The Urban Parks Programme, financed by the Heritage Lottery Fund, has sparked a new enthusiasm for the regeneration of Britain's parks. This unique reference book gives a valuable overview of all the elements of public park design. It emphasizes our parks' diversity and richness, and offers practical guidance as to their renovation and future care. It is essential reading for all those involved in the design, upkeep and regeneration of public parks.

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.