PodParks

About PodParks

Official World Urban Parks Podcast

Publisher

World Urban Parks

Category

education · leisure · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

17 Mar 2023

Latest episode

15 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

67 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   15 Sept 2026

   60. Designing for Goodbye: A Landscape Architect’s Perspective on Cemeteries and Public Space with Hamish Coates

   In this episode of PodParks, we are joined by Hamish Coates, Principal Designer at the Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust in Melbourne, Australia. Hamish shares a perspective on parks and public space that is often overlooked, the design of cemeteries as places for reflection, culture, and community. Drawing on his experience as a landscape architect working across complex and sensitive environments, he explores how these spaces serve not only as places of remembrance, but as important pieces of public open space. The conversation challenges traditional ideas of what parks are, and invites listeners to think about cemeteries as “parks in disguise.” Hamish reflects on how these landscapes can support wellbeing, provide green space in urban areas, and respond to the diverse cultural practices of the communities they serve. Alongside this, the episode explores the role of design in navigating sensitive subject matter. Hamish shares how his work requires a balance of technical expertise, cultural awareness, and empathy, particularly when designing spaces that hold deep personal and collective meaning. This is a thoughtful and slightly unexpected conversation that expands the definition of public space, encouraging professionals to think more broadly about how landscapes can support people through all stages of life. Highlights include: Cemeteries as public space: Cemeteries function as important open spaces, offering quiet, reflective environments within urban areas. “Parks in disguise”: These landscapes often provide similar benefits to parks, including access to nature, wellbeing, and community connection. Designing with sensitivity: Working in cemetery design requires empathy, cultural understanding, and respect for diverse traditions and practices. Cultural diversity in design: Cemeteries must respond to a wide range of cultural and religious needs, shaping how space is planned and used. Balancing function and emotion: Design decisions must meet practical requirements while also supporting grief, memory, and reflection. The role of landscape architecture: From master planning to delivery, the work spans strategy, design, and project management across complex sites. Reframing uncomfortable topics: Designing for death encourages professionals to think differently about life, community, and the role of public space. Creating meaningful places: These spaces aim to provide comfort, dignity, and a sense of belonging for diverse communities. Featured Guests Hamish Coates Principal Designer Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust, Melbourne, Australia 🔗LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamish-coates-741ab61b/) Feedback 🎧 Give feedback on this episode (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeWNDDjCpQqJJhMeP4MdE8LqpTSjMGJWQ4leoHSCI84URm-xQ/viewform?usp=sharing)here (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeWNDDjCpQqJJhMeP4MdE8LqpTSjMGJWQ4leoHSCI84URm-xQ/viewform?usp=sharing). About PodParks PodParks is the official podcast of World Urban Parks. In each episode shares real stories and bold ideas from the people making parks, public space, and urban nature more inclusive, innovative, and essential. 🎙️ Meet the PodParks Team Maria Burnett (https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-burnett-535b51201/) | Luis Romahn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-romahn-4b623275/) | Vitoria Martín Delgado (https://www.linkedin.com/in/vitoriamartind/) | Vladimir Yañez Huehpa (https://www.linkedin.com/in/vladimir-ya%C3%B1ez-huehpa-62a5a9120/)| Cynthia Hernández Martínez (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiahernandezmartinez/)| Gisselle Ibarias (https://www.linkedin.com/in/taddy-gisselle-ibarias-flores-013178180/) | Brizel Lopez (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brizel-l%C3%B3pez-2885701b6/) 🌐 (https://www.worldurbanparks.org)worldurbanparks.org (https://www.worldurbanparks.org) 📱 (https://www.instagram.com/worldurbanparks)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/worldurbanparks) | (https://www.facebook.com/worldurbanparks)Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/worldurbanparks) | (https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-urban-parks)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-urban-parks) | (https://twitter.com/worldurbanparks)Twitter/X (https://twitter.com/worldurbanparks)

2. 

   31 Aug 2026

   59. Working in Parks Beyond Government: Park People and Non-Profits with Erika Nikolai

   In this episode of PodParks, we are joined by Erika Nikolai, Executive Director of Park People, a national Canadian charity working to activate and strengthen urban parks through community partnerships. Erika shares how Park People represents a different way of working in parks, sitting between communities and local government to help unlock the full potential of public space. Through grants, programs, and advocacy, the organisation supports grassroots groups to shape, care for, and activate their local parks, creating spaces that are more responsive to the people who use them. The conversation explores the idea of parks as social infrastructure, places that do more than provide access to nature. Erika reflects on how parks can reduce social isolation, build relationships between neighbours, and strengthen communities, particularly in diverse and growing cities where connection can be harder to find . Alongside this, the episode highlights the power of community-led action. Erika shares the story of the Thorncliffe Park Women’s Committee, where local leadership led to culturally relevant programming and infrastructure, demonstrating how parks can evolve when communities are supported to take ownership . The discussion also unpacks the role of non-profits in the parks sector, from securing funding and building partnerships to advocating for the value of parks across political systems. Erika emphasises the importance of making it easier for communities to participate, not just in the design of parks, but in how they are used and cared for over time. This is an insightful and practical conversation that challenges traditional models of park delivery, and highlights the role of non-profits in building more connected, resilient, and community-led park systems. Highlights include: A different way to work in parks: Park People operates between communities and government, supporting collaboration rather than delivering parks alone. Parks as social infrastructure: Parks help reduce social isolation and build relationships, strengthening community resilience. Unlocking community energy: When communities are supported, they bring ideas, ownership, and long-term care to their local parks. From consultation to participation: Community involvement should extend beyond design into ongoing use, programming, and stewardship. The power of partnerships: Non-profits play a key role in connecting municipalities, communities, and funding partners. Measuring what matters:Success includes connection, belonging, and stewardship, not just participation numbers. Advocacy across political systems: Parks are often common ground, making them a powerful platform for cross-political support. Urban parks as everyday nature: As cities grow, access to nearby nature becomes essential for wellbeing and quality of life. A story of impact: The Thorncliffe Park Women’s Committee shows how culturally relevant ideas and local leadership can transform a park and its community. Featured Guests Erika Nikolai Executive Director, Park People (https://parkpeople.ca/) Greater Toronto Area, Canada 🔗LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-nikolai-89873547/) Feedback 🎧 Give feedback on this episode (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeWNDDjCpQqJJhMeP4MdE8LqpTSjMGJWQ4leoHSCI84URm-xQ/viewform?usp=sharing)here (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeWNDDjCpQqJJhMeP4MdE8LqpTSjMGJWQ4leoHSCI84URm-xQ/viewform?usp=sharing). About PodParks PodParks is the official podcast of World Urban Parks. In each episode we share real stories and bold ideas from the people making parks, public space, and urban nature more inclusive, innovative, and essential. 🎙️ Meet the PodParks Team Maria Burnett (https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-burnett-535b51201/) | Luis Romahn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-romahn-4b623275/) | Vitoria Martín Delgado (https://www.linkedin.com/in/vitoriamartind/) | Vladimir Yañez Huehpa (https://www.linkedin.com/in/vladimir-ya%C3%B1ez-huehpa-62a5a9120/)| Cynthia Hernández Martínez (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiahernandezmartinez/)| Gisselle Ibarias (https://www.linkedin.com/in/taddy-gisselle-ibarias-flores-013178180/) | Brizel Lopez (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brizel-l%C3%B3pez-2885701b6/) 🌐 (https://www.worldurbanparks.org)worldurbanparks.org (https://www.worldurbanparks.org) 📱 (https://www.instagram.com/worldurbanparks)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/worldurbanparks) | (https://www.facebook.com/worldurbanparks)Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/worldurbanparks) | (https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-urban-parks)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-urban-parks) | (https://twitter.com/worldurbanparks)Twitter/X (https://twitter.com/worldurbanparks)

3. 

   19 Aug 2026

   58. Parks for a Nation: Partnerships, Play, and Purpose with Beo Raven Bensurto

   Parks for a Nation: Partnerships, Play, and Purpose with Beo Raven Bensurto In this episode of PodParks, we are joined by Beo Raven Bensurto, Park Operations Superintendent at the National Parks Development Committee, to explore how partnerships can unlock the full potential of parks for communities. Drawing on his work across national park systems, Beo shares how public–private collaboration is helping deliver parks that go beyond recreation, supporting environmental education, climate resilience, and child development through play. At the centre of the conversation is his concept of “PARKnerships,” where collaboration becomes a driving force for more inclusive, responsive, and impactful public spaces. The discussion highlights how parks can act as platforms for learning and connection, particularly for younger generations. Beo reflects on the role of play in child development, and how thoughtfully designed environments can support curiosity, creativity, and long-term wellbeing. Alongside this, the episode explores how partnerships can strengthen park systems, bringing together government, communities, and private organisations to share resources, knowledge, and responsibility. Beo emphasises that strong relationships are key to delivering outcomes that are both meaningful and sustainable over time. This is an inspiring and practical conversation that reframes parks as essential infrastructure for education, resilience, and community wellbeing, driven by collaboration and shared purpose. Highlights include: PARKnerships in action: Public–private collaboration can unlock new opportunities for funding, innovation, and long-term stewardship of parks. Parks as learning environments: Parks play a critical role in environmental education, helping people understand and connect with the natural world. The importance of play: Play is essential for child development, supporting creativity, social connection, and physical wellbeing. Climate resilience through parks: Well-designed parks can contribute to climate adaptation, supporting ecosystems and helping communities respond to environmental challenges. Shared responsibility: Strong park systems rely on collaboration between government, private sector, and communities. Designing for community impact: Parks should respond to the needs of local people, creating spaces that are inclusive, accessible, and meaningful. From infrastructure to experience: Parks are not just spaces to maintain, but places that shape how people learn, connect, and experience their environment. Building long-term value: Partnerships help ensure parks are not only delivered, but sustained and evolved over time. Featured Guests Beo Raven Bensurto Park Operations Superintendent National Parks Development Committee 🔗LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brvb-944a27150/) Feedback 🎧 Give feedback on this episode (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeWNDDjCpQqJJhMeP4MdE8LqpTSjMGJWQ4leoHSCI84URm-xQ/viewform?usp=sharing)here (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeWNDDjCpQqJJhMeP4MdE8LqpTSjMGJWQ4leoHSCI84URm-xQ/viewform?usp=sharing). About PodParks PodParks is the official podcast of World Urban Parks. Hosted by Maria Burnett (https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-burnett-535b51201/), each episode shares real stories and bold ideas from the people making parks, public space, and urban nature more inclusive, innovative, and essential. 🎙️ Meet the PodParks Team Maria Burnett (https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-burnett-535b51201/) | Luis Romahn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-romahn-4b623275/) | Vitoria Martín Delgado (https://www.linkedin.com/in/vitoriamartind/) | Cynthia Hernández Martínez (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiahernandezmartinez/)| Gisselle Ibarias (https://www.linkedin.com/in/taddy-gisselle-ibarias-flores-013178180/) | Brizel Lopez (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brizel-l%C3%B3pez-2885701b6/) 🌐 (https://www.worldurbanparks.org)worldurbanparks.org (https://www.worldurbanparks.org) 📱 (https://www.instagram.com/worldurbanparks)Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/worldurbanparks) | (https://www.facebook.com/worldurbanparks)Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/worldurbanparks) | (https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-urban-parks)LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-urban-parks) | (https://twitter.com/worldurbanparks)Twitter/X (https://twitter.com/worldurbanparks)

Who has been a guest on PodParks

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Marina Cervera
• Outi Tahvonen
• Taavi Forssell
• Cecil Konijnendijk
• Oliver Hanna

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

15 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 25 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

29

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

51

Contact PodParks

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about PodParks