Technology, Golf Courses, and Better Practice with Dr Fritz Lord and Erik Kaiser

In this episode of PodParks, Maria Burnett is joined by Dr Fritz Lord and Erik Kaiser to explore how evolving practice, land use, and data-informed decision-making are shaping the future of parks and recreation.

Together, they unpack how parks systems are becoming more complex and more essential, responding to growing populations, changing expectations, and increasing pressure on land and resources.

Drawing on their experience across planning, management, and research, the conversation highlights the importance of thinking long-term while still delivering practical, on-the-ground outcomes.

The discussion explores how digital tools and data are being used to better understand park use, inform investment decisions, and improve the management of assets over time.

Rather than focusing on technology for its own sake, the conversation centers on how these tools can support clearer thinking, better prioritization, and more effective outcomes for communities.

Golf courses are used as a lens to examine broader land use questions, including how large-scale recreational spaces can adapt over time to better serve communities, environmental outcomes, and changing participation trends.

Alongside this, the episode reflects on what “better practice” really means in today’s context, moving beyond traditional approaches to embrace adaptability, collaboration, and continuous learning.

This is a practical and forward-looking conversation that encourages parks professionals to think critically about how they plan, manage, and evolve public spaces in a rapidly changing world.

✨ Highlights include:

Parks under pressure:
As cities grow and land becomes more constrained, parks systems must respond to increasing demand while balancing competing priorities.
Data-informed decision-making:
Better use of data is helping parks teams understand how spaces are used, prioritize investment, and manage assets more effectively over time.
Rethinking large-scale land uses:
Spaces like golf courses present opportunities to reconsider how land is used, ensuring it delivers broader community and environmental value over time.
Maintenance matters:
Long-term stewardship is just as important as initial design, with ongoing care and management playing a critical role in the success of parks.
Better practice is evolving:
There is no single model for success. Good practice today requires flexibility, responsiveness, and a willingness to adapt to changing conditions.
Balancing competing needs:
Parks professionals must navigate tensions between development, recreation, conservation, and community expectations.
The importance of long-term thinking:
Planning for decades ahead is essential to ensure cities remain livable and connected, particularly as populations continue to grow.
Learning from different contexts:
Global perspectives and shared experiences help inform better outcomes locally, even when systems and governance structures differ.

Featured Guests

Dr Fritz Lord, Global Crop Manager at COMPO EXPERT
🔗LinkedIn

Erik Kaiser, Co-founder/CEO/Managing DIrector of SUMMETIX
🔗LinkedIn

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About PodParks
PodParks 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.