The Conference You Can’t Miss
Body and Soul: Parks and the Health of Great Cities

The 2008 International Urban Parks Conference, scheduled for September 21-23 in Pittsburgh, will be the best opportunity of the year to learn from leading-edge research experts, public officials and management innovators about how parks are shaping the future of the world’s cities.

Body and Soul: Parks and the Health of Great Cities will challenge us with a vision of urban parks as centers of health and well-being for people of all ages. With more than half of the people in the world now living in cities for the first time, urban parks are more important than ever. Long recognized for their contribution to the physical and emotional health of our communities, urban parks are increasingly part of the prescription for everything from childhood obesity to global warming.

Nearly 100 speakers from around the world will provide practical information on environmentally sustainable parks management, restoring historic natural areas, managing storm water, coping with the impact of global warming, and finding a balance between parks and cars.

Body and Soul panel discussions will explore ways that park organizations across the country are building innovative partnerships with the public health community to promote active living.

More than 20 tours and workshops will give participants a chance to see Pittsburgh’s historic parks and innovative showcase projects.

For a complete conference schedule and detailed speaker information, please visit the Body and Soul conference program page.