Thinking creatively about public open space

There's many ways to provide and manage public open space in the inner city.

New York seems to have thought up several different ways.  Have a look at this article, which talks about how the city has reclaimed an abandoned, above ground railway line (Like Chicago's Elevated Line) for public parkland.
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/19/high-lines-next-phase-less-glitz-more-intimacy/

I was also impressed with Bryant Park, which is in behind the New York Library [http://www.bryantpark.org].  The management structure for the park is unusual.  The Park is owned by New York City, but is run by a not-for-profit, private management company, which seems to mostly comprise local enighbours.  This gives management flexibility in the types of uses allowed on-site, but presumably should prevent over-commercialisation to the point that residential amenity is impacted.  The park includes everything from open lawn to a free library, where anyone (including children) can sit down and read a book for a while.  What a great idea!  It's also an exemplar of active private philanthropy.  I hope I get the opportunity to visit again.