S4E4: Why Parks Are Essential Infrastructure with Anand Pillay, CEO of Parks and Leisure Australia

Parks, public spaces and green infrastructure are essential infrastructure — supporting healthier communities, better asset management and more liveable cities.In this episode of Infrastructure Matters, Anand Pillay, Chief Executive Officer of Parks and Leisure Australia, joins David Jenkins, Chief Executive of IPWEA, to explore why parks and open spaces need a stronger voice in local government planning.Together, they discuss:✅ Why parks and open spaces should be treated as essential infrastructure✅ How green infrastructure connects to asset management, health and social outcomes✅ Why tree canopy, accessibility, safety and activation matter in public spaces✅ The role of local government in creating healthier, more connected communities✅ Why informal recreation and social connection are shaping the future of public spaces✅ Career pathways into parks, leisure, planning and recreationAnand also shares his perspective on rising infrastructure costs, urban growth, social prescription, community wellbeing, and why stronger collaboration is needed between parks professionals, engineers, planners and asset managers.BUILD YOUR GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE CAPABILITY📗 Green Infrastructure Management Manual - https://www.ipwea.org/resourcesnew/bookshop/gimm🌱 Asset Management for Green Infrastructure - https://www.ipwea.org/ipweacommunities/assetmanagement/am-green-infrastructureMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE🏞️ Parks and Leisure Australia - https://parksleisure.com.au/🏃 parkrun Australia - https://www.parkrun.com.au/🌿 Recreation Aotearoa - https://www.nzrecreation.org.nz/BE PART OF THE IPWEA COMMUNITY🎧 Infrastructure Matters Podcast - https://www.ipwea.org/podcast💼 LinkedIn - https://www.ipwea.org/linkedin🤝 Become a member - https://www.ipwea.org/membershipThis week’s Spotify poll:What matters most in a great public space?