From the development of Central Park in New York City to George Kessler's pioneering parks plan for Kansas at the end of the 19th century, parks and open space have played an increasingly importance role in planning. These articles deal with topics ranging from greenways to land conservation.
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The concept of tactical urbanism has been around for several years under the terms “guerrilla urbanism,” “city repair,” or “do-it-yourself urbanism.” It generates excitement and enthusiasm from activists, but concern and disdain from some municipal officials.
After spending ten days in Portland, Oregon, PlannersWeb Editor Wayne Senville reflects on nature in the city and the role of water. More reflections from Senville over the next few days.
Three of Portland’s newest urban parks serve the booming Pearl District, north of downtown. Each park has its own special identity and character — the result of a thoughtful planning process.
What can residents do with that narrow strip of grass or plants and sometimes also trees usually located between the curb and the sidewalk. In Portland, homeowners have come up with some creative answers.
What would Horace Greeley, America’s most famous newspaper publisher and editor, think about the changes to the Manhattan square bearing his name — looking down from his bronze chair? Probably, “there’s a good story here!”
We do it dozens of times a day. During nice weather, we often do it in the park. And we’re careful where we do it, often scouting out a location that seems just right for us to …. sit. But how much do planners and urban designers know about our backsides?
At the Project for Public Spaces our first assignment: spend an hour carefully observing activities in Petrosino Square and noting what we saw.
Take an online wildlife walk through downtown Tucson, Arizona. It’s quite interesting what you can see and learn in the heart of the city.
Can a privately managed urban park in the center of downtown Detroit help spur the city’s recovery?
Perhaps nothing gets a community more riled up than a discussion of density. How can you plan for the density that works best for your community?
How Luzerne County and the City of Wilkes-Barre are integrating the riverfront with downtown, through the creation of a new riverfront park, with giant flood control portals cutting the embankment.
A continuing challenge facing many local planning commissions is how to best plan for new development at the edge of existing settled areas. This can be particularly acute in communities facing growth pressure. A look at some tools and strategies for guiding development at the edge.
Across the country, citizens are increasingly calling for improved and expanded multi-use trails, both for recreational and commuting purposes. Transportation planner Hannah Twaddell outlines a “four-step path” to developing a successful greenway trail.
