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Reimagining the Civic Commons

@civiccommonsus.bsky.social
128 followers 110 following 188 posts

An ambitious national initiative demonstrating that strategic investments in public spaces can connect people of all backgrounds, cultivate trust and create more resilient communities. civiccommons.us

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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
NEW: What happens when a major American city decides to invest in public spaces for its people? In Philadelphia, 10 years of the Civic Commons model has resulted in deeper engagement & elevated neighborhood revitalization — ensuring its public spaces are shared, common ground. tinyurl.com/22ya88j2
tinyurl.com
How Philadelphia Revived the Civic City
4 ways the city’s Civic Commons ethos is influencing people working on the next generation of public space
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
NEW: Belonging is a basic human need, necessary for health, well-being & social connection. But it doesn't just happen; it has to be built. Rituals can help. Our latest article looks at how ritual shapes belonging, & what this means for the public spaces we design and program: tinyurl.com/y6u488h7
tinyurl.com
Can Rituals Help Hold Communities Together?
Artist Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya, scholar Ashley Gallegos and author Michael Norton on the science and practice of ritual in public life.
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Curious how colleges & unis can create engagement, belonging & social connection? Vote for our @sxswedu.com panel "Third Place Design Lab” w/ @civiccommonsus.bsky.social's Bridget Marquis, @joinordiefilm.bsky.social's Rebecca Davis & civic leader Jared Joiner w/ Justin Vaughn: tinyurl.com/5df3bskk
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
NEW: Crime in America is at its lowest rates since the 1960s — yet public perception of decreased safety remains stubbornly unchanged. That disconnect is where the public realm comes in — yet most public safety strategies never include this lever. Why that should change: medium.com/reimagining-...
medium.com
The Safety Dividend: The Surprising Impact of Well-Managed Public Spaces
Is your community concerned about public safety? Consider investing in the public realm.
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
NEW: Public spaces are increasingly critical for locally-driven climate resilience in a time of declining federal resources. See how local orgs, residents & civic partners in these 5 cities are turning parks & neighborhoods into living laboratories for environmental stewardship. tinyurl.com/zk5kjcbw
medium.com
Building Our Future through the Green Commons
How 5 American cities are supercharging environmental stewardship in their civic spaces
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Reposted by Reimagining the Civic Commons
DenisDenis @akadenisdenis.eurosky.social · 14/04/2026
Tomorrow afternoon @parisenselle.fr will host @civiccommonsus.bsky.social and friends for a bike tour of key bicycle infrastructures in Paris. So very proud to show my city to extraordinary guests from abroad. Poke @knightengale.bsky.social @bridgetmarquis.bsky.social @ekwatanuki.bsky.social
Image. "Paris en Selle" logo.
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Reposted by Reimagining the Civic Commons
Project for Public Spaces @ppsplacemaking.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
Public spaces make everyday life more affordable. A recent article by @civiccommonsus.bsky.social lays out five concrete ways public spaces lower household costs. 🔗 medium.com/reimagining-...
medium.com
5 Ways Public Spaces Make Everyday Life More Affordable
How parks, libraries and trails quietly lower your household costs
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
NEW: Running for office? Want a platform that tackles the affordability crisis, improves public safety and delivers votes across party lines? Read how investing in our public spaces makes better quality of life possible for voters — and why that's a message that wins elections. tinyurl.com/47phzrp8
tinyurl.com
Want to Win Elections? Invest in the Public Realm
Supporting our public spaces makes a better quality of life possible — and can be a successful platform for political candidates.
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
NEW: The cost of living seems higher than ever right now. In our latest Medium article, we look at 5 ways the public realm — our shared parks, libraries and trails — can help lower your household costs: medium.com/reimagining-...
medium.com
5 Ways Public Spaces Make Everyday Life More Affordable
How parks, libraries and trails quietly lower your household costs
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
Check out @civiccommonsus.bsky.social director Bridget Marquis with Jessica Cherry on the latest episode of the Reimagination Cafe, talking about socioeconomic mixing and how the public realm helps people connect across different backgrounds and income levels. Full episode here: tinyurl.com/dskxk4tw
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
🔥 Kyle Kutuchief & Alexa Bush in @ssir.org on @civiccommonsus.bsky.social's 10 yrs in public space & democracy — "these investments can turn the tide, in ways that have implications for future philanthropic efforts to promote democratic principles across diverse communities." tinyurl.com/3x7kk7d3
ssir.org
Want to Support a Healthy Democracy? Start Here. (SSIR)
After a decade of transforming public spaces, we are building trust and connection between Americans.
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
NEW: The pushback against a tech-dominated society is gaining momentum, but the public realm must offer high quality, welcoming spaces that bring people together. 5 signs we're moving away from screens and living IRL — and why high-quality public spaces are essential. medium.com/reimagining-...
medium.com
5 Ways That We’re Moving Away From Screens and Toward Living IRL
From schools to dance clubs, how intentional public spaces can help our social connection and wellbeing blossom offline
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
NEW: Shared rituals make us feel grounded, connected & part of something larger. But many rituals are now disappearing — and people are losing ways to build trust and belonging, and pathways to awe. Yet a powerful resource remains for awe and rituals: shared public spaces. Read: tinyurl.com/4mj2c3v5
tinyurl.com
Rituals, Awe and the Public Realm
How intentional public spaces create meaning, connection and joy
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
NEW: Watch our Feb. 4 webinar "Want a Climate-Forward City? Start With Your Public Realm" to learn how public spaces can be crucial climate infrastructure, featuring experts sharing insights from the fields of resilience + disaster recovery, landscape architecture & urban parks. tinyurl.com/2rf5n8bw
tinyurl.com
Want a Climate-Forward City? Start With Your Public Realm
At a time when the federal government is backing away from meaningful climate action, it’s critical that local communities prioritize and invest in environmental sustainability. Local leadership on cl...
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
NEW: When you say hi to the grocery store checker, you may be unknowingly boosting your health. Research shows the importance of casual interactions to happiness & well-being — and public spaces are a natural place for these everyday interactions. Read our latest Medium article: tinyurl.com/5n8n9kbu
tinyurl.com
The Science of Small Encounters
Research shows that a diversity of casual interactions can boost our happiness. Public spaces can help them happen.
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
TODAY: Don't miss our free webinar @ 12PM EST to learn how public spaces can advance climate & community resilience, & how to bring these powerful strategies into your practice. Hear from experts in disaster recovery, landscape architecture & urban park systems. Register here: tinyurl.com/h82f2rfm
A postcard with four headshots in a row of smiling people. Text reads "Webinar: Want a Climate-Forward City? Start With Your Public Realm" with the date Wednesday February 4 12 p.m. Eastern 11 a.m. Central, brought to you by Reimagining the Civic Commons and Next City. Register at https://nextcity.org/events/detail/want-a-climate-forward-city-start-with-your-public-realm
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Reposted by Reimagining the Civic Commons
Daniel Aldrich @danielaldrich.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
Join me this Wednesday, Feb. 2 for a virtual panel with Reimagining the Civic Commons and Next City about public spaces and community resilience. Register here: nextcity.org/events/detai...
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
Want a climate-forward city? Start with your public realm. Join us +@nextcity.org Feb. 4 for a webinar w/ Daniel Aldrich, Diane Jones Allen, Tony Sorrentino & Jazmine da Costa on strategies for investing in public space for resilient communities + strong climate infrastructure: tinyurl.com/h82f2rfm
tinyurl.com
Want a Climate-Forward City? Start With Your Public Realm
Sponsored webinar: Join Reimagining the Civic Commons to learn how public spaces can advance community resilience — and how you can bring these powerful strategies into your practice.
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
As the feds roll back climate action, local communities must invest in sustainability through public spaces—for civic assets that support ecological systems & social connection. Don't miss our Feb. 4 webinar on how the public realm can serve as powerful climate infrastructure: tinyurl.com/mr34czkw
Two kids and an adult stand by a lake under a tree looking at grass and boulders. The text reads: "Want a Climate-Forward City? Start with your public realm. Wednesday, February 4. 12pm Eastern and 11am Central" for a webinar sponsored by Reimagining the Civic Commons and Next City.
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
NEW: @anandian.bsky.social wandered across America to find out why fear and division were increasing. Read our latest article to see how he found fortification of our lives — SUVs, security cameras, even clothing — reflect a deeper cultural anxiety about strangers and belonging: tinyurl.com/24zujewh
tinyurl.com
Why Americans Fortify Their Lives — And the Public Places That Can Heal the Divide
Dr. Anand Pandian on fear, fortresses and our strongest tools for rebuilding trust
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
New research finds that the power of connecting with strangers can not only boost your mood as you chat with fellow shoppers or commuters, but can actually help build a better, stronger society. greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item...
greatergood.berkeley.edu
Why Loving Moments With Strangers Carry Lasting Benefits
New research finds that connecting with strangers not only boosts your mood—it helps build a kinder, more cooperative society.
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
NEW: In a year of federal upheaval and deepening national divisions, the work of the 10 Reimagining the Civic Commons cities was a beacon of strength and resiliency in their local public realm. Take a look at how these cities across America advanced their work in 2025. Read: tinyurl.com/yc2rk6wv
tinyurl.com
Through Community Building and Public Space, These 10 American Cities Are Preparing for the Future
How Civic Commons teams are leaning into social infrastructure to weather tumultuous times
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
Philadelphia is number one on the @wsj.com best places to visit in 2026, featuring Fairmount Park and the slate of upcoming celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding. Read more: www.wsj.com/lifestyle/tr... 📷 by Michelle Gustafson
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 01/01/2026
Spend time with people to enliven the new year—including fellow shoppers and staffers at local shops. Clinical psychologist Stephanie Fitzgerald says socializing is esp important in winter, when people crave oxytocin from closeness & physical contact—running errands can help. tinyurl.com/52pff4d2
theguardian.com
Worried about winter? 10 ways to thrive – from socialising to Sad lamps to celebrating the new year in April
The temptation is to sit at home and hibernate, but beating the winter blues can be done. Here’s how to embrace the coldest and arguably most beautiful season
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
NEW: When nurturing, healing and care happen in public spaces, people benefit and communities become stronger as a more hopeful, connected society. Read our latest Medium article to see how public spaces around the country are supporting our mental and physical well-being. tinyurl.com/yktju72e
medium.com
How the Public Realm Aids in Healing and Growing
When nurturing and care happen in public spaces, people benefit and communities become stronger
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 12/12/2025
NEW: In difficult national times, local efforts can shine. Cincinnati's local orgs are investing in public space for their communities – even as the fed government pulls back from their projects. See 5 takeaways from our Civic Commons Studio #10: Local Power, Lasting Impact: tinyurl.com/22pfrxc4
tinyurl.com
During Times of National Turmoil, The Power of Leading Through Local
How one city is meeting the moment during a challenging national climate
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
1/ In new @99percentinvisible.bsky.social episode about kids and urbanism, @langealexandra.bsky.social calls out Philly's Anna C. Verna Playground at FDR Park as welcoming to all kids including teens - especially the 20-seat swing set:
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
Today’s libraries are becoming engines of civic life, drawing and connecting people and communities together. The Memphis library system is going further, turning its branches into creative hubs through its Innovator-in-Residence program. Read our latest article to learn more: tinyurl.com/4cxu33f2
medium.com
From Library to Launchpad
How Memphis’ Innovator-in-Residence program is evolving public libraries into creative hubs
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 14/11/2025
Long white benches with seating for 700 people unfurl and wind through London’s Strand district like snowy serpents – showing how using thoughtful high-quality design in public space provides not only seating, but also creates areas for performance, gathering and art. www.dezeen.com/2025/11/04/u...
dezeen.com
Undulating wooden benches provide versatile public seating on London's Strand
Visitors to a recently pedestrianised public space in London can perch on seating installations created for the site by LDA Design and Millimetre.
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 13/11/2025
@civiccommonsus.bsky.social's Bridget Marquis tells @lisabubert.bsky.social why we need civic spaces: “to serve as literal common ground in our communities to counter both loneliness & socioeconomic segregation” -- including at karaoke bars, bowling alleys and churches. tinyurl.com/mvx8sby2
tinyurl.com
The Healing Power Of Social Friction | NOEMA
Could the key to bridging societal divides be found inside your local karaoke bar?
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
In Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey's 3rd term, he needs to “support a just built environment” with housing, transit and open space, says Paul Bauknight, Civic Commons co-convener for the Twin Cities. “The city’s physical development will show us what we truly value as a society." tinyurl.com/2469pjah
startribune.com
Readers Write: Minneapolis mayor, tariffs, housing, Target’s priorities, eavesdropping
A re-elected Frey should commit to a just built environment.
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 11/11/2025
When a new park opened near a Lexington cafe, business picked up - as did the area's vibe. "More people walk by the shop and just say ‘hi’ as if we're neighbors," the owner said. High-quality public spaces benefit small businesses' bottom line and their bonds with communities. tinyurl.com/42sek9aa
tinyurl.com
How Civic Infrastructure Powers Small Local Businesses
Public spaces benefit communities on many levels — including the people who run the shops, stores, local services and eateries that depend…
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
New research finds that people who feel belonging and a sense of purpose in community — even more than family & religious ties — seem to age more slowly on molecular level. "Social capital...might work the same way as cellular capital, influencing how long (& how) well we live.” tinyurl.com/2nudfb98
tinyurl.com
Strong Social Bonds Might Help Slow Aging
Clinical relevance People with enduring, well-rounded social ties show molecular signs of slower aging, according to new research.
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 04/11/2025
KUDOS to Carol Coletta, a force behind @civiccommonsus.bsky.social! She has received 2025 ULI Prize for Visionaries in Urban Development for commitment to public space. "I have this heart for public life, because I do believe it forges community in ways that nothing else does." tinyurl.com/2a3tz4xp
urbanland.uli.org
UL Interview: Carol Coletta, 2025 ULI Visionary Prize Winner
Visionary placemaking leader Carol Coletta, recognized for her transformative impact on urban environments, to receive the ULI Prize for Visionaries in Urban Development.
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
🎃 On Halloween we see our streets become welcoming, making Oct. 31 one of the few mainstream holidays rooted in our shared civic realm. That’s why it feels so transformative: it turns the everyday stage of neighborhood life into a collective exercise in connection. Read more: tinyurl.com/bdxznejk
A spooky giant green spider waits on a front yard by a leafy sidewalk as a witch walks by during trick or treating.
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 27/10/2025
medium.com/reimagining-... Halloween is special: We stay out after dark, we open our doors, and we invite children to take candy from strangers. The activity spills onto streets, making it one of the few holidays rooted in our shared civic realm. That’s why it feels so transformative.
medium.com
What Halloween Can Teach Us About Civic Life
On this special holiday, strangers open their doors, kids roam the streets after dark and neighbors actually talk. Why only once a year?
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 23/10/2025
HUGE congrats to Tonika Johnson for the MacArthur "Genius" Grant, for the "exceptional creativity" in her social justice advocacy and artwork! She spoke with Bronlynn Thurman at our 2023 Macon Studio about her Folded Map Project – take a look at their conversation: tinyurl.com/mr2axmdm
medium.com
Can a Folded Map Unite Us?
A conversation on segregation and diversity with social justice artist Tonika Lewis Johnson
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
On Strawberry Mansion CDC's work on Coltrane House: “To have had so much taken away from us and so much disinvestment, to see this revitalization here—and not only to see it but to be part of it and have ownership in it—that’s what I celebrate,” Tonnetta Graham told @whyy.org. tinyurl.com/mt29hbek
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 09/10/2025
An early @civiccommonsus.bsky.social project, this vacant Chicago school became arts incubator bc of artist Theaster Gates. "There’s this illusion...that we don’t deserve great and significant things,” he said. “We never needed a perfect space. We just needed one that was ours.” tinyurl.com/msudbkm5
chicagotribune.com
‘A wonderful space for joy’: Former Greater Grand Crossing school reopened as arts incubator
The Rebuild Foundation and artist Theaster Gates hosted the grand opening of arts incubator the Land School this week, revamping a space vacant since 2002.
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
NEW: Akron's downtown is small – but has a big impact on local economy & culture and is focus for the city's rebranding as a "welcoming place for all people," said a city official. "The downtown is probably where that heart beats the loudest.” More on downtown Akron's rebirth: tinyurl.com/37x2k7jt
tinyurl.com
Akron Bets Big on Parks to Revitalize Downtown
Akron, Ohio, reopened a major downtown park after a $17 million renovation last year, part of a strategy to promote downtown growth by…
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 06/10/2025
Atlanta planners built Cook Park as a public park – and as climate infrastructure to capture stormwater, according to @nytimes.com. Similarly, Singapore's Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park was created when a drainage ditch was replaced with meandering waterways evoking streams. Read: tinyurl.com/5vdskjwy
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
When turning a road into pedestrian space, Stockholm planners framed the idea as temporary pop-ups to ease concerns from car-owners, who were won over by the charming parklets. The # of participating streets started with 2 in 2015 – to now more than 40 streets every summer. tinyurl.com/4e7w6tfc
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
A kayak kiosk on the creek – it's not a tongue twister, it's the newest amenity on Mill Creek in Cincinnati. The city’s first kayak rental operation is another opportunity for people to connect to nature and see Cincinnati's public spaces from a different angle. www.wvxu.org/local-news/2...
wvxu.org
It just got easier to float Cincinnati's central waterway
A new pilot program allows users to rent kayaks from a remote kiosk at Salway Park in Northside.
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 30/09/2025
NEW: Around the world, cities are being adaptive and resilient in the face of climate change. In our latest article, we look at examples where communities are working to mitigate environmental decline – from building green infrastructure to encouraging social connection. Read: tinyurl.com/4244vrev
medium.com
Resilient Cities in Action, in Progress
How public spaces can be powerful climate infrastructure
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 29/09/2025
Plans for Georgia’s potential first national park are moving forward! Meetings about the proposed Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve start this week around Macon-Bibb, Houston and Twiggs counties and a virtual meeting later this month - see www.ocmulgeepark.org/strategicplan for details
ocmulgeepark.org
Strategic Plan — Ocmulgee National Park & Preserve Initiative
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
As climate change drives more severe weather and natural disasters, how can cities prepare for recovery? Research shows communities with robust social infrastructure – like parks and cafes – had better recovery compared to more traditional infrastructure. READ: tinyurl.com/5vdskjwy #climateweeknyc
civiccommons.us
Investing with Intention: Environmental Sustainability - Reimagining the Civic Commons
Environmental sustainability is a core outcome of Reimagining the Civic Commons. Public spaces — our parks, libraries, trails,...
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 24/09/2025
Newly revamped Phoenix Park in Lexington forms the middle of trio of showcase parks, says Councilmember Hannah LeGris – showing importance of shared amenities. "It's more than just a public space," she said. "It's an investment in a stronger, safer and more connected downtown." tinyurl.com/ykvd4k5r
kentucky.com
Phoenix Park has ‘risen with new life’ after $4.6 million overhaul
The small downtown park with a new self-cleaning bathroom is in the heart of downtown at the corner of Main and Limestone streets.
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
High-quality public spaces like parks and playgrounds are popular and supported by a wide range of Americans – and they offer great bang for your buck as well. In Philly, officials said nearly $100 in economic value was created for every dollar spent on park maintenance. MORE: tinyurl.com/mr2py6h4
tinyurl.com
With Their Votes And Their Wallets, Americans Support Funding Public Spaces
Parks, libraries and open spaces are popular across the country — and people want to keep them healthy and funded
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 22/09/2025
NEW: Investing with Intention: Environmental Sustainability is now available. Public spaces can be powerful climate infrastructure & help cool overheated cities, absorb stormwater & strengthen social ties critical to resilience. Read the report as we head into #ClimateWeekNYC. tinyurl.com/5vdskjwy
Cover and interior spread of a booklet called "Environmental sustainability" with photos of people on bikes and pedestrians on a river pathway.
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Reimagining the Civic Commons @civiccommonsus.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
Ingredients for great playgrounds? Studio Ludo's quick guide says factors like trees for shade, residential location within walkable or bikeable distance, clean restrooms and lots of different heights to climb make for a fun experience for everyone, no matter the age. tinyurl.com/23kxey3n
issuu.com
Making Space for Play: Play Patches
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