By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON April 21, 2011 – Mayor Rick Goldring just might be making Burlington the place to be to hear some of the more inspiring speakers in North America He is bringing a man who is passionate about parks and getting out and walking around – this is the Mayors’ kind of guy.
Multicultural executive and social marketing strategist, Gil Penalosa is passionate about improving quality of life through the promotion of walking and bicycling, and of parks, trails and other public spaces as great places which foster vibrant cities with healthier communities and happier residents.
Renowned environmentalist, Gil Penalosa, coming to Burlington to tell us all to take a hike.
Gil earned a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from UCLA’s Management School. Following years of private and public sector senior managerial experience, the Mayor of Bogotá, Colombia (pop. 7 m), appointed him Commissioner of Parks, Sport and Recreation for the city.
Gil led his team to design and build over 200 parks, of which the best known is the Simón Bolívar (360 hectares). They were also successful in opening 91 kilometres of car-free city roads on Sundays, the Ciclovia, where over 1.3 m. people come out weekly to walk, run, skate and bike. They also created the Summer Festival, with over 100 events in 10 days and more than 3 million people attending and since the first year has become the main recreational event in the country.
Gil is executive director of the Canada-based non-profit 8 – 80 Cities (formerly Walk & Bike for Life) as well as a successful international speaker and consultant.
One of the Mt. Nemo walking trails – but how much traffic can these trails take and still be seen as a quiet walk in the country.
In his presentations and workshops on creating better communities, he develops strong linkages of walking, bicycling, parks and trails, with improving the personal and public health, enhancing the transportation systems, providing recreation for all, a cleaner environment and advancing economic development.
First Inspire speaker was Chris Hume who made comments that Mayor Rick Goldring said he found himself “gulping a bit” as he listened but “the guy laid it all out” , said the Mayor.
In a survey the city did after the first Inspire event about 85% found both Hume and what he had to say either Very Good or Excellent. 100% of responders said they would attend future speaker events. The Mayor might have to put the Inspire Speakers series on hold until the Burlington Performing Arts Centre is open – he may need the 750 seats they have. Good on you your Worship for making this happen.
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