Members of the Professional Practice Networks (PPNs) were recently surveyed about their favorite spaces. Responses were varied and included many insightful comments and suggestions, which will be shared and discussed with everyone in this space over the next few months.  This week we will focus on cities with the best network of open spaces.

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Though a lot of great cities were mentioned as having the best network of open spaces, these were mentioned most often:

• Boston
• Chicago
• New York City
• Philadelphia
• Portland, Oregon
• Savannah, Georgia.

But what are the best spaces within these cities? Here are a few of the places mentioned by our members.

Boston
Copley Square
The park built over the sunken highway
Fenway Victory Gardens
Along the Charles River
The cemetery by the old North Church
Arnold Arboretum
The Boston Common
The center of Commonwealth Avenue
Spectacle Island.

Chicago
Millennium Park
Jackson Park
Grant Park
Humboldt Park
Lakefront Trail
Promontory Point
Lurie Garden in Millennium Park.

New York City
Central Park
The long walk up all the new park space on the Hudson River
The High Line.

Philadelphia
Fairmount Park
Rittenhouse Square
Those smallish, neighborhood parks near the downtown
The Wissahickon area of Fairmont Park.

Portland, Oregon
Drumheller
The green walkway through the center of the city
The long riverside park and Portland's goal of all residents living no more than a quarter of a mile from a trailhead
Any of the fountains
Forest Park
Jamison Square
The bicycle paths.

Savannah, Georgia
Any of the neighborhood squares
Forsyth Park
Walk another block in any direction, you will find another beautiful square
Reynolds, Madison & Telfair Squares.