Unlocking Potential: Activating Vacant Parkland for Inclusive Communities

A diverse panel confronted historic inequities and empowers underserved communities through inclusive park activation strategies. Explore how neighborhoods can overcome barriers to using undeveloped parklands despite limited infrastructure funding and persistent communication gaps with city agencies. The presentation emphasizes how connecting communities to existing resources can drive more seamless and effective park activation.

The collaboration of Austin, Texas, with students from Huston-Tillotson University provided fresh perspectives and innovative frameworks, addressing gaps in access while laying the groundwork for long-term, effective change. This partnership highlights the importance of intergenerational and cross-sector collaboration in reshaping the future of neighborhood parks.

Through research and inclusive engagement, presenters developed an innovative toolkit featuring step-by-step guidance in accessible language, along with adaptable templates to help communities initiate and manage park activation projects. College Row Park advanced as the 2025 Charles Fountain Internship initiative, with students developing visions, design options, and funding analyses that created a roadmap for the city, the university, and CTI to secure resources in partnership. The model offers a scalable framework that communities nationwide can adapt to transform underused parkland into vibrant, equitable, and accessible public spaces.
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