Parks
Piedmont Park, Atlanta, GA
"Located in the heart of the city, Piedmont Park is the crown jewel of Atlanta. For nearly 100 years, it has served as the vantage point for observing the city's natural beauty and diverse humanity. Its 189 acres boast a rich history that includes the Cotton States Exposition and the international debut of motion pictures. Celebrating its centennial anniversary in 2004, Piedmont Park is one of the oldest and most beloved parks in the Southeast."
Nichols Arboretum, Ann Arbor, MI
"The Arb, as it is fondly called, is an extremely popular place for formal and informal plant and bird study as well as for casual walks, jogging, family outings, and other activities. It is also the setting for poetry readings, dance and theater performances, art installations and a variety of programs involving university students and community members in restoring urban nature."
Seattle Center, Seattle, WA
"In the midst of bustling Seattle, where the density of city dwellers competes with the traffic from Interstate-5, there sits a spacious 87-acre park. Seattle Center both responds to downtown's need for green space and serves the entire region as a cultural campus for the arts, sports, and recreation."
Markets
Marché Jean-Talon, Montréal, Quebec
"Fits in wonderfully with the character of the area. The surrounding buildings have changed over the years to cater more to the market, converting from rowhouses into (at least on the bottom floor) shops of various kinds. Close to a major métro stop (Jean-Talon), and between three major arteries in Montréal, it is simultaneously an intimate part of the neighborhood and a landmark known throughout the region."
Olympia Farmers Market, Olympia, WA
"In addition to street entertainers, there are regular acts performing on the stage, including dancers, singers, and speakers. There is sometimes a clown who blows balloons for kids. Food variety includes fresh poultry, fish, beef and pork. There are also jerky stands, bakery shops, and homemade clothing - and booths with a high percentage of organic farmers."
Streets
State Street, Madison, WI
"This street is a connector between the University of Wisconsin campus and the Madison Capitol. It is vital and vibrant with traffic controls that make it pedestrian friendly. Madison discourages cars on campus. The Farmers Market surrounds the Capitol at the end of the street."
Sunnyside Piazza, Portland, OR
"Sunnyside Piazza is an inner Portland street intersection that surrounding neighbors converted into a community gathering place in September 2001. Working with the non-profit organization The City Repair Project, the residents of Sunnyside neighborhood designed their piazza, raised money for materials, and installed it themselves in accordance with a city ordinance that allows any Portland neighborhood to do such a project."
Hall of Shame
South Bank, Brisbane, Australia
"South Bank is approximately two kilometres long, spanning the south bank of the Brisbane River, opposite the city centre. It is a corporate managed park built on the site of a promised public park. Instead, a tightly controlled artificial tourism environment was created complete with fake beach & cement creek. Security guards use Queensland 'move-on' laws to prevent young people from gathering."
Huntsman Hall, Philadelphia, PA
"A horrible waste of money. The outside is monstrous, and does not relate well with the surroundings. The 38th Street facade is 95% negative: huge service entrance, no street level windows, and sloped landscaping separating the building from pedestrians."
