Philadelphia's Alternative to Central Park

摘要

Philadelphia's Fairmount Park system is one of the largest urban green spaces in the U.S., covering almost 11,000 acres and straddling the Schuylkill River. In both size and intent, it stands in contrast to its better-known counterparts in New York City. Yet until James McClelland and Lynn Miller wrote a new book, City in a Park: A History of Philadelphia's Fairmount Park System, there has been no comprehensive accounting of its creation, maintenance (or not), and its future. The authors tell the tale in an engaging fashion, though each chapter focuses on a particular aspect of the system and can easily be read in isolation from the larger narrative. Areas of focus include the enduring tradition of outdoor concerts, the 18th century mansions that dot the park, and the Philadelphia Zoo-erected on land formerly held by one of William Penn's grandsons-the first such entertainment in America.