The Willows park borders the edge of Radnor Township and is surrounded by residential neighborhoods. The park is near the Ardrossan estate, a famous landmark in Radnor. Part of the estate was recently sold to developers who are creating large McMansions on the land. This area, while technically private land, used to be home to children playing and people taking walks, and is now completely closed off to the public to make way for the new homes. This pertains to The Willows because this particular area of Radnor has no sidewalks. As Jacobs indicates in “The Uses of Sidewalks,” sidewalks are vital public spaces in neighborhoods, therefore the lack of them creates a gray area in what is public space and what is private property. The park, specifically the hiking trail, helps solve this issue and give nearby residents a public place to walk. The Willows has an important role as the largest public in an area of Radnor which is surrounded by private spaces. As Perry remarks in “The Neighborhood Unit,” open spaces and community centers are part of the principles of a neighborhood. The park is a large open space and a social center in the neighborhood. While The Willows park is physically located at the edge of the town, it functions as if it is in the center of the community.
Wow, this is very interesting. Since public spaces are crucial, how do you think the loss of public space to the McMansions affected the community as a whole? Do you think many other public spaces will be closed off to fit more houses or other monetary purposes?
Hi Ava, I found this very interesting. Since the developments have been built in the area where people used to hang out, has this caused a lot more people to be in the park and be more crowded than before? I also hope that the fate of the park is not in jeopardy and won't be subject to developing for real estate.