There are few things in life that anyone of any age or background can enjoy, but I think we can all agree that public parks are a safe bet. From children flying kites, grandparents strolling on trails through the woods, and teenagers enjoying a picnic by the water, public parks benefit people from all walks of life.
However, parks are more than just a space for entertainment. The National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) and its network of over 60,000 park and recreation professionals champion public parks as a catalyst for positive change. Public parks play a crucial role in building a strong community, promoting wellness for all, and nature conservation.
Here at K. van Bourgondien, we recognize and cherish the many benefits that accrue from time spent outdoors. So, we decided to look at which large cities have the best public parks for their metropolitan residents to enjoy. To do so, we scraped thousands of Yelp listings for every park in the 50 largest US cities and analyzed those with the highest average star ratings as well as highest average numbers of reviews. Read on to see which cities made the list!
Birmingham, Alabama has the highest-rated public parks in the United States. This southern city has a stellar average-park rating on Yelp of 4.397 out of 5. So, if you’re looking to have some outdoor fun in a beautiful public park, The Magic City is the place for you!
With 5 stars on Yelp and nearly 100 reviews, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens is a must-see attraction of this top-rated city. This beautifully landscaped spot in the heart of Birmingham is loved for its variety of themed gardens, making it the ideal location for picnics or photoshoots. The adoring reviews harp on the gorgeous flowers, which naturally, we at K. van Bourgondien appreciate as well!
Taking second place closely behind Birmingham is Seattle, Washington, with an average rating of 4.387. This rainy city is brimming with public parks for anyone to enjoy. If you want to soak up nature while still basking in the glory of the Space Needle, Kerry Park is the place for you. This mini park has an unmatched view of the Seattle skyline—perfect for capturing the classic, “postcard” picture of Seattle.
The next city with the highest-rated parks is Dallas, Texas, with a mean review score of 4.38. One area, Lakeside Park, is even decorated with adorable teddy bear statues for the kids—and adults—to enjoy!
Other cities with the highest park ratings include Minneapolis (4.377), Salt Lake City (4.363), and Chicago (4.354).
Next, we looked at the U.S. cities with the highest average number of public park reviews. San Franciscans are the most outspoken about their public parks, with a whopping average of 108.49 Yelp reviews. That’s over 20 more reviews than the city with the second-highest number of reviews, Miami, Florida!
Interestingly, the city with the top-rated parks, Birmingham, Alabama, did not make this list. In fact, only two of the top-five cities with the highest rated parks made the list of cities with the most reviewed public parks: Seattle, Washington, and Dallas, Texas. Perhaps the beauty of these cities’ parks speaks for itself!
Wrap-Up
Public parks bring communities together and are an important part of overall well-being. With this look at the public parks in the 50 largest U.S. cities, it’s evident that beautiful public parks can be found across the country. We at K. van Bourgondien encourage everyone to explore the public parks in your area!
And, if you feel inspired to make your own outdoor space beautiful, check out our fall planting flower bulbs and perennials for the best deals on this season’s flowers!