Blog Post 7

            Green spaces are scattered all throughout Copenhagen, in fact the city has made it so it’s citizens will always be within a 15 minute walk from a garden. A lot of these urban green spaces date back to the 19^th century, and are molded into the city and landscape of Copenhagen. These green spaces that surround Copenhagen used to be part of a defensive mechanism for the city used in the 17^th, 18^th and the early half of the 19^th century. However as peace fell upon the city and the cities population increased, these gardens, known as the fortification ring, were given to the city in 1868. The city used this space for city expansion as well as parkland. In 1872 the city developed the area into 3 parks. Sadly, only two remain today but they are used daily by the citizens of Copenhagen.

                                      18th century layout of Copenhagen 

You can walk into any of these green spaces today and see them being enjoyed by the citizens of Copenhagen. Children play in the fields, people come to eat their lunch and most flock there on the few sunny days in hopes of catching some of the suns rays. The parks range in size and use as well. Some parks are small, intimate and its main purposes are recreational, such as Orestdsparken. This park is designed similarly to that of an English garden. There are expansive water features surrounded by grass, paths that lead you throughout the garden where you can observe plants and flowers as well as statues. The Danes, however keep their touch with statues of notable Dane and cafes and restaurants lining the park.  

                                                         Orestdsparken

Others are expansive and have educational components built in such as the botanical gardens. The founder of Carlsberg Brewery, J.C Jacobsen, paid for the botanical garden. It is used for research and education as well as public viewing and pleasure. Outside of the Palm House its self are large expansive areas of grass with a rock and succulent garden as well as large hill with Pine and Evergreen trees. All of this is right in the heart of the city.

                                                  Botanic Gardens

Some are for the experience, such as Ostre Analeg.  The park is long and narrow, used in conjunction with the National Art museum. It is extremely family friendly with large recreational use. It is line with parks and benches, tables and grills.

                                                         Ostre Analeg

A common denominator between all these parks is the ability to provide an escape and exposure to nature to the city urban dwellers. It is a place to connect with family, enjoy your peers and escape from the hustle and bustle and pollution of the city. In fact the city found the benefits of the garden are so great it costs less for them to upkeep these gardens then it would in medical expenses if the gardens were to be removed. 

For more information on Copenhagen parks and gardens please visit: http://www.copenhagen.com/parks-and-gardens

Picture 1: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1728_map_of_Copenhagen

Picture 2: http://www.sofiesblog.dk/dagens-outfit/ørstedsparken/

Picture 3: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Copenhagen_Botanical_Garden

Picture 4: http://fiskesaeson.dk/fiskeri-for-born/bornevenlige-fiskevande/ostre-anlaeg-aalborg/