Bloomberg Philanthropies 9d ago

What can playgrounds teach us about building better cities? At Bloomberg CityLab 2026, journalist Jennifer Hahn joined urban planner José Luis Infanzón and design critic Alexandra Lange to explore how thoughtfully designed play spaces can strengthen communities and improve urban life for everyone. From Madrid Río to innovative playgrounds in Philadelphia and Tokyo, their discussion examined how cities can create more active, inclusive, and intergenerational public spaces through the power of play. Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Aspen Institute brought mayors, policymakers, and urban innovators from around the world to Madrid for Bloomberg CityLab 2026 to strengthen global cooperation and share practical, city-led solutions to today’s biggest challenges. This year’s summit built on Bloomberg Philanthropies’ partnership with the City of Madrid under Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida and its growing work to strengthen local government leadership and capacity across Europe. For more than a decade, Bloomberg CityLab has convened influential mayors and global leaders to exchange ideas, share what works, and shape solutions with impact far beyond city limits. About Bloomberg Philanthropies: Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and 150 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on creating lasting change in five key areas: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a philanthropic consultancy that advises cities around the world. In 2024, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $3.7 billion. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Philanthropies YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTBGx5nppO4o_fOy7hqgyMg More from Bloomberg ​Philanthropies: X: https://twitter.com/BloombergDotOrg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloombergdotorg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloombergdotorg LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bloomberg-philanthropies Website: https://www.bloomberg.org Sign up for the Bloomberg Philanthropies Impact Newsletter: https://www.bloomberg.org/sign-up #BloombergPhilanthropies #CityLab #CityLabMadrid How Playgrounds Shape Better Cities | Bloomberg CityLab 2026 https://youtu.be/XB5C1ayhGUo