Parks almost always sound like a good idea. But some are vacant while others are transformative. Here's a list of ten recently completed projects that fall solidly in the latter category.
Back in the day, parks used to be one of two things: beautiful refuges from urban hustle and bustle, with trees, flowers, and grass; or recreation centers, with jungle gyms and ballfields. Today, parks' attributes are more vast and more subtle, and design is often a crucial difference between a good idea and a place that is actually vibrant and attractive.
The Urban Land Institute recently recognized ten parks in cities across the United States that went above and beyond expectations. They include Dallas' Klyle Warren Park, Seattle's Olympic Sculpture Park, St. Louis' Citygarden, and—not surprisingly—New York City's High Line.
Some of the parks, like Vancouver's Southeast Falls Creek, are meant to bring nature back to the city. Others, like Washington's Yards Park, have "outdoor rooms" where people can gather and enjoy public space.
FULL STORY: 10Best: Parks that have helped revive their cities
Ten Years of the High Line—Time to Reflect
As the High Line turns ten, a debate about the costs and benefits of urban revitalization continues.
Reviews and Reflections on the Best New Urban Parks
The New Republic offers a look and review of some of the nation's best new urban parks.
Innovative Park Agencies Receive National Recognition
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) recently announced the recipients of this year’s awards for innovation in health and wellness, equity, conservation, and park design.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service