124 views • posted 03/13/2018 • updated 08/01/2023


How Cities Use Parks for Community Revitalization

by American Planning Association

Parks serve many different uses, may be specialized in their function, or can simply provide visual appeal for residents. Parks define the shape and feel of a city and its neighborhoods.

Parks are complex elements of a city. They can serve scores of different uses, may be specialized in their function, or can simply provide visual appeal for residents. However they work, they act to define the shape and feel of a city and its neighborhoods.They also function as a conscious tool for revitalization.

Parks can stem the downturn of a commercial area, support the stabilization of faltering neighborhoods, and provide a landmark element and a point of pride for constituents. For all these things to happen, the city needs to be open and aware of parks’ potential to spur revival, and support the elements that are needed to make that happen.

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