In this episode of PodParks, we are joined by Erika Nikolai, Executive Director of Park People, a national Canadian charity working to activate and strengthen urban parks through community partnerships.
Erika shares how Park People represents a different way of working in parks, sitting between communities and local government to help unlock the full potential of public space. Through grants, programs, and advocacy, the organisation supports grassroots groups to shape, care for, and activate their local parks, creating spaces that are more responsive to the people who use them.
The conversation explores the idea of parks as social infrastructure, places that do more than provide access to nature. Erika reflects on how parks can reduce social isolation, build relationships between neighbours, and strengthen communities, particularly in diverse and growing cities where connection can be harder to find .
Alongside this, the episode highlights the power of community-led action. Erika shares the story of the Thorncliffe Park Women’s Committee, where local leadership led to culturally relevant programming and infrastructure, demonstrating how parks can evolve when communities are supported to take ownership .
The discussion also unpacks the role of non-profits in the parks sector, from securing funding and building partnerships to advocating for the value of parks across political systems. Erika emphasises the importance of making it easier for communities to participate, not just in the design of parks, but in how they are used and cared for over time.
This is an insightful and practical conversation that challenges traditional models of park delivery, and highlights the role of non-profits in building more connected, resilient, and community-led park systems.
Highlights include:
- A different way to work in parks: Park People operates between communities and government, supporting collaboration rather than delivering parks alone.
- Parks as social infrastructure: Parks help reduce social isolation and build relationships, strengthening community resilience.
- Unlocking community energy: When communities are supported, they bring ideas, ownership, and long-term care to their local parks.
- From consultation to participation: Community involvement should extend beyond design into ongoing use, programming, and stewardship.
- The power of partnerships: Non-profits play a key role in connecting municipalities, communities, and funding partners.
- Measuring what matters:Success includes connection, belonging, and stewardship, not just participation numbers.
- Advocacy across political systems: Parks are often common ground, making them a powerful platform for cross-political support.
- Urban parks as everyday nature: As cities grow, access to nearby nature becomes essential for wellbeing and quality of life.
- A story of impact: The Thorncliffe Park Women’s Committee shows how culturally relevant ideas and local leadership can transform a park and its community.
Featured Guests
Erika Nikolai
Executive Director, Park People
Greater Toronto Area, Canada
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About PodParks
PodParks is the official podcast of World Urban Parks. In each episode we share real stories and bold ideas from the people making parks, public space, and urban nature more inclusive, innovative, and essential.
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Maria Burnett | Luis Romahn | Vitoria Martín Delgado | Vladimir Yañez Huehpa| Cynthia Hernández Martínez| Gisselle Ibarias | Brizel Lopez
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