When I went into the city a couple of weeks ago, I was pleased to have found the parks I was looking for, but absolutely delighted to find a few new parks and plazas! That is the benefit of going into the city and searching on foot rather than driving through the streets, for example. 

Some people have asked about my process for this book since it is so very different from writing a novel. I tell them I look at it as a journalism project. I’m simply reporting what I see and digging up the history to go along with it. For the purpose of this website, the word “parks” actually refers to pocket parks, urban plazas and community gardens. It may even include indoor public atriums as this project moves forward.

 I initially find the parks by scouring various online and print sources. Since the parks, plazas and gardens are not listed in one place, this is what will probably take me the most time. If I am looking at Google Maps, for example, I look for green spaces in the satellite portion of the maps. Many time, the location is not a location listed anywhere, so after comparing it with the lists I have, I jot down the location to be explored later. When I go into the city, I map a route and take off to find the parks, making note of those I discover in my travels. I take a few photos as placeholders and for  my photographer during the photography phase, and check them off on my map while making notes about them in my notebook.

It is time-consuming, but on a day with beautiful weather, it can be a lot of fun. 


Copyright © 2011 by Rosemary O’Brien     All Rights Reserved