BSLA Fieldbook Issue 8 | Page 105

the Schuylkill River , claims the title of largest landscaped park in the country . When Philadelphia was founded , William Penn ’ s original plans called for a series of small urban public spaces throughout the new metropolis . However , the plan far exceeded the realities of the 1700 ’ s when public squares were more likely to be used for cattle , trash dumps , burial grounds , among other uses . Instead , it took the arrival of this extensive park , formerly established in 1867 , to create a true urban oasis in the city .
Central Park , New York City , New York The most well-known park in the country , this model of landscape architecture by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux ( following their 1858 Greensward Plan ), is one of the most visited parks in the world , and an oasis for New Yorkers and visitors from around the world .
Chicago ’ s Neighborhood Parks , Chicago , Illinois The city ’ s public park system created during the latter half of the 19th century , which features sprawling designs by John Charles Olmsted and Frederick Law Olmsted , Jr ., included a series of neighborhood parks , as well as public field houses , which provided much-needed recreation facilities for the city ’ s growing population of new immigrants . It ’ s the backbone of a series of boulevards , small parks , and neighborhood green spaces spread across the city .
The Riverwalk , San Antonio , Texas This Spanish Revival-style promenade seems like a fixture of this Texas city , but it was actually the vision of architect Robert Hugman , who believed the flood-prone river banks could be transformed into a center for commerce and tourism . Beginning with the 1938 " San Antonio River Beautification Project ", the River Walk has grown to become an icon of San Antonio .
Overton Park , Memphis , Tennessee This cherished local park , named after a cofounder of Memphis and formally established in
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