Award-winning Views

A lawn with a view.

Sounds like the title of a classic novel, but the catchy phrase actually refers to the Great Lawn in Central Park – winner of this year’s Top Ten Lawns recognition, awarded by Briggs & Stratton.

Since 1998, the Milwaukee-based manufacturer has acknowledged impressive public lawns throughout the country. This year the company is honoring green spaces located in or overlooking impressive scenery. Ten lawns, each boasting an impressive view, were selected to receive the 2003 National Top 10 Lawns with a View recognition.

Claiming the top spot on the list of 10, the Great Lawn is a freshly restored green space that draws native New Yorkers and Central Park visitors year round. While the neatly manicured lawn is impressive, the accompanying view of New York City’s skyline is the real eye-catcher.

“Central Park is honored to have the Great Lawn chosen as Briggs & Stratton’s top lawn with a view,” said Regina S. Peruggi, president, Central Park Conservancy. “This year marks the 150th anniversary of Central Park, and the Great Lawn recently underwent a two-year, $18.2 million restoration – the largest in the Conservancy’s history. Our staff works hard to make the Great Lawn a place where New Yorkers and people from all over the world can come to relax, have fun and take in the beautiful view.”

This year’s lawns were evaluated based on: overall appearance, lawn and garden maintenance, and scenery/view from the lawn. Briggs & Stratton worked with state tourism officials, lawn experts and lawn and garden media to identify and rank worthy lawns. In addition to the national list, Briggs & Stratton also recognized Top 10 Lawns with a View in the East, West, South and Midwest.

“From the east coast to the west coast, this year’s winners highlight some of the best laws and views this country has to offer,” observed George R. Thompson, vice president, corporate communications, Briggs & Stratton. “As people travel around the country for business or pleasure, they should definitely take the time enjoy the Top Ten Lawns with a View.”
 
This year’s winners are:

1. Central Park’s Great Lawn – New York, N.Y.
2. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art – Kansas City, Mo.
3. Piedmont Park – Atlanta, Ga.
4. Minneapolis Sculpture Garden – Minneapolis, Minn.
5. International Peace Garden – Dunseith, N.D.
6. Bicentennial Mall State Park – Nashville, Tenn.
7. Bascom Hill – Madison, Wis.
8. Esplanade – Boston, Mass.
9. Washington Park – Portland, Ore.
10. Pebble Beach Golf Links – Pebble Beach, Calif.

“From the east coast to the west coast, this year’s winners highlight some of the best laws and views this country has to offer,” observed George R. Thompson, vice president, corporate communications, Briggs & Stratton. “As people travel around the country for business or pleasure, they should definitely take the time enjoy the Top Ten Lawns with a View.”

The author is Assistant Editor-Internet for Lawn & Landscape magazine and can be reached at aanderson@lawnandlandscape.com.