Charles McKinney
As a practical visionary, Charles McKinney envisions ways to weave parks into the daily lives of everyone, and advances citizen initiatives to improve public space.
As the former principal urban designer for New York City Parks, Charles led the preparation of master plans that corrected problems, highlighted natural attributes, and addressed emerging recreational needs.
Previously, as chief of design at New York City Parks, he provided design direction for more innovative architecture and landscape architecture than any of his predecessors or successors. His projects broke new ground in the design of park architecture, landscape and ecological restoration. They improved the happiness, fitness and health of community members, and addressed climate change.
The American Institute of Architects and the American Society of Landscape Architects have awarded him honorary membership.