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Few amenities in a city do more for a community than parks. They facilitate social meetups, free play and much-needed engagement with nature. The best green spaces also satisfy every age group, offering a place where casual interactions between various demographics can happen. The picture of young parents with strollers, grandparents pushing grandkids on swings, starry-eyed couples reclining on blankets, and competitive running groups passing through speaks to the universal appeal of well-designed parks.
Whether well-known and expansive, brimming with amenities, or tiny green footprints with simple neighborhood-driven charm, parks offer a nature-rich sanctuary in otherwise bustling cities.
Chicago: Grant Park
Not only is the downtown lakefront Grant Park wildly popular with surrounding urban residents, but it also attracts Chicagoans from far-reaching areas and is a key tourist stop. Nicknamed “Chicago’s Front Porch,” the 313-acre green space adds outsized value to the city. Its anchor, the ornate Buckingham Fountain, is one of the world’s largest.
The popular Instagrammable outdoor art installation Cloud Gate — more commonly known as “The Bean” — reflects the skyline and is synonymous with the Windy City. Besides the site of the renowned Art Institute of Chicago, the botanical gardens, playgrounds and a skate trail, it hosts the unmatched summer music festival offering free classical concerts. Bring a blanket and a picnic for a memorable evening surrounded by Chicago’s stunning skyline.
Washington, D.C.: Rose Park
Long and narrow, this sliver of a neighborhood park tucked on a ridge above Rock Creek Parkway is truly hidden-gem material. Nestled in historic Georgetown, Rose Park sits quietly and intimately, offering open green space for yoga meetups, picnics and family gatherings. Two separate playgrounds feed the life of the community — one is an enclosed tot lot for the wee ones, the other is for older children.
Play tennis, basketball or pickleball on well-maintained public courts. Experience a weekly farmer’s market, revealing a delightful slice of local life. Bookmark the online event calendar for outdoor movie and concert announcements.
San Diego: Waterfront Park
With refreshing breezes off the harbor, Waterfront Park sits beside the posh downtown district of Little Italy and is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. It is a beautiful spot for outdoor events like food and music festivals and movies like Moana 2. On winding paths through landscaped gardens, take an energetic walk within eyeshot of the water. Art-lovers, check out the sculpture of local baseball legend Tony Gwynn and the mural Last Call.
A playground and expansive water attraction with giant arched jets are anchor attractions, teeming with families. On a bench, read, people-watch or munch a takeaway sandwich from a neighboring cafe.
Denver: Paco Sánchez Park
In northwest Denver, discover the 30-acre Pacblo Sáanchez Park with views of both the mountains and the skyline. It enjoyed a $10 million music-themed redesign — honoring the legendary local DJ. A giant climbing tower resembling a microphone has nets and twisty slides (one, a slide is shaped like a gramophone) and a bridge is outfitted with chimes. The grassy music bowl surrounding the stage features concerts and movies, and a web of paved trails is great for biking or walking. Get your thrills at the skatepark or with a round of disc golf before opening your picnic basket at one of the many picnic tables.
New York City: Bryant Park
Bryant Park is a cherished green space in midtown Manhattan for good reason: every day, it fosters community. From juggling and yoga classes to tai chi and symphonic concerts, there’s a daily beehive of engaging activity for the neighborhood, tourists and professionals in the area.
Summertime features kids’ magic shows, movie nights and lunchtime Broadway hits, bringing together people of all stripes. A merch shop offers seasonally-appropriate gifts — from honey to holiday-themed mugs. Foodies can indulge in a rich smorgasbord of experiences — including al fresco dining at Bryant Park Café and The Porch with lounge-type furniture and swings.
Austin: Pease Park
Pease Park is intimate, tucked in a leafy neighborhood alongside Shoal Creek with tidy grounds, clean restrooms and several food trucks — including a taco vendor. The circular “Treehouse” offers an elevated hammock for groups, and the colossal troll sculpture, Malin’s Fountain, is worth the stroll. There are trails, a grand picnic area sheltered by Live Oaks, and a shaded splash pad and playground— a magnet for kids.
Play a game of pick-up basketball with a rented ball from a self-service kiosk. Among the many types of events and activities, you’ll find toddler yoga, birding excursions and 3-on-3 basketball tournaments.
Atlanta: Piedmont Park
A couple of miles from the heart of downtown is the city’s longtime cherished green space since 1904, Piedmont Park. The 185-acre footprint in Midtown showcases the city’s jazz fest, botanical garden, playgrounds, jogging trails and dog parks, creating a hive of activity. There’s also fishing at Lake Clara Meer and biking — using ride-share bikes — plus many food and& beverage options.
For $5, cool off at the newly renovated swimming pool with four lap lanes, beach entry and ADA accessibility. From a walking club, free yoga and guided bird walks, to garden-cocktail workshops and paint and sip classes, there’s truly something for everyone.
Have you visited any of the above parks? Let us know in the comments below.
