A park is any of a number of geographic features.

Hunting parks and the parks of country houses

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Originally, the term referred to an area maintained as open space where residences, industry and farming were not allowed, often originally so that nobility might have a place to hunt. These were known for instance, as deer parks (deer being originally a term meaning any wild animal). Many country houses in Great Britain and Ireland still have parks of this sort, which since the 18th century have often been carefully landscaped for aesthetic effect. They are usually a mixture of open grassland with scattered trees and sections of woodland, and are often enclosed by a high wall. The area immediately around the house is the garden. In some cases this will also feature sweeping lawns and scattered trees; the basic difference between a country house's park and its garden is that the park is grazed by animals, but they are excluded from the garden.

Public parks

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Today, the primary meaning, based on the original meaning, is an area of open space provided for recreational uses. Parks in this sense are usually owned and provided by the government. Park uses are often divided into two categories: active and passive recreation. Active recreation is that which require intensive development and often involves cooperative or team activity, including playgrounds and ball fields. Passive recreation is that which emphasizes the open-space aspect of a park and which involves a low level of development, including picnic areas and trails.

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The Roanoke Times: Local news

Man found shot dead at vacant Northwest storefront - roanoke.com
Police say they believe the shooting is related to a party.The Roanoke Police Department is investigating the shooting death of a 20-year-old Roanoke man found early Saturday in a compact car parked near a vacant storefront in the 3800 block of Shenandoah Avenue Northwest.
Botetourt Co. seeks to stopper water company - roanoke.com
The Central Water Co. is positioned to be the only water provider for the fast-growing area along U.S. 220.Botetourt County and a private water company are at odds over future service areas in the growing locality, so much so that the county wants the State Corporation Commission to revoke the company's expansion rights.
Hockey moms speak up on Palin - roanoke.com
The vice-presidential hopeful's reference in her convention speech has resonated with some.Canadian Liz Goddard, executive director of Alberta-based www.hockeymoms.com, said she's never seen a pit bull wearing lipstick.
Obama plans stop in S.W. Virginia coal country - roanoke.com
Obama's town hall meetingDoors will open at Lebanon High School, located at 1 Pioneer Drive, at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday. The town hall meeting begins at 4:30 p.m. Free tickets are available beginning at 5 p.m. today at these locations:
Roadwatch - roanoke.com
ROANOKE COUNTY
Suspect in chase charged - roanoke.com
Roanoke County police have charged a Richmond driver who caused a low-speed police chase through Roanoke County, Roanoke and Salem on Friday night.

Daily News-Record

Still Waiting
Luray - The Page County Board of Supervisors could not decide on a plan for the future of the county office building Tuesday night. During their work session, the supervisors were expecting to hear potential solutions for poor working conditions in the building on South Court Street. Those conditions include infestation, leaks, dust, deb
Elkton Horse Show Slated Sept. 13
ELKTON — The Elkton Horse Show, celebrating its 25th anniversary and slated for Saturday, Sept. 13 at Blue Ridge Park in Elkton, promises to be something special this year. Organizers are expecting a near-record turnout for this 25th running of the show since its 1983 revival, in part because, according to show co-chairman Dan Good
GOP


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