Six parks across the world are finalists in a global competition that recognizes the social and economic successes of large- and small-scale public spaces.
The Urban Land Institute said one winner will be announced in October 2015, following an international juried process.
“The submissions from this year are representative of how quality urban open space has become more than just an amenity for cities,” said jury chair Michael Covarrubias, chairman and chief executive officer of TMG Partners in San Francisco, California. “The international diversity of the projects is reflective of how developers continually work to meet global demand by the public for the inclusion of healthy places in cities.”
Four parks are located in the U.S., while one is in China and one in Singapore. They include Washington Canal Park in Washington D.C., a three-acre former parking lot turned social gathering spot, which is one of the first parks built as part of the district’s Anacosta Waterfront Initiative.
Tongva Park and Ken Genser Square in Santa Monica, California, was shaped through public participation to become a series of gardens and active spaces that symbolically redefine and interconnect the Santa Monica core.
In Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Myriad Gardens was recognized for its transformation from a decaying 15-acre urban garden and park into a high-quality, active destination. Millennium Park in Chicago, Illinois was also a finalist. Located in the urban core, the revived park offers free public events.
Lastly, Thousand Lantern Lake Park System in China, a people-oriented urban development and Marina Bay in Singapore, a long waterfront promenade positioned as a focal point for celebrations were also finalists.
A $10,000 prize will be awarded to the winning individual or organization.