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One could say that the entire culture of suburban single-family homes was built around the idea of a private park. We call it a yard instead of a park.

I agree. The notion that parks aren't a public amenity by pointing to the supposed abscence of private parks is absurd. Has Avent ever admired a flower garden in a tiny rowhouse yard? Thats a private park. Has Avent ever been to Rock Creek Park? The National Mall? Any of the monuments? Dupont Circle? Great Falls (VA or MD)? Amenties like these would not exist if they had to be created privately because the taxes on privately owned land would prohibit it.

Also, there once was a tradition of land developers and wealthy citizens (corportate/private) gifting the community with land for a park. That is, taking private land and making it public. That is not the same as a private park. My home town has several parks like this named for the benefactor. There's a reason why this act garners so much good will from the community towards the gifter - because land for parks is valued.

In my home state there is a private non-profit that, through donations, buys undeveloped contiguous land and grants public access to trails etc. in exchange for being exempt from property taxes by the state and local govt's. (The Little Traverse Consevancy). Again, taking private land and making a public amenity.

by Tina on Nov 30, 2010 11:16 am • link • report

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