A walk in the park as a democratic right

This paper will focus on one element of the history of public green open spaces in an urban environment (‘public parks’): the gradual process of democratisation. It will show a long process of change, i.e. over a period of approximately five centuries, illustrated with examples of a number of trend-setting European cities and projects. The intention is not to give a comprehensive or factual-historical account, but rather to present a framework. This will show how over time public parks in cities have become increasingly ‘democratic’ in purpose, design and usage, in line with the broader developments in society and in turn enhancing those political developments. The final paragraph will reflect on consequences for the public parks of today.