Parks

Ping Pong in the Park

Following trends seen in Europe and China, a public park in New York City has installed a ping pong table.

March 25, 2011 - DNAInfo

More 'Parklets' Heading to San Francisco

The City of San Francisco is expanding its program of "parklets" -- small public patio-like spaces built on parking spots.

March 25, 2011 - The San Francisco Examiner

Car Ban Proposed in Central Park

A lawmaker in New York has introduced a plan to ban cars from Central Park and Prospect Park.

March 24, 2011 - The New York Post

Parks in the Realm of Landscapes and Infrastructures

Are parks landscapes or infrastructures -- or can they be both? This question is broached in this wide-reaching interview on the role of parks in cities with landscape architect Gerdo Aquino.

March 18, 2011 - Archinect

The Changing Role of Cemeteries as Parks

America's first public parks were cemeteries. But over time, they've moved from the center of town to the edges. A new book looks at the history of these places of the dead.

March 18, 2011 - The Atlantic

Seattle's 'Unsustainable' Parks System

As the parks system grows in Seattle, it is becoming more difficult to afford to maintain. One local official calls the system "unsustainable".

March 8, 2011 - The Seattle Times

Fake Park, Real Impact

An art gallery in New York City currently has an installation called Park Here, which is an indoor parkspace made up of fake grass, trees and sunlight.

January 17, 2011 - The New York Times

Widening Waistlines Weigh on Developing Cities

Cities across the developing world are dealing more with rising obesity rates as urbanization occurs, reports TheCityFix's Jonna McKone.

January 13, 2011 - TheCityFix

Taking New York City's Parks Through Tough Times

New York City Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe talks with Next American City about the city's increased emphasis on creating active public spaces and how his department is handling budget cuts.

December 29, 2010 - Next American City

High Line, Part Two

The next section of New York City's elevated linear park known as the High Line is expected to open next spring. The New York Times offers a preview.

December 21, 2010 - The New York Times

Park Funding Problems? Privatize

More parks in the U.S. should fight funding issues through privatization, writes John Stossel.

December 8, 2010 - Reason

TIGER Funding Spurs Transit Plaza and Park in Philadelphia

Flush with federal grants, a new transit plaza and park is set to pop up in Philadelphia.

November 24, 2010 - The Architect's Newspaper

Questioning A 'High Line' for Jersey City

A proposal for a "High Line"-like park in Jersey City has some locals deeply concerned about the project's large price tag.

November 12, 2010 - The New York Times

A Park to Fit the Arch

New designs for the surrounding park offer a chance at a brighter future for the Eero Saarinen-designed Gateway Arch in St. Louis.

October 28, 2010 - Architectural Record

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.

October 9, 2010 - The New Republic

Parks Better For Cities Than Stadiums, Arts Centers

Because of their broad appeal, diverse uses, and heavy programming, parks may do more for cities than the performing arts centers of the 1980s and the sports venues of the 1990s have accomplished, says JoAnn Greco.

October 3, 2010 - The Washington Post

Brooklyn Bridge Park's Evolving Role

As a new park near the Brooklyn Bridge gradually opens in New York, the role it plays in public life in the city is already evolving.

September 30, 2010 - Urban Omnibus

A New Urban Park for Dallas

September 30, 2010 - Giulia Mastrangelo

The American Parks Database

A new report from the Trust for Public Lands provides detailed and comprehensive data on city park systems in the U.S.

September 22, 2010 - NRDC Switchboard

Five Plans for Reviving the St. Louis Gateway Arch Park

Five finalists have been announced in a design competition to rethink the park near St. Louis' iconic Gateway Arch. Fast Co. Design takes a look at the contenders.

September 10, 2010 - Fast Co. Design

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.