National Parks and Urban Parks

The United States has abundant reserves of land called national parks. These parks are usually protected from human development and pollution. There are specific laws strictly implemented to keep these lands from impacts of industrialization. Even cities that have already achieved full expansion provide specific natural areas within their jurisdiction, to maintain balance in the environment. However, national parks are different from city or urban parks in terms of the level of vegetation and the manner of cultivation. National parks are formed by thousands of years of seclusion from modernity, while urban parks are often created by human intervention. In other words, man’s involvement in the development of national parks is limited to protection. Another type of park found in the US is called the sub-national park. This type of park is a bit similar with a national park, only that it is not specifically protected by national mandates. Instead, a sub-national park is protected by provincial park protection regulations or state environmental laws. Parks of this type can be located adjacent to an urban area but are dissimilar to urban parks found in industrialized cities like Glendale, Colorado. Urban parks are far different from national or sub-national parks because the former are usually covered with ornamental vegetation and skinny trees. They consist of landscapes, well-contoured gardens, maintained lawns, and some areas are purposefully structured with pavements. Places like Glendale parks and recreations centers provide residents with opportunities for relaxation. Residents can go to these places for picnics and sports during weekends or in the morning to do their physical fitness routine. Urban parks are owned and maintained by the city government. Depending on the park’s area and landscape, the government can build additional structures like fitness centers and sports complexes. Glendale parks and recreations centers also have playgrounds for children as well as ponds and water courses for those who enjoy boating and fishing. In the evening, Glendale parks and recreations centers turn into venues for entertainment. Many people tend to enjoy the night by watching free concerts and movies in the parks. Others gather on the park’s lawns and choose to eat there. There are picnic tables available in particular areas of these parks; grilling instruments can even be rented for additional convenience.