# Parks Across 12 Countries Are Being Recognized for Bringing Communities Closer to Nature > All over the world, parks—whether they’re small community greens or sprawling nature reserves—show what’s possible when cities put people and nature side by ![Parks Across 12 Countries Are Being Recognized for Bringing Communities Closer to Nature](/media/2026/10/Positivity---2026-10-22T121550-792-dd532f86.webp) ## All over the world, parks—whether they’re small community greens or sprawling nature reserves—show what’s possible when cities put people and nature side by side. The 2026 World Urban Parks Awards just honored 28 parks, individuals, and organizations for making a difference in public spaces. This year drew 55 nominations from 19 countries, and the winners represent 12 of them, including spots in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and North America. ## More Than Just Green Spaces Parks aren’t just places to stretch your legs. They’re where families gather for picnics, where kids race around, and where city dwellers can catch a breath of fresh air without leaving town. These awards celebrate projects that get creative with design, take care of the environment, bring the community on board, and manage parks in ways that make them last. And some of this year’s parks really set the bar for how green spaces can meet all sorts of needs, making cities more inviting for everyone. Here’s a glimpse at some of the winners. ## The Wilds Nature Reserve — South Africa This one took home the award for New Park Project. It’s proof that even in busy urban areas, nature reserves can create real escapes, offering people a taste of wild landscapes right in the city. ## Rijnvliet Urban Food Forest — Netherlands In the Netherlands, Rijnvliet turned heads with its food forest idea. Think of it as an interactive garden where a bunch of different plants not only make the place beautiful but also let people learn about biodiversity—without leaving town. ## Doca Linear Park — Brazil Over in Brazil, Doca Linear Park connects neighborhoods with a green corridor. It’s more than a nice path—it links parts of the city, gives people a peaceful place to walk, and puts a little more nature into their daily routines. ## Villa Verde Park — Singapore Villa Verde Park in Singapore earned its spot in the Neighbourhood Parks category. Small parks like this really matter—they’re close to where people live, easy to visit, and help neighbors connect in everyday ways. ## Guangzhou Children's Park — China China’s Guangzhou Children’s Park, recognized in the Large Urban Parks category, is all about families and play. Spaces like this do more than entertain—they help kids build a bond with nature while they run, climb, and explore. Each of these parks takes a different approach, but they all aim for the same thing: making public spaces better for both people and nature. ## Why Parks Matter in Cities As cities sprawl, green spaces aren’t just nice—they’re necessary. Parks give folks a place to exercise, run into neighbors, or unwind away from noise and traffic. Beyond that, good parks help wildlife, too. Trees give shade, flowers feed bees, and some landscapes soak up rainwater, making neighborhoods more resilient when the weather turns. But maybe most important, parks bring people together. A playground, garden, or walking trail can quickly turn into the beating heart of a community. ## Cities That Make Room for Nature The 2026 awards aren’t just about pretty scenery. They recognize the thought, planning, and teamwork that keep parks inviting year after year. From Singapore’s handy neighborhood parks to the Netherlands’ inventive food forests, these projects show there’s no single formula for adding nature to a city. > When cities spend time and resources on parks, they’re really investing in places where communities can meet, children can grow, and everyone—and everything—can thrive together. Explore Related Topics Take the Positivity Quiz More in Good News Share this article ### Stay Inspired Get a daily dose of positivity delivered to your inbox. ### Discover More on Positivity What Is Positivity? 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