Neighborhood Parks as Public Spaces An Examiniation of the Neighborhood Parkland Acquisition Program (NPAP) in Sarasota County, FL

Date of Award

2008

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Brain, David

Keywords

Parks, Public Space, Park Planning, Public Parks

Area of Concentration

Environmental Studies

Abstract

This thesis presents a case study of the Neighborhood Parkland Acquisition Program (NPAP) in Sarasota County, Florida. This program represents a local government�s response to a growing demand for more public parkland and incorporates several levels of public involvement through out its process, including the nomination of lands for parkland and the way acquired sites are developed into public parks. The structure and process of this program were explored through document research, personal observation, and interviews, yielding insight into how NPAP prioritizes nominated sites for acquisition and how public concerns are handled. This thesis begins with a review of the importance of neighborhood parks as public spaces, as well as the issues that arise with access and security in public neighborhood parks. The discussion then turns to an analysis of NPAP, outlining dilemmas that affect the program�s accountability to the public and opportunities for public involvement. The thesis ends with a discussion of these dilemmas in regards to the making of public parks, and suggests ways in which the program may address these issues in the future.

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