8:30 AM - 9:15 AM CT

Location: HPCC, Room 410AB

CM: .75

Moderator and Speaker(s)

CK

Caren Kay, AICP (she/her/hers)

Senior Vice President
SB Friedman Development Advisors
Chicago, Illinois

Speaker(s)

Lacey Rains Lowe

Planning Manager
City of Champaign
Champaign, Illinois
Heather H. Whelehan (she/her/hers)

Director of Planning and Community Development
Town of Cary
Cary, North Carolina
Joy Ennis

General Manager, Downtown Cary Park
Town of Cary
Cary, North Carolina

In difficult funding environments, investments in parks and open space often get overlooked for essential repairs and business development initiatives. However, parks should be viewed as integral to broader economic development strategy. In 2026, placemaking is not a luxury, it is essential. Residents and visitors seek out dynamic, unique places. This presentation highlights recent case-study research into the economic impact of park investments that explored changes in the pace and form of development, visitation patterns, and occupancy of adjacent spaces.

Panelists share stories and lessons learned from two specific examples: North Carolina's Downtown Cary Park and the Downtown Plaza in Champaign, Illinois. Learn to better articulate the connection between investing in high-quality, inclusive public places and economic impacts. Take away language and methods needed to build the case for public-realm improvements in your community.
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Learning Objectives:

Better articulate the connection between public-realm improvements and economic development.
Understand the various economic impacts that stem from park and open-space investments.
Compare the impact of park and open-space investments at various scales based on specific examples.