From an exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago entitled:
"THE RISE OF AN AMERICAN ARCHITECTURE"
". . . During the 19th century, an approach to parks evolved that was suited to the practical conditions and social goals of the United States. "Three stages of park design can be distinguished in the course of the years from 1815 to 1915: (a) The park embellished the city as a special feature, (b) the park fulfilled the city as its, necessary counterpart, (c) the park guided the growing city as an arm of regional planning.
An American way of urban life worthy of respect required
the park to complement the small home and the office tower. One
of them without the other was a phenomenon, a curiosity but as
a trio these developments spoke for a central sector of city life.
Some severe problems of cities today are closely related to the
decay of this three sided achievement and the failure to develop
it after a healthy start, to extend it to more citizens. If this
claim seems to offer too simple an explanation of complex evils,
it is because a great vision has been forgotten, the vision of
the park as the fulfillment of the city."