The 8 80 City: Creating Vibrant and Healthy Communities

Auckland Conversations

In association with 2WALKandCYCLE 2016 Conference, Auckland. How can we create vibrant and healthy cities for everyone, regardless of age or social status? What is the role of streets - the largest public space in any city? How can parks improve the quality of life that attracts and retains people to their communities? Gil answers these questions while also explaining a simple and effective principle for inclusive city building: ensuring the safety and joy of children and older adults (from 8 year olds to 80 year olds) are at the forefront of every decision we make in our cities. Drawing on his experience as Commissioner of Parks and Recreation in Bogota, Gil presents some of the now widely celebrated approaches to urban regeneration through investments in parks and public spaces. Gil also draws upon examples from cities around the world which demonstrate the power of parks and public space in making lives happier, communities better, and economies stronger.