Parks for a Nation: Partnerships, Play, and Purpose with Beo Raven Bensurto

PARKnerships: Building Parks with Purpose, Play, and Shared Responsibility

In this episode of PodParks, Maria Burnett is joined by Beo Raven Bensurto, Park Operations Superintendent at the National Parks Development Committee, to explore how partnerships can unlock the full potential of parks for communities.

Drawing on his work across national park systems, Beo shares how public–private collaboration is helping deliver parks that go beyond recreation, supporting environmental education, climate resilience, and child development through play. At the centre of the conversation is his concept of “PARKnerships,” where collaboration becomes a driving force for more inclusive, responsive, and impactful public spaces.

The discussion highlights how parks can act as platforms for learning and connection, particularly for younger generations. Beo reflects on the role of play in child development, and how thoughtfully designed environments can support curiosity, creativity, and long-term wellbeing.

Alongside this, the episode explores how partnerships can strengthen park systems, bringing together government, communities, and private organisations to share resources, knowledge, and responsibility. Beo emphasises that strong relationships are key to delivering outcomes that are both meaningful and sustainable over time.

This is an inspiring and practical conversation that reframes parks as essential infrastructure for education, resilience, and community wellbeing, driven by collaboration and shared purpose.

✨ Highlights include:

PARKnerships in action:Public–private collaboration can unlock new opportunities for funding, innovation, and long-term stewardship of parks.
Parks as learning environments:Parks play a critical role in environmental education, helping people understand and connect with the natural world.
The importance of play:Play is essential for child development, supporting creativity, social connection, and physical wellbeing.
Climate resilience through parks:Well-designed parks can contribute to climate adaptation, supporting ecosystems and helping communities respond to environmental challenges.
Shared responsibility:Strong park systems rely on collaboration between government, private sector, and communities.
Designing for community impact:Parks should respond to the needs of local people, creating spaces that are inclusive, accessible, and meaningful.
From infrastructure to experience:Parks are not just spaces to maintain, but places that shape how people learn, connect, and experience their environment.
Building long-term value:Partnerships help ensure parks are not only delivered, but sustained and evolved over time.

Featured Guests
Beo Raven Bensurto
Park Operations Superintendent
National Parks Development Committee
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About PodParksPodParks is the official podcast of World Urban Parks. Hosted by Maria Burnett, each episode shares real stories and bold ideas from the people making parks, public space, and urban nature more inclusive, innovative, and essential.