Parks

“…the enjoyment of scenery employs the mind without fatigue and yet exercises it, tranquilizes it, and yet enlivens it; and thus through the influence of the mind over the body, gives the effect of refreshing rest and reinvigoration to the whole system”. Frederick Law Olmsted, 1865

A park is a place of biodiversity, where flora and fauna bring humans and nonhumans together. It is a space of nature. Parks are places of and for nature in a city, and parks preserve nature outside of cities. Earth presented itself as an endless park with immense oceans. People arrived on Earth, and as their populations increased, they built their environments apart from the natural world. Parks are places where people reintroduce nature into cities or preserve nature inside and outside of urban environments. Parks offer areas to sit, picnic on the grass, take a nap, play a game, and watch people, as well as enjoy the plants and trees, whether in close-up or long views, in sun or shaded landscapes. Most people would agree that parks offer us a moment to breathe, to be outside in nature, to enjoy the air, and to relax. Parks offer public areas to explore. Recreational parks provide activities such as strolling, hiking, walking, and cycling. In the 21st century, people recognize that diverse green spaces are crucial to their health and the well-being of the city.