It is necessary today to completely re-examine the public parks use, development and design to meet the challenges and claims of the 21st century. With emphasis not just on their heritage and conservation but their potential as well, public parks could contribute not only to the social and recreational life of our urban areas, but also to the enhancement of environmental sustainability and the enrichment of the biodiversity of urban areas. A new design approach would be desirable for the management of our historical green spaces and to encourage a wider range of people to return to them. is paper comments on park use studies, contemporary park use investigations and student design works for parks in the future, using Paxton’s methods/approach/ideas for inspiration in the development of our historic city parks. And examines to what extent Paxton’s design ideas are applicable in the 21st century.

It is necessary today to completely re-examine the public parks use, development and design to meet the challenges and claims of the 21st century. With emphasis not just on their heritage and conservation but their potential as well, public parks could contribute not only to the social and recreational life of our urban areas, but also to the enhancement of environmental sustainability and the enrichment of the biodiversity of urban areas. A new design approach would be desirable for the management of our historical green spaces and to encourage a wider range of people to return to them. is paper comments on park use studies, contemporary park use investigations and student design works for parks in the future, using Paxton’s methods/approach/ideas for inspiration in the development of our historic city parks. And examines to what extent Paxton’s design ideas are applicable in the 21st century.