The Public Parks Movement

The Public Parks Movement was a 19th-century effort to create accessible green spaces in cities for everyone’s health, recreation, and community well-being. It emerged during the Industrial Revolution, addressing urban overcrowding and pollution by establishing parks where people could enjoy nature, relax, and escape city life. Influential figures and reformers advocated for government involvement to ensure parks were open to all, regardless of social or economic status. This movement helped shape modern urban planning, emphasizing the importance of public parks as essential amenities that promote physical and mental health while nurturing community identity.