Be inspired by the power of the commons. Our new report showcases six years of innovation, collaboration and impact in our initial five cities. @TheJPBFdn @knightfdn @kresgefdn @WilliamPennFdn @RockefellerFdn #publicspace #impact #innovation #cities

NEW: Between the Great Plains and the Ozarks, A Complex City Blooms. Read our latest article about 5 insights gleaned from a public space study visit to Tulsa, OK – including lessons on acknowledging history, honoring culture and investing in the future:

🥳 to Akron for becoming a National Civic League All-America City! The designation recognizes 10 communities that tackle local issues thru civic engagement, collaboration, inclusiveness and innovation. @AKCivicCommons' work in Summit Lake was highlighted.

As America marks Independence Day today, the Memphis Flyer has a cheeky reminder to celebrate all summer outside – with plenty of ideas that can work in any city:.

Teenage girls are often left out of public space designs. But when they’re invited to share ideas, teen girls ask for social, inclusive spaces that prioritize safety over traditional sports fields or courts. Read more from Manish Thakre in @NextCityOrg:

Public spaces can delight and entertain people across different ages. Look at Spain and Italy, where “they integrate children’s play with adult socialising, such as those lovely shaded playgrounds fringed with bar and cafe tables,” writes @rhiannonlucyc:.

Big Philly news! Welsh Memorial Fountain in @myphillypark will be restored by @NBWLA. Residents of nearby communities gave input on the design to restore the fountain & install new seating, trees and upgraded pedestrian access.

Akron's Summit Lake Neighborhood Farmers Market supports local growers, artists and vendors. Customers who buy homemade wares and fresh produce there support Summit Lake’s smaller vendors who might be overlooked in larger farmers markets. Read more:

It’s Friday. It's summer. It’s hot. Time to hit the beach and give your brain a mental reset: .

As a ballpark falls into disuse in Salt Lake City, a new library lab has popped up nearby to anchor the area and show residents that they won’t be forgotten in future plans – a sign of how public spaces like libraries play roles beyond programming. See

As large swaths of America sweat in this week’s heat wave, check out our latest article looking at how communities with strong social infrastructure recover faster from events like extreme weather, natural disasters and economic crises.

RT @tweber: If ever there was a week to better understand heat forecasts and defending against extreme heat, it’s this week of sweltering t….

Combating extreme weather can involve surprising solutions – like shaded street benches around your community. Read @tweber's piece in @TIME about how one Philly neighborhood increased green infrastructure, provided shade and strengthen the social fabric:

Memphis’s Tom Lee Park won a prestigious design award from @AIANational for its “sustainable, resilient and inclusive design.” Kudos to @studiogang, @scape_studio, Hyde Family Foundation and @MemRiverParks for the recognition!.

Akron Civic Commons’ efforts are leading to more investment in Summit Lake--a testament to the power of public space to inspire community growth. Read more:

In Memphis, libraries offer programs that go beyond books and recreation. Macon's Open Streets movement spurs biking events and walking clubs. Read about 6 cities bringing people together in "Finding Friendship and Connection Through the Public Realm."

NEW: After disasters, your community’s investment in social infrastructure can affect how quickly recovery happens. In New Orleans, researchers found that neighborhoods with strong social ties recovered more quickly after Hurricane Katrina. Read more:

The freedom to gather in our public spaces and express free speech has always been essential to America, Shawn McCaney of the @WilliamPennFdn writes in the @thephilacitizen. Read more here:

Look at how folks in our Learning Network cities are enjoying springtime in parks and public spaces! Featuring contributions from: @MemRiverParks, @InnovateMemphis, @grpg, @BartramsGarden, @AKCivicCommons, @TowpathTrail, @downtownakron, @knightfdn

Philly folks have a new path to explore on the new Christian to Crescent section of the Schuylkill River Trail which adds .5 mile to the pedestrian/bike trail with a cable-stayed bridge and another step towards connecting Center City @BartramsGarden.