Weekend links: Getting serious about parks

Tourmobile’s end “likely”

The Park Service confirms it’s “unlikely” to renew its Tourmobile contract, but is mum on plans after that. (Perhaps the Post found this out from Lydia DePillis?)

A tale of two parks

At Upshur Park, new trees are withering of thirst and the grass caught on fire, while Hamilton Park, new trees thrive.  The difference is that volunteers were recruited to water the trees in Hamilton. (Post)

Numerology of bus transit

Some bus route numbers are random, some are historical artifacts, and some reveal vast information about the bus network. (Human Transit)

DC’s gays live closer to downtown

DC’s gay couples tend to live closer to downtown whereas the city’s lesbian couples are more evenly distributed through the city. (Post)

Maryland and counties duel on Smart Growth

Gov. O’Malley may invoke executive powers to enforce a statewide Smart Growth plan. Critics say he’s usurping the counties’ planning prerogatives.  The state, however, is ultimately on the hook for financing much of the infrastructure that sprawl necessitates. (Post)

Floridians run for their lives

With its wide arterial roads and shortage of sidewalks, walking in Florida can be a harrowing experience. Bus riders are especially vulnerable when they disembark at stops lacking sidewalks and crosswalks. (NYT)

Suburban poverty rising

In some metropolitan areas, poverty in the suburbs is higher than in the city (to the extent they have a “city”). All 10 areas with the worst suburban poverty all have very poor transit service. (AOL Daily Finance, Ben Ross)  (Tip: Ben Ross)

The ultimate environmentally destructive highway

Bolivian president Evo Morales wants to build a destructive highway right through the Amazon; residents are marching against the plan. (Al Jazeera, Matthias)  (Tip: Matthias)

Capital cities unfairly reviled

Coast to coast, citizens complain about the capital city when they’re really taking aim at the federal government.  This applies to Ottawa, too. (Ottawa Citizen) … At least Ottawans can elect their own Members of Parliament.

And…

London is building 2,012 garden beds in which residents may grown food. (Inhabitat) … The “virtual tunnel” between the Farraguts will be called “Farragut Crossing.” (TBD) … New York finally installed its first on-street bike corral. (Streetsblog)