- Plan Strives to Bring People into Lincoln Center's Parks & Public Spaces
New York Times - A new proposal seeks to breathe life into the barren, windswept, and forbidding spaces that surround this cultural landmark. (December 2)
- Controlled Fire Will Benefit Park's Ecosystem
Louisville Courier-Journal - MetroParks staff will burn a five-acre area of Iroquois Park in an effort to foster the growth of prairie grass. (December 2, submitted by Jason Cissell)
- Civic Activism Makes a Comeback - Will It Stay for Good?
Christian Science Monitor - The terrorist attacks have engendered a new spirit of community in cities and towns across the nation, but the longevity of this phenomenon remains in doubt. (December 5)
- Dogs, Skateboards, and Trails Enter the Picture of a St. Louis Suburb
St. Louis Post-Dispatch - In the last of four meetings with residents of Fenton, MO, consultants outlined a new master plan for the city's parks. (December 10)
- NYC Parks and Rec Delivers Good News for Bicyclists, Trees
New York City Parks and Recreation - The winning design for a bike rack that protects trees from the damaging effects of chain locks was unveiled Wednesday morning. (December 12) Note: You may need to click twice on this link
- Park Supporters Win Latest Round in Fight Against Airport
Los Angeles Times - Orange County supervisors approved a measure today that will give voters the chance to overturn the airport zoning imposed on the El Toro Naval Base in 1994. (December 5)
- San Jose Wishes for a Heart
San Jose Mercury-News - A temporary ferris wheel downtown acts as a teaser for what this growing city is really missing - a great public square. (December 15)
- Funds in Short Supply for "Tranquility Park"
The Columbian - In Vancouver, one park activist is struggling to create an oasis for the elderly and disabled. (December 13)
- Illuminated Bridges Will Showcase Boston's Charles River
Charles River Conservancy - As part of the effort to restore the parklands surrounding the Charles River, four bridges will be illuminated in what many hope will be a permanent nocturnal display. (December 17)
- Pittsburgh Graced by World-Class Ice Rink
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Ribbons were cut for the new Rink at PPG Place, the brainchild of billionaire industrialist Henry Hillman. (December 19, submitted by Hannah Ehrlich)
- Environmental Bill Includes Provisions to Convert Brownfields to Parks
Yahoo News - The Senate passed an environmental bill aimed at cleaning up toxic industrial sites, garnering a hearty endorsement from the Trust for Public Land. (December 20)
- Skateparks Worth the Investment, Say Arizonans
Arizona Republic - Stigmatized for years as a dangerous sport, skateboarding has gone mainstream, creating a growing demand for more and better skateparks. (December 20)
- NPS Announces Urban Park Grants Competition
National Parks Service - $28.9 million in UPARR grants will be available this year. The deadline for pre-applications is March 29. (December 19)
- Since Sept. 11, Parks Are Up and Culture Is Down
The New York Times - New York's cultural institutions are having a hard time given the drop in tourism - but attendance at the city's botanical gardens, zoos, and parks is attributed to a mild winter - and an urge to find solace in nature. (December 27)
