Awards – World Urban Parks

AWARDS 2025 WORLD URBAN PARKS

These prestigious awards recognize the people, projects, andorganizations that have made a lasting impact on cities andcommunities around the world.

About the Program:

In celebration of its 10th anniversary, World Urban Parks proudly presents the 2025 WUP International Awards Program—a global initiative that honors excellence in urban parks and open spaces.

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WUP Mission

To promote and support the provision, effective management and use of urban parks, open space and recreation world-wide as an integral contribution to healthy communities connected to the natural world.

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WUP Vission

A world where people have easy access to and benefit equally from quality urban parks and open spaces.

Global Representation:

Each of the five WUP regions; Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, and Latin America will recognize outstanding contributions through the diverse categories. Each region may recognize outstanding individuals, projects, and organizations in every award category—making it possible to have up to 30 awardees in total.

However, the final number of winners will depend on the quality and quantity of nominations received in each region.

Individual &

Organizational

Awards:

Each year, World Urban Parks celebrates individuals, organizations, and projects that are transformingurban green spaces through the WUP Awards. We recognize outstanding leadership, innovation, andimpact across two main categories:Each year, World Urban Parks celebrates individuals, organizations,and projects that are transforming urban green spaces through the WUP Awards. We recognize outstan-ding leadership, innovation, and impact across two main categories:

Individual Awards

For leaders and advocates in the field

Organization & Project Awards

For groundbreaking initiatives and institutions

These awards reflect our shared vision:
“A world where everyone has equal access to quality parks and open spaces.”

Individual
Award Categories:

Distinguished Individual Award

Honors an individual who has made a lasting impact on parks and open spaces through leadership, community engagement, and international contribution to the WUP mission.

Young Park Leader Award

Recognizes emerging leaders under 35 who are driving positive change in parks and open spaces, both locally and globally, in alignment with WUP’s vision.

Organization & Project
Award Categories:

Leading Parks Organization Award

Recognizes outstanding park agencies ororganizations for their leadership, innovation,and commitment to advancing WUP’s missionthrough effective park management.

New Park Project Award

Honors new urban park projects that showcasecommunity involvement, sustainability, andexcellence in design, construction, andmanagement..

Neighborhood Parks Award

Celebrates small parks under 10 hectares that serve local communities through inclusive design, environmental responsiveness, and innovative management.

Large Urban Parks Award

Acknowledges urban parks over 10 hectaresthat serve as citywide or regional destinationsand demonstrate excellence in communityengagement, sustainability, and park operations.

Nomination and

Judging Process

Call for nominations opens
June

Deadline for nominations
August

Judging period
August

Notification of winners
September

Awards ceremony in Istanbul
October 8–11

Who Should Apply?

The WUP Awards 2025 are open to individuals, cities, and organizations that have been part of the World Urban Parks community—past or present.

If you’re passionate about creating better urban environments, this is your opportunity to gain global recognition.