Organizations to host green infrastructure in parks briefing on Capitol Hill
Ashburn, Va. (May 14, 2018) — The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), in partnership with the National League of Cities (NLC) and the Value of Water Campaign, is proud to bring attention to the benefits of green infrastructure in parks during National Infrastructure Week, May 14–18, 2018. On Tuesday, May 15, 2018, NRPA, NLC and the Value of Water Campaign will hold a special briefing on Capitol Hill where representatives from Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management and the City of Lacey, Washington, will highlight the benefits of green infrastructure in parks and cities across the United States.
“More and more cities are turning to green infrastructure in parks to address issues related to stormwater management,” said Kevin O’Hara, NRPA vice president of urban and government affairs. “At NRPA, we urge policymakers at every level of government to explore the benefits of green infrastructure in parks, as it is an environmentally-friendly and cost-effective solution to many of the problems our cities face, such as, flooding.”
“Green infrastructure, from parks to rain gardens to green roofs, provide multiple community benefits such as urban heat island mitigation, improved air quality, and reduced flooding and water treatment needs,” said Cynthia Pratt, Deputy Mayor, Lacey, Washington. “Moreover, green infrastructure techniques and practices can improve the quality of life in cities and make our communities places where people want to live, work and play.”
“Water is the essential ingredient for prosperity and the future of our communities, but the water challenges we face are vast and mounting. One of the bright spots we see to address these challenges is the collaboration happening across the country between water managers and parks departments on green infrastructure,” said Radhika Fox, Executive Director, Value of Water Campaign. “It makes sense for parks and water to both be strong advocates for infrastructure investment and to reinforce each other’s messages.”
The briefing, which will take place May 15, 2018, between 12–1 p.m. EDT, will feature these three panelists:
- Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell, City of Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation
- Commissioner Kishia L. Powell, City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management
- Deputy Mayor Cynthia Pratt, Lacey, Washington, and NLC Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee Chair
Green infrastructure projects in parks across the country are reducing stormwater impacts in parks from 50–90 percent, depending on design. Unlike traditional gray stormwater management, green infrastructure uses natural processes to filter and slow the flow of water to protect and restore clean and healthy waterways. Examples of green infrastructure include rain gardens, bioswales, constructed wetlands, daylighted streams and permeable pavement. Publicly owned parks are ideal venues for the installation of these solutions, as they offer a variety of benefits beyond stormwater mitigation, especially in underserved communities where flooding and water quality are a concern. To learn more about the benefits of green infrastructure, watch this video.
To learn more about NRPA, visit www.nrpa.org.
To learn more about NLC, visit www.nlc.org.
To learn more about Value of Water Campaign, visit www.thevalueofwater.org.
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About the National Recreation and Park Association
The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that all Americans have access to parks and recreation for health, conservation and social equity. Through its network of 60,000 recreation and park professionals and advocates, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy and active lifestyles, conservation initiatives and equitable access to parks and public space. For more information, visit www.nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit www.parksandrecreation.org.
About the National League of Cities
The National League of Cities is dedicated to helping city leaders build better communities. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans. The Institute for Youth, Education, and Families, a special entity within the National League of Cities, helps municipal leaders take action on behalf of the children, youth, and families in their communities.
About the Value of Water Campaign
The Value of Water Campaigneducates and inspires the nation about how water is essential, invaluable, and in need of investment. Spearheaded by top leaders in the water industry, and coordinated by the US Water Alliance, the Value of Water Campaign is building public and political will for investment in America’s water and wastewater infrastructure through best-in-class communications tools, high-impact events, media activities, and robust research and publications.