Awards

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.
WUP Mission Icon 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.
WUP Vision Icon WUP Vision
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 Icon
Individual Awards
For leaders and advocates in the field
Individual Awards Icon
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:

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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.

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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:

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Leading Parks Organization Award

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

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New Park Project Award

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

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Neighborhood Parks Award

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

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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
Call for nominations opens June
Deadline
Deadline for nominations August
Judging
Judging period August
Notification
Notification of winners September
Awards
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.

We encourage applications from:

  • Individuals leading change in the parks and open space sector
  • Cities prioritizing inclusive, innovative, and sustainable park development
  • Organizations managing parks with a strong commitment to community impact

Help us celebrate the people and places shaping the future of urban parks around the world.

Why Apply?
Being recognized with a WUP Award is more than just an honor it´s
 an opportunity to grow your impact and reach.
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  • Global visibility across the World Urban Parks international network
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  • A platform to share your story and inspire others in the sector
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  • A chance to connect with global leaders shaping the future of parks and public spaces

Join a growing community of changemakers driving excellence in urban parks worldwide!

To ensure that the WUP Awards Program represents the breadth of people and parks that have contributed to WUP’s success over the past decade, individuals, organizations, and parks that have previously been or currently are members of World Urban Parks may be nominated for any of the awards.

How can i apply?
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1.

Review the Terms & Conditions

Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria before submitting a nomination.
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2.

Complete the Online Form

Select the category that applies to you to nominate yourself.
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3.

Receive Confirmation

Once submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation email verifying receipt of your nomination.

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4.

Wait for the Results

Regional juries will evaluate nominations in August. Winners will be notified in September.
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5.

Celebrate with Us in Istanbul

Awardees will be recognized at the 2025 WUP Congress, taking place October 8–11 in Istanbul, Türkiye.

For full details about this edition
of the WUP Awards

Including criteria, categories, and the nomination process

Download the official WUP Awards Presentation
by clicking the button below:

Download