Ep 2. 10 Parks That Changed America

10 That Changed America is a documentary series that is hosted by Geoffrey Baer, an Emmy award-winning producer and writer. In season 1 episode 2, titled "10 Parks That Changed America", Baer explores the history of 10 of America's most beloved and iconic parks and green spaces. From New York's Central Park to San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, this episode examines how these parks have had a profound impact on the way Americans experience and interact with nature.

The episode begins with a glimpse into the early history of America's parks, starting with the development of New York's Central Park in the mid-19th century. Baer traces the origins of this iconic green space, which was designed to provide residents of the rapidly growing city with an escape from the noise and pollution of urban life. With its extensive network of bike paths, hiking trails, and lush gardens, Central Park quickly became a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.

Next, Baer takes viewers to the heart of Chicago, where he explores the creation of the first ever "department store for outdoorsmen" - the REI Co-Op, which started as a small co-operative in 1938. Over the following years, the REI grew to become one of the largest outdoor gear retailers in the United States, with stores in almost every major city.

Moving on, Baer takes viewers to a lesser-known park in Louisville, Kentucky, known as Cherokee Park. This park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the same architect who designed Central Park, and features a beautiful network of hiking trails and waterfalls. Olmsted's signature style was to create spaces that felt like a natural extension of the surrounding landscape, and this philosophy is evident in the design of Cherokee Park.

Other parks featured in this episode include Mount Auburn Cemetery in Boston, which was America's first garden cemetery and set the standard for cemeteries across the country; Riverside Park in New York City, which provided a much-needed green space in the middle of an industrialized cityscape; and Forest Hills Cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee, which was designed as a contemplative space for reflection and remembrance.

As the episode progresses, viewers will learn about the creation of San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, which was designed to showcase the beauty of California's natural landscape; the creation of City Park in Denver, Colorado, which was built on land donated by the city's founding fathers; and the creation of Millennium Park in Chicago, which includes some of the most iconic public art installations in the country.

Nearing the end of the episode, Baer takes viewers to Philadelphia, where he explores the creation of Fairmount Park - one of the largest urban parks in the country. The park was designed to protect the city's water supply, provide a space for recreation, and preserve the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Today, it is home to dozens of historic landmarks, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Philadelphia Zoo.

Overall, "10 Parks That Changed America" is a fascinating glimpse into the history of some of America's most cherished parks and public green spaces. Through Geoffrey Baer's engaging narration and stunning visuals, viewers will learn how these parks have had a profound impact on the way Americans view and interact with nature, and how they continue to shape the cultural landscape of the United States today.