Phillymag.com reported Friday the city of Philadelphia was picked by the City Parks Alliance to host its 2021 Greater & Greener Conference, a gathering of park professionals and political leaders from around the world devoted specifically to urban parks.

Officials suggested the selection is another sign that Philadelphia has turned a corner in the public perception, emphasizing the city’s strengths that have attracted millennials and helped reverse decades of population loss.

“Philadelphia is just really experiencing a renaissance in public space, driving the future of our city and its quality of life,” Kathryn Ott Lovell, commissioner of Philadelphia’s Parks and Recreation department, said in Friday’s announcement.

“Something quite powerful is happening in the city through our park work,” said Nancy Goldenberg, executive director of the Center City District Foundation and a City Parks Alliance board member. “We were the manufacturing capital of the world at one point. Now we are reusing our old infrastructure and abandoned lots, creating public parks and open spaces that connect to communities and help neighbors connect to each other.”

NewsClips:

Philadelphia Chosen To Host 2021 International Parks Conference

Kennett Township Greenway Gets Green Award In Chester

Presque Isle Wins National Best Beach Contest

DCNR Secretary Recognized For Role In Preserving Environment

3/21/2016