An Author of Citizens for Conservation Trinidad and Tobago website, Geoffrey MacLean, says that the Queen's Park Savannah is the center for all forms of sport including cricket, football, hockey and has become the centre for miltary and carnival parades, bicycle races, jogging and walks. It also has a history for being the center for romantic liasons and vendors selling coconuts and oysters. The Queen's Park Savannah however is what geographers would call a Green Space.
Why should a city like Port of Spain or any city in fact have anything green, after all its supposed to be a concrete jungle? The answer: Sustainable urban development. You see according to Haughton and Hunter, 1994, "Many plans for sustainable urban development involve calls to 'green the city.' this is a recognition that plants play important roles in moderating the impacts of humans activities in cities such as absorbing emissions." Green spaces are important not only for beautification but also to add to the Tourism sector as these wonderful display of trees and sporting attractions lures many.
Green spaces also serve as barriers, barriers to expansive growth of cities, it helps set boundaries. In the city of Port of Spain alone there are many green spaces present for example: Victoria Square, King George V Park , the National Stadium and many more. I am sure you have passed many such places and did not consider them to this extent. Next time your in any city and see a lush green space consider what it does for the city, in terms of boundaries and barriers.
I chose a poem to reflect my photo.
A day in the park
Sun overhead,
Beaming Brightness,
Warmth as I Walk,
Through the trees.
Green everywhere,
Instead of grey,
Easier on the eyes,
Easier to stay.
People everywhere,
Some walk, some sit,
Some jog, some lay,
Having a day in the park.
Nothing eases the soul,
Like a day in the park.
By: Tony Northover
Sources:
- www.citizensforconservationtt.org , MacLean, Geoffrey,Citizens for Conservation Trinidad and Tobago, accessed on 13th April, 2013.
- Haughton, G. and Hunter, C. (1994) Sustainable Cities, London: Regional Studies Association. pg 118.
- www.helium.com, Northover, Tony, A day in the park, last modified July 2012, accessed on 13th April, 2013.
This is interesting, but these parks were established well before the modern age, so I'd still like to hear more about why the parks are planned. Not sustainability -- maybe boundaries and controlling space, as you've mentioned.
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