Aaron Thompson’s Post

"The more green space we can add for businesses, the more it helps the aesthetics and foot traffic. I think green space and economic development go hand in hand." – Lionel Bradford, president, The Greening of Detroit The Greening of Detroit, a nonprofit with a mission to inspire sustainable growth and a healthy urban community, has planted 147,000 trees and trained more than 1,000 people through its workforce development program. We interviewed Bradford about the organization’s programs, impact, and future. Click the link below to read more. #sbndetroit #sustainablebusinessnetworkdetroit #sustainablebusinessnetwork #sustainablebusiness #greeningofdetroit #thegreeningofdetroit #urban #urbancommunity #urbancity #urbanplanning #circulareconomy #trees #climatechange #climateaction #sustainability #environmentaljustice #workforcedevelopment #detroit #southeastmichigan #economicdevelopment

Why we share everything When I traveled to America a few years ago with the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, I was struck by the incredible transparency and communication shown by park foundations and park services in their detailed and accessible annual reports. These reports were more than just documents; they were tools to reflect on the year, celebrate achievements, and share progress on strategies and goals. I returned to Hackney inspired, determined to replicate this approach in our Parks and Green Spaces Service. Fast forward to today, I am proud to say that Hackney's Parks and Green Spaces Annual Report has become an integral part of how we operate. These reports allow us to review the year, measure our impact, and—most importantly—share our progress with the community. We have just released our 2023/2024 report, which highlights some incredible achievements: - 31 Green Flags - The restoration of Abney Park Cemetery - The transformation of Fairchild’s Garden - Over 1000 hours of Volunteer Engagement - New drinking fountains, air source heat pumps and composters helping us progress toward our zero-carbon goals. Beyond celebrating these successes, our annual report also provides a roadmap for the future. We outlined ambitious plans for 2024/2025, including the launch of the Hackney Buzzline—a 4km pollinator corridor—and the opening of new kiosks and cafés in our parks. These reports are also essential for tracking our progress in delivering the Parks and Green Spaces Strategy. They enable us to stay accountable to our commitments, such as enhancing biodiversity, improving accessibility, and fostering community engagement. Our reports ensure that the people of Hackney can see the impact of our work, whether it’s through refurbished playgrounds, new sports facilities, or initiatives to make our parks more inclusive and sustainable. Annual reports have proven to be invaluable in shaping how we communicate, reflect, and grow. I am grateful to our dedicated staff and volunteers who make these successes possible. Together, we are ensuring Hackney's parks and green spaces are welcoming, accessible, and thriving hubs for everyone. If you're curious about our work or want to get involved, check out our latest report - https://lnkd.in/egmJ48P4

Join our next webinar and hear how parks are preserving natural areas in their communities. These are critical nature based solutions to ensure communities are environmentally resilient and healthy! Learn from leaders in the field how they are advancing these efforts and how you can too.

Parks play a crucial role in fostering community health and well-being by providing spaces for connection & recreation. This article explores the various benefits of parks, from promoting physical activity to enhancing environmental sustainability. Read the benefits here: https://lnkd.in/dbWjb5fb

🌳 Council seeks the community’s feedback on Buller's parks and reserves. 🌿 Council has launched a survey to gather community input on the future management of council-administered parks and recreational reserves. 👍 The community’s feedback will help to create a draft Reserve Management Plan that balances community enjoyment, environmental protection, and long-term sustainability. It also ensures that reserve use, development, management and protection is consistent with its intent. 💭 The reserve management survey asks questions about the importance for the community, usage ideas, desired future community activities, what events the community would like to see hosted, what facilities are used most, how to increase the reserves’ ecological value, upgrades and improvements to amenities, and how to advance the access to these places. 🗺️ Council has published an interactive online map on its community engagement hub, ‘Let’s talk Buller’, that includes information about each reserve’s amenities, current use, management and additional information. 👉 The interactive map and the survey are available at https://bit.ly/3A0nDnk

Green spaces are vital for enhancing urban livability, promoting mental well-being, and fostering biodiversity, making them essential to sustainable city planning. #greenspace #healthandwellness #resilientneighborhoods https://lnkd.in/ekX9SwD2

I second this. Real estate in the Valley will do very well in the next 10 years.

Are you tired of the typical problems that come with managing your community? AavaasVillage is transforming the way people live in communities. Here's why you'll love it here.... ✔️No-Fuss Society Management: With our cloud-based solution, managing your community is as easy as pie. ✔️Feel Safe & Secure: Your safety matters, and we've got your back. Our advanced security measures and dedicated teams ensure you can rest easy. ✔️Green Living, Happy Living: We're all about sustainability! From eco-friendly energy solutions to community gardening projects, we're making Mother Earth proud. ✔️Stay Connected: Our interactive community app is your new best friend. Chat with neighbors, plan events, and request maintenance—all at your fingertips. ✔️Fun-Filled Amenities: Who says community living has to be boring? Enjoy everything from fitness spaces to virtual celebrations right here at AavaasVillage Ready to experience the magic? 👍 Stay updated with the latest news on #SmartLiving, #SecureCommunities, #CommunityManagement, and #ResidentialComplexes by following AavaasVillage. 🌐 Visit our website to connect and learn more.

🌿 Ever thought about how our upbringing shapes our future? Studies reveal that access to green spaces significantly enhances our mental and physical well-being. 🌳 Today is Arbor Day! Arbor Day is about preserving green space, planting trees, and appreciating the benefits of getting outside and caring for our world. 🏠 Are you a Public Housing Authority interested in offering residents the perks of greenspace on your properties? Here are some ideas to consider: ✅ Engage residents! Commemorate Arbor Day by involving them in planting trees around the property and their living spaces. ✅ Start a community garden to foster connections among residents and promote the growth of fresh produce. ✅ Support sustainability by investing in green energy for a brighter future! 👉 Do you have a story of what you have done to conserve and create greenspaces? Drop it in the comments below! #Affordablehousing #Research #Sustainability #Greenspace

Richland Township is thrilled to announce the awarding of a $145,500 grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) for assistance towards the acquisition of 7.9 acres of land, which will be added to Richland Township Community Park. This funding, secured through the efforts of State Representative Rob Mercuri, State Senator Lindsey Williams, and Governor Josh Shapiro, will allow the park to expand, providing more green space and recreational opportunities for the community. Their continued commitment to local communities plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for residents. The acquisition will ensure that Richland Community Park continues to grow as an essential asset to the township, offering residents of all ages access to outdoor activities. Richland Township Manager Brian O'Malley expressed his appreciation: “This grant will allow us to enhance our park and protect green space for the residents of Richland Township. We’re excited for the future of this project and grateful for the support from our state officials and the C2P2 program.” The Township also extends a thank you to Assistant Township Manager Natalie Thiess for her dedication in applying for this grant. “Natalie’s hard work and attention to detail in securing this funding has helped to make this expansion possible,” O'Malley added. “Her efforts truly reflect the commitment we have to making Richland Township a great place to live.” “Richland Community Park has been a long-standing asset to our community,” Rep. Mercuri said. “This investment into the park provides continued growth and safety for our children and community in an environmentally enriching manner.” This investment in Richland Township Community Park reflects our dedication to improving the quality of life for residents,” Senator Williams said. “Parks are not just places to play they are community hubs that bring people together and promote health and well-being.” The C2P2 program, administered by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, provides financial and technical assistance to local governments and nonprofit organizations for planning, acquisition, and development of parks, recreation areas, and conservation projects. The C2P2 program is a crucial initiative in supporting the development of parks, trails, and conservation efforts across Pennsylvania. For more information about the program, visit https://lnkd.in/ewz4nNA4.