Washington, DC – The national urban park advocacy organization City Parks Alliance announces the selection of San Francisco and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/Saint Paul as host cities for the next two International Urban Parks Conferences in July 2015 and July 2017.

“We are excited to announce the selection of the next host cities for City Parks Alliance’s International Urban Parks Conference,” said Catherine Nagel, Executive Director, City Parks Alliance. “San Francisco and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/Saint Paul offer two very different geographic settings for our International Urban Parks Conference. At the same time, each offers some of the most innovative work happening today around urban park planning, design and programming and each clearly demonstrates the power of partnerships in creating and sustaining urban parks.”

San Francisco will host the conference in 2015 and Minneapolis/Saint Paul in 2017.

Frequently regarded as two of America’s “green” cities, the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/Saint Paul have two of the oldest, largest, and most recognized park and recreation systems in the nation. Anchored by the iconic Mississippi River, the Twin Cities offer more than 350 parks and open spaces for experiential learning.

“The Twin Cities present a unique opportunity to showcase two award-winning park systems that include the breathtaking urban section of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area,” said John Erwin, President, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. “We are truly honored to be selected to host the 2017 International Urban Parks Conference,” said Michael Hahm, Director, Saint Paul Parks and Recreation.

“Enriched by river history and geography, our cities’ Great River Passage and RiverFirst projects demonstrate visionary leadership and future-focused design strategies for shoreline and riverfront park development,” said Saint Paul Mayor Christopher B. Coleman and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak in a joint statement. “We look forward to welcoming the international urban parks community to our two cities.”

City Parks Alliance, in partnership with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, presented Greater & Greener: Re-Imagining Parks for 21st Century Cities in July 2012. More than 900 urban leaders from more than 200 cities and 20 countries gathered in New York City to re-imagine the role of urban parks in making our cities greater and greener. Featuring more than 100 workshops, park tours, and events, including keynote speakers Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, the conference envisioned what our cities could look like and the important function of parks and green space in realizing our cities’ full potential.

About City Parks Alliance
City Parks Alliance is the only independent, nationwide membership organization solely dedicated to urban parks. It unites and serves a growing network of hundreds of civic and community leaders, government agencies, park and recreation authorities, funders and others working to create healthy and sustainable parks and green spaces. CPA’s vision is that everyone in urban America will live within walking distance of a park that is clean, safe and vibrant.www.cityparksalliance.org