Park Stewardship Academy

Park Stewardship Academy is an educational, networking and skills-building program for Friends of the Park group members that will support your passion for community and greenspace.

Effective park leadership takes a range of skills—from bringing neighbors together and organizing events to fundraising, advocacy and working with local partners. Park Stewardship Academy gives community members practical training, resources and connections to help them grow as leaders and make a greater impact in their parks.

Park Stewardship Academy takes place over approximately three months, typically from September through early December. Participants take part in approximately 15–17 sessions held on select weekday evenings and Saturday mornings, with many sessions offered virtually. Cohorts are intentionally small, creating opportunities to learn from practitioners, Park Pride staff and fellow park leaders.

Participants will focus on practical skills and knowledge to create a thriving, active, and well-cared-for greenspace, including: park advocacy, event planning, Friends group structure, governance and sustainability, fundraising, community-based asset development, hosting a volunteer event, storytelling for stewardship, working with elected officials, transformational leadership, and special-interest topics such as public art, ecology and civic engagement.

After completing Park Stewardship Academy, graduates are eligible to apply for an Activation Grant to support efforts that bring more people and positive activity to their park.