Welcome to the first episode of PodParks!

Here's a sneak peek to the episode notes, you can access the complete notes and resources at www.worldurbanparks.org.

Although they feel like they have been here forever, public parks are a rather modern invention. In this episode, Alice Landin takes us through the early history of parks and the struggles of control and power that have come with them. 

Throughout history, parks have undergone many changes. The earliest parks can be traced back to ancient Persia, where enclosed gardens were built alongside palaces and used as hunting grounds and sanctuaries for the wealthy. These gardens became models for Renaissance villas in Europe and were used for hunting, gardening, and entertaining by the European elite.  It wasn't until the 19th century, when cities were rapidly growing due to industrialization and overcrowding, that public parks became a reality. 

The creation of iconic parks like Central Park came about with the displacement of local communities, and at times, violence. We hear new perspectives from Michael Boland, Director of the Presidio Trust, on the nuances of historic public parks.

Join Alice on a journey through time as she uncovers the evolution of urban green spaces and the people and organizations that continue to maintain and improve them today.

If you want to read the complete notes for this episode check our blog section in our website. This podcast is only one of the many resources available inside the WUP member platform. Discover more resources and connect with park professionals around the world at www.worldurbanparks.org