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

Earth evolved its biodiversity of life over millions of years. Before humans arrived, the earth was covered with maritime and on-land wildernesses- forests, prairies, wetlands, deserts, and more! As people came and evolved, they learned about nature’s ways of providing food sources, water access, and clean air. As urban populations grew and became more dense, it occurred to some people that green spaces of varied types were being removed for more buildings, roads, and parking lots essential to communities in which people live! Today, urban areas need green and blue spaces to help the Earth maintain its energy balance. Parks are imperative spaces for nature and people! Everyone needs parks for relaxation, recreation, and communal gatherings. Parks offer different activities: time together, meeting with friends, watching people, attending musical events and performances, playing outdoors, playing softball or soccer, enjoying flowers, walking under the trees, and sitting beside rivers and ponds. Within walking distance from our homes, parks provide spaces for relaxation, appreciation, and socialization. They are as important as the homes in which we live. When did people start to create parks?