Parks
Key Facts from L.A. County's Park Needs Assessment Study
L.A. County's Parks and Rec Dept. has just completed a major study of the county's park needs. Departmental Facilities Planner Clement Lau explains the study and below are a few things that came to light.
Changing Tastes Push Minneapolis' Parks From Baseball to Soccer
In a move to address changing preferences, some Minneapolis' parks are slowly eliminating baseball diamonds and tennis courts in favor of adaptable fields and multi-purpose courts.
Open Spaces Are Contested Spaces in the Middle East
Parks and other public open spaces continue to be squeezed out by private development and attempts to limit political dissent throughout cities in Arab countries.
660 Acres Donated to Pittsburgh to Become City's Largest Park
The city of Pittsburgh is celebrating the conveyance of 660 acres of property known as Hays Woods. The property will one day become the largest park in the city.
Why Chicago Park Advocates Want to Preserve a Parking Lot
A Chicago nonprofit drew criticism for opposing the planned Lucas Museum in favor of a large parking lot. But the organization says it fits into their mission of promoting open space.
L.A.'s New Pershing Square Will Be 'Radically Flat'
After stakeholder engagement and an international design competition, Agence Ter's plan for "radical flatness" has been selected to replace downtown L.A.'s current Pershing Square. The preferred alternative is, above all, simple.
'First National Study of Neighborhood Parks' Finds Few Taking Advantage
Most neighborhood parks go relatively unused by adult populations and women, giving young children, mostly boys, the run of the place.
Louisville Builds a Green Ring Around the City
For the second time in its history, Louisville completed an ambitious and massive park planning and design process on its suburban fringe. The fringe today is just a bit farther out than it was in Olmsted's day.
Philadelphia's Franklin Square Installs a Fence and a Symbol of Privatization
Philadelphia's Franklin Square will require admission in the evening this spring, for the duration on a Chinese lantern festival. A critic faults the "philosophy of privatism" for robbing the park of its democratic qualities.
San Francisco's New Park, Built Over a Viaduct
Designed by the same landscape architect behind New York City's High Line, a new park will cap San Francisco's Doyle Drive, connecting the Presidio to the shoreline.
Around the World, Cities Imitate the High Line
The High Line's brand of urban reinvention has caught on, sparking a number of similar projects throughout the world. In addition to disused rail, many projects repurpose old road infrastructure.
Splashy Pier 55 Project for the Hudson River Gains Final Approval
The Pier55 project, as it's now known, was announced in November 2014 and granted regulatory approval in April 2016. Now it's expected to begin construction this summer.
Report: Dog Parks 'Lead the Pack' in New Urban Parks
The Trust for Public Land's annual City Parks Facts report finds cities around the country are adding dog parks with the enthusiasm of a pack puppies.
Economic Development in Eagle, CO: A Riverfront Park and Whitewater Play Area
A sure way to turn out the vote in Eagle, Colorado: hold an election asking for a new sales tax to fund a whitewater play park on the local river. Voters overwhelmingly supported the project.
Road Through D.C.'s Rock Creek Park Closing to Cars
A long-discussed, and perpetually controversial, proposal to close Rock Creek Park to automobile traffic is headed toward construction. Questions about the impact of the project remain.
Museum Park Reflects Changing Preferences
Raleigh's North Carolina Museum of Art is redesigning its extensive grounds with an eye toward how public interaction with museums is shifting. Inclusion, sustainability, and brand development are paramount.
In Pictures: Havana's Public Spaces
The recent thaw in U.S. relations with Cuba, as well as President Obama's visit last month, have spurred conversations about Havana's future. Its public spaces are worn, but they're busy and well-designed.
Only in L.A.: Botanic Garden Displays LEGOs to Connect Visitors With Nature
A fun exhibit at the South Coast Botanic Garden is reviewed by park planner Clement Lau.
L.A. County's Strategy for Better Park Planning Explained
Los Angeles County's Community Parks and Recreation Plans (CPRPs) are an evolved methodology to process a broad range of data to better site and design community parks. CPRPs are explained by L.A. County park planner Clement Lau
Op-Ed: Tech Can Enhance Parks
In the traditional view, nature and digital technology clash. But for many people, tech can offer ways to better engage with parks.
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.
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