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Geographical Review October 1995, 85(4), pp. 535-551. -- Special Issue on Urban Geography -- Modern Urban Parks Terrence Young ABSTRACT Urban parks were once thought to be a representation of nature that would promote a better society. Like cities, these parks were subject to modernization: sections of them became segmented and were dedicated to specialized uses. These social-spatial changes are linked to a changing concept of how parks contribute to the improvement of society. Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, where such changes began during the 1880s, is examined as a case study, but the generalizations apply to most large parks in the central cities of American metropolitan areas. Examples of changes are ornamental plant species, a play area for children, athletics for adolescents and adults. Key words: athletics, modernity, ornamental horticulture, playgrounds, parks, recreation. DR. YOUNG is Acting Director, Studies in Landscape Architecture at Dumbarton Oaks, Washington D.C. To contact the author: Mail: Dr. Terrence Young, Acting Director Studies in Landscape Architecture 1703 32nd Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20007 U.S.A. Electronic mail: YOUNGT@DOAKS.ORG