What's Next for the State of Play – Transatlantic Inspirations for Implementation

The GMF Cities program of The German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) with the generous support of, and in cooperation with, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation (RCWJRF) based in Detroit, MI is organizing a study tour to explore innovative European examples of how youth sports and active recreation can be fostered through the design and programming of high-quality urban public spaces and recreation systems, innovative governance models, and cross-sector partnerships, ultimately contributing to more healthy, sustainable, and inclusive communities.

A cross-sector delegation of selected participants from Western New York and Southeast Michigan will travel to the Ruhr region in Germany and Barcelona, Spain to:  explore case study sites, policies and strategies; interact and exchange with their European counterparts to understand how these have been developed and implemented and; brainstorm and reflect as a group on the how insights can be translated to their own local contexts.

The State of Play Study Tour aims to inspire and unlock ideas of opportunities for local stakeholders, inform and generate reflection on the advancement and implementation of the priorities and strategies undertaken by the local and regional stakeholders as part of the broader State of Play work led by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation to build communities in which all children have the opportunity to be active through sports. The study tour will also strengthen and expand the peer network at the local, regional, and international level, and support the translation of policy and practice to the local contexts.

Thematically the tour will focus on the following three themes:

  • Planning, design and (re)use of physical space and infrastructure
  • Innovative governance models
  • Cross-sector partnerships

The study tour will also weave in the cross-cutting themes of youth engagement, equity and inclusion, and regional impact and cooperation. The tour will build on the extensive research conducted by RCWJRF in cooperation with the Aspen Institute and local partners that provides analysis as well as a framework for action to advance youth sports and active recreation through the Project Play Western New York and Project Play Southeast Michigan initiatives.

Upcoming Events

March 25–29, 2019: State of Play Study Tour

Ruhr Valley, Germany & Barcelona, Spain