This South Carolina Park Was Named 2nd Best City Park In America
When you think of city parks what is the first location that comes to mind? For me, it’s Central Park in New York. While I am far from an expert…
Once a dilapidated section of Greenville, South Carolina, Falls Park on the Reedy is now a beautiful urban park space with walking trails, falling water, surrounded by art galleries and restaurants.
Thom_MorrisWhen you think of city parks what is the first location that comes to mind? For me, it's Central Park in New York. While I am far from an expert on the subject to me that is the gold standard. With walking trails, a zoo, The Met, a castle, and countless other things to do. Plus much needed green space in an otherwise concrete jungle. But an expansive city park encompassing outdoor activities, museums, zoos, gardens, and more is not unique to New York. In fact, these types of parks are found in cities across the United States. And one South Carolina park has received the honor of being on USA Tday's 10 Best City Parks list.
These city parks give residents and visitors alike a place to get out and experience nature as well as human connection. And the best city parks offer a variety of activities for residents and visitors alike, that range from playgrounds and community gardens to dog parks and entertainment venues. The 10 parks on this list all do just that including the South Carolina city park. And trust me it's one you've heard of if not visited yourself!
The list was comprised by USA Today experts and voters. Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. You can read their full analysis here or keep reading to see the top 10.
10. Balboa Park - San Diego, California
At 1,200 acres there is something for everyone at San Diego's Balboa Park. Visitors will find 18 museums, performing arts venues, numerous gardens, and recreational trails. There's also food, a carousel, and the iconic tower seen above.
9. Hermann Park - Houston, Texas
George Hermann gifted the green space that became Hermann park to the city of Houston in 1914. Today that land is home to the Houston Zoo, Houston Museum of Natural Science, and the Miller Outdoor Theatre,a Japanese garden, a rose garden, and a public golf course
8. City Park - New Orleans, Louisiana
The largest green space in New Orleans is City Park which is made up of 1,300 acres. The park is home to colorful original art installations, sports facilities, and attractions including the New Orleans Botanical Garden and the New Orleans Museum of Art. All of this is inside the green space and lagoons.
7. White River State Park - Indianapolis, Indiana
White River State Park is located along the river in downtown Indianapolis. Visitors to the park will find natural features such as greenspaces, trails, trees, and waterways as well as cultural, educational, and recreational attractions across 250 acres. There is also the TCU Amphitheater, IMAX Theater, Indianapolis Zoo, Indiana State Museum, Eiteljorg Museum, NCAA Hall of Champions, Central Canal, and Indians Baseball at Victory Field.
6. Switchyard Park - Bloomington, Indiana
Switchyard Park was originally a hub for railroad operations after it ceased operations the land was purchased by the city of Bloomington and transformed into a park. Today it features an 11,000-square-foot pavilion, outdoor performance stage, community gardens, a splash pad, a playground, a skate park, two dog parks, and sports facilities for pickleball, bocce ball and basketball.
5. Klyde Warren Park - Dallas, Texas
This 5-acre park is located in downtown Dallas. It includes a kid's park, a dog park, opportunities for fitness, and tons of activities. There are also many food trucks that are set up bordering the park.
4. Bruce Park - Greenwich, Connecticut
Bruce Park is the oldest public park in Greenwich. It's located on 60 acres and offers a variety of activities and a scenic view of Long Island Sound. There are trails, ponds, and wooded areas along with tennis courts, horseshoe pits, a croquet court, a baseball diamond, and playgrounds.
3. Falls Park - Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Falls Park is the namesake of Sioux Falls South Dakota. The park is made up of 128 acres of land along the Big Sioux River. Visitors can enjoy the falls from a variety of viewing platforms and a five-story observation tower.
2. Falls Park on the Reedy - Greenville, South Carolina
Falls Park in Greenville gives South Carolina the number 2 spot on this list. You've probably seen photos of this picturesque downtown park, that's if you haven't visited it yourself. It's smaller than many of the other parks on this list but encompasses trails, small gardens, and the Liberty Judge that crosses the falls.
1. Forest Park - St. Louis, Missouri
Number one on this list is Forest Park in St. Louis. The Park is owned and operated by the City of St. Louis, and is considered one of the nation’s greatest urban public parks. It's made up of 1,300 acres of diverse landscapes sprinkled with forests, ecosystems, nature reserves, lakes, and streams, as well as five of the region’s major cultural institutions and endless opportunities for recreation. Forest Park attracts 13 million visitors each year, making it the sixth most visited urban park in the United States.
