And this final note: Frederick Law Olmstad, designer of New York's Central Park and Boston's Emerald Necklace among others, said that the enjoyment of scenery employs the mind without fatigue and yet exercises it, tranquilizes it and yet enlivens it.

I went for a walk in the park today, this Grand Park we now have in downtown Los Angeles and that's exactly what happened. You won't be able to keep me away from it now. The city made an investment in the enjoyment of scenery. And for all of our questions about money and the return on it, well, having a place to dip your toes in little water, gaze for a moment at green space and iconic architecture. That's the return that matters, as most other world-class cities already know.