Many urban parks have fields for soccer and other sports.
An urban park is also known as a green space because it provides some trees, grass, or plants in an area that would otherwise be made up of concrete and pavement. Urban parks are accessible to the public. The amenities offered by these open green spaces vary by park.
Larger urban parks can have many recreational options, such as soccer or baseball fields, boat ramps, and tennis courts. Even the smallest urban park usually has a few walking paths, as well as benches or picnic tables. The main idea behind having public parks in cities is to provide relaxing outdoor space, as well as spaces for walking or other physical activities. Smaller urban parks may be located in the center of residential condominiums or near office buildings. An urban neighborhood park may have a playground with climbing equipment and swings.
Green spaces within an urban park can be an ideal place for a family picnic.
Some urban parks are quite large, encompassing forests and other natural settings. These large public parks are often called municipal parks. They are usually within walking distance of an urban area. Municipal parks are found all over the world. For example, Jardine Park in Richibucto, New Brunswick, Canada offers waterside campgrounds with amenities such as showers, restrooms, laundry facilities, firewood and fireplaces, as well as a swimming pool.
Urban parks often offer walking trails and other recreational opportunities.
Cascada y Parque Municipal Monday, about 15 minutes from Ciudad del Este (East City) in Paraguay, South America, contains natural waterfalls and preserved forest. Trails, walkways and scenic balconies to waterfalls are some of the features of Monday Park. Picnic and camping facilities are also available here, along with water fountains, restrooms, a cafe, and a gift shop.
Some urban parks offer services such as restrooms.
Central Park in New York City is one of the most popular urban parks in the world. It is estimated that 25 million people visit the American urban park each year. Central Park has artificial ponds and lakes, as well as areas of natural forest. The property also includes a zoo, ice rinks, a swimming pool, and an outdoor theater.
Neighborhood parks became popular in the United States in the 1900s, not for green space, but as a way to create an American experience to include immigrants. These early urban parks featured baseball, swimming, and gymnastics activities. With the increasing growth of cities and buildings, more government-funded neighborhood parks were added for environmental reasons. Neighborhoods with well-maintained family parks have made real estate more attractive to homebuyers, as have nearby schools and stores.