News! Article just published in "Planning Theory & Practice"

The first article from our Logan case study "Governance Factors Shaping Greenspace Provision: From Theory to Practice" is now available in Planning Theory and Practice online.

Few studies have considered greenspace governance provision from a local government perspective. Our latest article from our Logan case study, applies previously overlooked insights from urban planning and social research, to investigate the key question: ‘how do governance factors influence the provision of greenspace in cities?’

It examines governance tools, organisational leadership and culture, and political leadership. Findings reveal the tensions between a need for certainty and a desire for flexibility, highlighting inconsistencies between planning theory and practice. 

Better understanding the interplay of these enablers and constraints can inform policymaking to ensure that rapidly growing cities can respond to their residents’ needs using available resources. 

Sincerest thanks to all of our participants for their support & contribution to our research.  

Access the article below; or non-subscribers can request a copy for personal use from The CityGreen Lab.

(posted 8 April 2021)

Ever visited a park or greenspace that you either led or contributed design ideas, only to discover that it hasn’t flourished: is not as popular as you had hoped, perhaps has not been maintained as you had expected, or worse, have some works been damaged, removed or replaced?

• Why is designing excellent parks important? 
• How can we deliver design services that ensure we achieve excellent parks?
• What makes an excellent park or other type of public urban greenspace?
• How confident are you tackling park design?

If these are questions that you might have asked yourself over the course of career, or you find to be somewhat challenging to answer, help is here!

On 21 May 2020 The CityGreen Lab facilitated the first AILA MasterClass in Design - Parks (in webinar format) covering fundamental issues including place management, crime prevention, whole-of-life asset management, and climate adaptation. 

Moreover, it  included content drawn from evidence-based theory and practice - specifically on-the ground experience in park management, applied through active learning.

Missed it? Register your interest on our wait list now for the next class. 

Our Managing Director - Dr Chris Boulton - was invited to provide a keynote presentation at the Parks & Leisure Australia joint region conference for NSW/ACT/QLD. 

Staged in Coffs Harbour, NSW, Chris presented a summary of her recent publication "Governance Factors that Shape Urban Greenspace Provision: From Theory to Practice". 

Delegates provided great questions and feedback on the value of insights from local government, and the complexity of providing urban greenspace.

It was a marvellous experience meeting some amazing parks people which was only possible through the generous support of our sponsors and volunteers. 

Thank you to everyone that has contributed. Parks and Leisure Australia #PLAQLD #PLACOFFSHARBOUR2021 

(posted 19 May 2021)

Through a Local Governance Lens: Divergent and Convergent Perspectives of Effective Urban Greenspace Provision was presented at the 9th State of Australian Cities Conference in Perth, Western Australia (30 November - 5 December 2019).

This paper presents a preliminary comparison of the factors shaping urban greenspace provision, between two of our case studies of mid-sized cities: Logan, Australia and Surrey, Canada. 

Use the link here for your free copy.

(posted 31 July 2020) 

We're excited & humbled to receive the Research Award for ‘Factors Shaping Urban Greenspace Provision’ at the recent Parks and Leisure Australia 2020 Awards of Excellence. 

https://www.parksleisure.com.au/awards/winners/2020-winners/research-award  

Who knew that when sourcing & reviewing the hundreds of academic articles on urban greenspace & park supply, our findings would appeal to such a broad audience, across continents & disciplines. 

Sincerely grateful for the support & guidance of my co-authors, Ayşın Dedekorkut & Jason Byrne, & mentor Prof. Catherine Pickering.Thank you Parks and Leisure Australia, event & award sponsors, colleagues, Elsevier for publishing our research. 

Congratulations to all 2020 finalists & award recipients.This award is a significant milestone for our work in demonstrating the complex & diverse factors that shape our urban greenspace.  

Here's the citation: Boulton, C., Dedekorkut-Howes, A., & Byrne, J. (2018). Factors shaping urban greenspace provision: A systematic review of the literature. Landscape and Urban Planning, 178, 82-101.

(posted 10 November 2020) 

The CityGreen Lab is very excited to announce that we recently received the Parks & Leisure Australia - Queensland Region 2021 Award of Excellence - Research, for Çhris' PhD Thesis, titled "Is there a better approach to providing urban greenspace?"

This achievement backs-up last year's PLA 2020 Award of Excellence - Research for Chris for co-authors' literature review article "Factors Shaping Urban Greenspace Provision" that received both the PLA QLD and National Awards for Excellence.

Sincere thanks to #PLAQLD and 2021 QLD Region Award Category sponsor, Otium Planning Group. 

Congratulations to all nominees and award winners.

As a National Finalist, we eagerly await the announcement of PLA's 2021 National Awards of Excellence winners at the National Conference Gala Dinner in Sydney on 14 September 2021.

(posted 19 May 2021)