Parks are areas of nature in urban areas and areas of nature’s biodiversity in governmental protected areas. Earth evolved its biodiversity of life over millions of years. Before humans arrived, the earth was covered with maritime and on-land wilderness. As urban populations grew and became more dense, it occurred to some people that green spaces of varied types are important in communities in which people live. Everyone needs parks of different types to spend time together, meet with friends, people watch, attend events like music, and plays, outdoors, play a game of softball or soccer, or just even take a walk under the trees. Within walking distance from our homes, they provide spaces for relaxation, appreciation, and socialization. They are as important as the homes in which we live.
Activity 1 – Parks as Public Spaces of Repose
“…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
Parks are places to walk, sit, picnic, garden, recreate, end enjoy being outside. Parks are places of repose outdoors, with public, semi-public, and even private places to sit alone, together, and even in groups. Paths to destinations become important as people enter parks at dedicated entrances, walk a park loop, sit at benches, picnic in grass areas, and walk along waterways.
Activity 2 – City squares
Chosen by city founders and planners and some communities, green spaces were retained and integrated into the city layout. Woodstock, IL for example has a green square as its center. It is where the public gather, a farmer’s market is held, and special events take place. It defines the identity of the town best known for being the site of the Hollywood movie, Groundhog’s Day!
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Explore
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Relate
- Electric Light
- Ergonomics
- Experience Design
- Forests
- Grass
- Green Cities
- Green Roofs
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- Growing food
- Historic Preservation
- Lakes
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- Pavilions
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- Site Analysis
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- Soil
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- Tree Identification
- Urban Design
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