This report contains guidance on good practice in municipal park provision. It is based on 12 main case studies, supported by a further 26 supplementary case studies. Areas covered include planning, managing, competing, delegating, maintaining, building, monitoring and involving.

The Role of Urban Parks in Community Well-being Subtitle: Designing for Recreation and Social Interaction Book Title: The Role of Urban Parks in Community Well-beingProduct Description: Discover the profound impact of urban parks on community well-being in this insightful and meticulously researched book. Authored by [Author's Name], this compelling work delves into the intersection of urban planning, social equity, and community development. Drawing inspiration from real-world experiences and expert guidance, the book provides a comprehensive examination of the role urban parks play in shaping healthier and more vibrant communities. Key Features: Origin Story: The genesis of this study lies in the author's internship at the Capitol Region Council of Governments in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1995. The firsthand experience working on the Capitol Region Fair Housing Compact On Affordable Housing ignited a passion for understanding the dynamics of urban spaces and their impact on well-being. Informed Insights: The author's exposure to regional and local concerns regarding affordable housing, coupled with timely debates in Washington, forms the foundation of this book. The exploration of tenant-based rental assistance and changes in Section 8 policy adds depth to the narrative, making it both relevant and timely. Acknowledgments: The author expresses gratitude to key mentors, including Professor Rolf Pendall and Professor Marcia Marker Feld, whose insights, encouragement, and teachings enriched the development and completion of this project. The acknowledgement of Mary Ellen Kowalewski, Director of Community Development at the Capitol Region Council of Governments, emphasizes the real-world connections that made this project possible. Why You Should Read: Insider Perspective: Gain insights from the author's internship experience, providing a unique insider's view of the challenges and considerations in urban planning. Timely and Relevant: Explore the book's timely discussions on affordable housing, tenant-based rental assistance, and policy changes, offering a fresh perspective on contemporary urban issues. Expert Guidance: Benefit from the wisdom and teachings of esteemed mentors like Professor Rolf Pendall and Professor Marcia Marker Feld, who played a pivotal role in shaping the author's educational foundation. Real-world Impact: Understand the practical implications of urban planning through the author's interactions with professionals like Mary Ellen Kowalewski, whose patience and guidance made this project both possible and attainable. Embark on a journey through the pages of The Role of Urban Parks in Community Well-being, and gain a nuanced understanding of how urban parks contribute to the vitality and health of communities. This book is a must-read for urban planners, community development professionals, and anyone passionate about creating inclusive and well-designed urban spaces. Urban Parks;Community Well-being;Affordable Housing;Section 8 Policy;Capitol Region Council of Governments;Urban Planning;Social Equity;Community Development;Real-world Experiences;Regional Concerns;Tenant-based Rental Assistance;Policy Changes;Professor Rolf Pendall;Professor Marcia Marker Feld;Social Indicators;Equity in Planning;Neighborhood Development;Professional Guidance;Capitol Region Fair Housing Compact;City Parks and Health

Great City Parks is a celebration of some of the finest achievements of landscape architecture in the public realm. It is a comparative study of twenty significant public parks in fourteen major cities across Western Europe and North America. Collectively, they give a clear picture of why parks have been created, how they have been designed, how they are managed, and what plans are being made for them at the beginning of the twenty-first century. Based on unique research including extensive site visits and interviews with the managing organisations, this book is illustrated throughout with clear plans and professional photographs for each park. This book reflects a belief that well-planned, well-designed and well-managed parks remain invaluable components of liveable and hospitable cities.

For years American urban parks fell into decay due to disinvestment, but as cities began to rebound—and evidence of the economic, cultural, and health benefits of parks grew— investment in urban parks swelled. The U.S. Conference of Mayors recently cited meeting the growing demand for parks and open space as one of the biggest challenges for urban leaders today. It is now widely agreed that the U.S. needs an ambitious and creative plan to increase urban parklands. Urban Green explores new and innovative ways for “built out” cities to add much-needed parks. Peter Harnik first explores the question of why urban parkland is needed and then looks at ways to determine how much is possible and where park investment should go. When presenting the ideas and examples for parkland, he also recommends political practices that help create parks. The book offers many practical solutions, from reusing the land under defunct factories to sharing schoolyards, from building trails on abandoned tracks to planting community gardens, from decking parks over highways to allowing more activities in cemeteries, from eliminating parking lots to uncovering buried streams, and more. No strategy alone is perfect, and each has its own set of realities. But collectively they suggest a path toward making modern cities more beautiful, more sociable, more fun, more ecologically sound, and more successful.