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Parks & Recreation
Parks and recreation spaces are essential public infrastructure that improve quality of life, support physical and mental health, and connect people to nature and each other. Landscape architects design parks that balance recreation, ecology, community gathering, and resilience. These landscapes serve communities of all ages and backgrounds, creating equitable access to outdoor spaces, supporting environmental sustainability, and strengthening local identity through design.
Featured Resources
Guide to Public Practice Landscape Architecture
What is public practice landscape architecture? The not-for-profit enterprise whose mission is to design, implement, and manage functional, liveable, safe, and attractive places for the public, often developed with a larger social objective in mind—community gathering, preservation/acknowledgement of history/place, environmental resilience, and economic vitality.
Parks, Outdoor Play & Outdoor Recreation
This network is for: Landscape architects working in parks and recreation—including trails, multigenerational play and recreation, schoolyards, and outdoor environments for children.
Learn About Parks & Recreation
Explore webinars and courses that build skills in park planning, active public space design, and recreation systems.
In the News
Xochimilco Ecological Park in Mexico City, Mexico Wins Landmark Award from ASLA
This landmark ecological park demonstrates how restoring wetlands and cultural landscapes can support biodiversity, water management, and community life.
Emerging Trends in Recreation and Sports
Explore how changing recreation and sports trends are shaping the design of more flexible, inclusive, and community-focused outdoor spaces.
Puente Hills Landfill Park Wins Global Impact Award from ASLA and IFLA
Transforming a landfill into a global model for public space.
Support parks and recreation design that serves everyone.