Stadtpark, located in the heart of Vienna, Austria, is one of the city’s most beloved and picturesque parks. Established in 1862, it spans over 65,000 square meters, making it a popular urban oasis for locals and tourists alike. The park is known for its beautifully landscaped gardens, tree-lined paths, and serene ponds, offering a peaceful retreat amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. One of the park’s most iconic features is the golden Johann Strauss II statue, a tribute to the famous composer and a popular photo spot. Other notable sculptures include those of Franz Schubert, Franz Lehár, and Anton Bruckner, reflecting Vienna's rich musical heritage. The park is also home to the Kursalon, a historic concert hall where classical music performances regularly take place. Stadtpark is a perfect blend of nature and art, with a variety of plant species, lush lawns, and meticulously maintained flower beds. The Wien River flows gently through the park, adding to its charm. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls, relax on benches, or have a picnic while soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. Whether you're a music lover, a nature enthusiast, or just looking for a peaceful spot to unwind, Stadtpark offers a delightful escape in the heart of Vienna.

Hirosaki Park is a historic and cultural park located in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, Japan. Spanning approximately 49 hectares, it is best known for its stunning cherry blossoms, well-preserved samurai history, and the iconic Hirosaki Castle, which dates back to the early 17th century. Key Features of Hirosaki Park - Hirosaki Castle: A historic Edo-period castle with a surviving three-story keep, stone walls, and a scenic moat. - Cherry Blossoms: The park is one of Japan’s top cherry blossom viewing spots, with over 2,600 sakura trees that create breathtaking pink tunnels during the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival in spring. - Seasonal Beauty: Beyond cherry blossoms, the park is also famous for autumn foliage, winter snow lanterns, and summer lotus flowers in the moats. - Bridges & Moats: Picturesque red bridges, particularly the Gejo Bridge, provide incredible views of the castle framed by sakura. - Cultural Events: The park hosts seasonal festivals, including winter illumination events, samurai reenactments, and local craft fairs. Why Hirosaki Park is Special - A blend of history and nature, offering a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past while serving as a peaceful retreat. - One of Japan’s most celebrated cherry blossom destinations, attracting thousands of visitors annually. - A prime example of historic preservation and urban placemaking, integrating natural beauty with cultural heritage.

From: https://www.fox21online.com/2021/12/22/duluths-sled-sheds-are-back-this-winter/ "DULUTH, Minn. -The Duluth Parks and Rec has brought back “Sled Sheds” this winter. A free sledding opportunity, Sled Sheds can be utilized by anyone who wants to go out and have some fun in the snow. These sheds can be found at three locations, Lincoln Park, Leif Erickson Park, Portland Square, and a fourth shed location will be coming soon at Merritt Park. “The idea is really for people to get outside. The equipment is already there, people can just go have fun. Not everyone has sleds and so sledding is so much fun especially in Minnesota there’s so many great hills that are here, so we planted sled sheds in different parks that have hills so everyone can use them,” Duluth Public Information Officer, Kate Van Daele says. You can also donate your used sleds to any of the four Sled Shed locations."

The San Pedro Creek Culture Park is a transformative urban redevelopment project in downtown San Antonio, Texas, blending history, culture, and nature into a dynamic public space. This linear park revitalizes San Pedro Creek, an area rich in historical significance, into a beautiful, walkable destination featuring lush landscaping, walking trails, public art, and innovative water features. Designed to celebrate San Antonio’s cultural heritage, the park showcases murals, tilework, and interactive art installations created by local and regional artists. It also serves as an important flood control project, integrating sustainable water management while enhancing the urban environment. San Pedro Creek Culture Park provides a gathering space for the community, hosting events, performances, and cultural celebrations throughout the year. As a key element of San Antonio’s urban revitalization, the park fosters connectivity, improves walkability, and enhances the city’s livability while preserving its deep historical roots.

The Helmut-Zilk Park in Vienna, Austria, is a large public park located in the Sonwendviertel urban development area, adjacent to Vienna’s Central Train Station (Hauptbahnhof). It is designed as the green heart of this new residential and mixed-user neighborhood, the park provides much-needed recreational space for residents, visitors, and commuters. Features: - The park covers approximately 7 hectares and offers a diverse landscape, combining lawns, meadows, playgrounds, sports areas, and event spaces. - Modern urban furniture and shaded seating areas were installed to promote comfort and social gathering. - Walking and cycling paths run through the park, connecting surrounding neighborhoods to Vienna’s larger green mobility network. Benefits: - Provides a green oasis in a high-density urban district. - Supports sustainability goals, contributing to improved air quality and urban cooling. - Enhances social cohesion by offering spaces for events, festivals, and casual gatherings.

Founded by Darwin based world-renowned crocodile biologist Professor Grahame Webb, Crocodylus Park is Home to hundreds of crocodiles, exotic and native wildlife, a museum, jumping croc cruise and more. To empower humanity to better conserve wildlife, a fundamental perquisite is to value and respect both wildlife and the people who share their daily lives with them. Those best suited to apply stewardship in rural areas. Crocodylus Park is committed to educating the public about wildlife and its many positive values.” Crocodylus Park have been involved in Crocodile research in the Northern Territory and Worldwide. As an employer and supporter of sustainable use in remote locations and the Northern Territory, supporting the livelihoods of rural people are a part of our values.

The Tokyo Toilet Project is an urban redevelopment initiative aimed at transforming public restrooms in Shibuya, Tokyo, into modern, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing spaces. Launched in 2020 by the Nippon Foundation, this project enlists world-renowned architects and designers to create innovative and inclusive restrooms that enhance the overall urban experience. Key Features of The Tokyo Toilet Project - Architectural Excellence: Designed by 16 leading architects, including Tadao Ando, Kengo Kuma, and Shigeru Ban, each restroom is a unique work of art. - Universal Accessibility: Ensures that restrooms are barrier-free, accommodating people of all ages, abilities, and genders. - Smart & Hygienic Design: Features touchless technology, self-cleaning systems, and modern ventilation to maintain high hygiene standards. - Community Engagement: Encourages social acceptance of public restrooms, making them a more welcoming and integral part of urban life. Why It Matters - Improves the perception of public restrooms, making them safe, clean, and visually appealing. - Enhances public space usability, promoting inclusivity and comfort for residents and visitors. - Represents a fusion of urban design, technology, and social innovation, showcasing Japan’s leadership in placemaking. There are currently 17 different toilets around Tokyo.

Yunity Park is a business campus designed to connect people with the community and nature. The park includes an urban forest, outdoor workspaces, and event spaces that encourage social interaction and provide a seamless blend between indoor and outdoor environments. This project exemplifies sustainable placemaking by integrating natural elements into urban design.

Parque Genovés is a historic botanical garden located along the seafront in the old town of Cádiz, Spain. Established in the late 18th century, it has undergone several expansions and renovations, notably in 1892 under Mayor Eduardo Genovés y Puig, after whom the park is named. Key Features: - Diverse Flora: The park boasts over 150 species of trees, palms, and shrubs, many of which are exotic and have adapted well to Cádiz's unique microclimate. Notable specimens include: - A centenary Drago tree (Dracaena draco). - A Metrosidero (Metrosideros excelsa) from New Zealand, considered one of the most significant in Europe. - Two varieties of Araucaria, some reaching heights of up to 50 meters. - A "Palo Borracho" (Chorisia speciosa), known for its distinctive swollen trunk. Architectural Elements: The park features several sculptures and monuments, including the "Niños bajo el paraguas" fountain, commonly known as "la fuente de los niños del paragüitas" and statues dedicated to figures such as José Celestino Mutis, the Duchess of Victoria, José María Pemán, and Félix Rodríguez. A notable waterfall and grotto, offering a picturesque setting within the park. Layout: The park's design includes a central avenue lined with cypress trees pruned into various shapes, reflecting English topiary styles. The asymmetrical layout of the rest of the park features diverse parterres and winding paths, creating a serene environment for visitors. Parque Genovés serves as a green oasis in Cádiz, offering both locals and tourists a tranquil space to enjoy nature and the city's rich history.

The Island of Sculptures (Illa das Esculturas) is an open-air contemporary art park located in Pontevedra, Galicia, Spain. Established in 1999, the park spans 70,000 square meters and is situated on an island in the Lérez River, seamlessly integrating art, nature, and public space. The park features twelve large-scale granite sculptures created by internationally renowned artists, including Robert Morris, Francisco Leiro, and Fernando Casás. Each artwork is designed to interact with the landscape, reflecting themes of Galician culture, history, and natural elements. Beyond its artistic significance, the Island of Sculptures serves as a community space for walking, cycling, and relaxation, making it a key placemaking project in Galicia. The park promotes cultural engagement, sustainability, and accessibility, offering an immersive experience where visitors can explore art in harmony with the environment.