... 2001.16History of America s City Parks: Inspiration, Abandonment, RevivalDuring the second half of the 19th century, American cities built grand city parks to improvetheir residents’ quality of life. ... Statistics. “Physical Activity Among Adults: United States,28 The Benefits of Parks: Why America Needs More City Parks and Open Space By Paul M. ShererPublished by:116 New Montgomery StreetFourth ... spend-ing on city parks declined. The well-to-do and white abandoned the cities for the suburbs,© The Trust for Public Land10taking public funding with them. Cities and their parks fell into...