December 2025 Webinar Recap: How the Implementation of CPTED Strategies Can Benefit the Cannabis Industry
On April 16, 2026, the US CPTED Association hosted a webinar titled “Designing Safer Parks: Increasing Local Economic Activity and ROI in New York City,” presented by Melissa Dominguez and Brian Worfolk. The session explored how CPTED strategies can be applied to public parks to improve safety while also driving economic and community value.
The discussion focused on how the way parks are designed directly influences how people use them. By improving visibility, access, and overall layout, public spaces can become safer, more active, and more welcoming. The presenters walked through real examples from New York City, showing how issues like low visibility, poor lighting, and lack of activity can contribute to higher crime and reduced park use .
They also highlighted how applying core CPTED principles such as natural surveillance, access control, territorial reinforcement, and maintenance can transform these environments. When done correctly, these strategies not only reduce crime but also encourage more positive use of the space.
One of the key takeaways from the webinar was the connection between safety and economic impact. Safer parks lead to increased foot traffic, stronger local commerce, higher property values, and improved community trust. The presentation reinforced that safety is not just a cost, but a measurable return on investment for cities and communities.
The webinar provided a clear example of how CPTED continues to expand beyond traditional applications, showing its value in large scale public spaces like parks and urban environments.
We encourage everyone to review the PowerPoint presentation from this session.If you are a member and would like to watch the full webinar recording, please visit our Member Webinars page. If you are not yet a member but would like to join and access exclusive content like this, visit our Membership page for more information.
