Battery Park, New York City

City parks, if they hadn't before, certainly got their due credit this past week when Grant Park in Chicago became the scene for one of the most historic moments in our country.  All of the other city parks probably wished it had been them.

New York City has many neighborhoods, districts, and parks - all famous for various attractions, some famous simply for their unique personality.  Many districts, parks, and neighborhoods in southern Manhattan have changed since one tragic day in September 2001.  Battery Park is one of them.

Located along the waterfront, Battery Park runs ferries to and from the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.  It has war memorials and a tribute to AIDS victims.  But since 9/11, Battery Park has added a memorial to the victims of that day.  It is called the eternal flame.  A sculpture that used to rest in the World Trade Center plaza has also been added to Battery Park's focal points.

New York's city parks are great additions to student tours.  There are several to choose from; Battery Park is just one of the many.  But its rich history and moving tributes set it apart as thoroughly as November 4, 2008, made Grant Park in Chicago a household name.