Pogo Park: Revitalizing a Neighborhood by Empowering Residents to Design, Build, and Operate a Park

by Sara L. Beckman and Jason Corburn
01 Jul 2026

This case explores the evolution of Pogo Park, a nonprofit organization in Richmond, California’s Iron Triangle neighborhood. Unlike traditional urban renewal projects that rely on outside experts, Pogo Park utilizes an “inside-out” approach, hiring and training local residents to plan, design, and build world-class public spaces. By 2026, the organization has successfully transformed two parks, built a one-mile pedestrian path, and is opening a new community center. However, its success has brought new challenges: the threat of resident displacement due to rising property values, the need for long-term financial sustainability beyond grants, and the need for leadership succession planning.

Learning Objectives

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1. Analyze the “inside-out” model of community development and its impact on social cohesion and public health.

2. Evaluate branding and communication strategies for multifaceted nonprofits that do not fit into traditional funding categories.

3. Develop strategic plans to address unintended consequences of urban revitalization, such as gentrification and displacement.

4. Explore financial sustainability models for nonprofits, including earned income and land banking.

5. Discuss leadership succession and the challenge of institutionalizing founder-led organizations in underserved communities.

Details

Pub Date: July 1, 2026

Discipline: Social Enterprise

Keywords: Nonprofit organizations, Economically disadvantaged groups, Succession planning, Public health, Community development, Urban development, Social innovation, Design thinking

Product #: B6090-PDF-ENG

Industry: Social advocacy organizations

Geography: United States, California

Length: 11 page(s)