Patterson Park rated one of best in US
Baltimore's Patterson Park ranks among America's best city parks in a new listing by Forbes.com
While legendary urban oases like New York's Central Park, San Francisco's Golden Gate Park and Chicago's Grant Park lead the list of 12, our own Patterson Park is cited as an example of of "more modest neighborhood parks" that are "lesser-known gems."
Though not as grand as some urban "mega-parks," Patterson offers a "nice balance between beauty and usability," says Peter Harnik, director of the Center for City Park Excellence at the Trust for Public Land in Washington.
Forbes notes that the east Baltimore park is "steeped in history," with its distinctive pagoda (seen above), but also "full of present-day pleasures" such as skating, pavilions and playgrounds that link the surrounding neighborhoods to the place. The Forbes accolates are no surprise to the Friends of Patterson Park, who call it the "best backyard in Baltimore."
What do you think? Is Patterson truly one of the nation's best urban parks? It's certainly one of my favorites in the Baltimore area. What are your top outdoor oases in the city and surrounding suburbs, and why?
(2007 Baltimore Sun photo by Jed Kirschbaum)
Comments
Not only is Patterson gorgeous and underused but it's historically significant.
During the Battle of Baltimore, Hampstead Hill was the last line of defenses where the Maryland Militia held the line and kept the Brits from burning our town.
Posted by: bryanintowson | December 1, 2009 1:54 PM