Open space preservation ranks among America's most deeply rooted traditions. The creation of green, civic open spaces was recognized as an important design concept in the formation of a number of the country's early cities. Philadelphia, Savannah, and New Haven were developed around squares of green open space. Most New England towns set aside a town common for grazing cattle and for a myriad of public uses. The first planned suburbs were also organized around protected open spaces. <br><br>The environmental movement in the 1970s brought renewed attention to the importance of open space preservation, but the cost of making it a reality has been an impediment to its fruition. The effect of open space upon the environment and human health tends to obtain less currency than economic development or the creation of jobs. Because open space originally existed plentifully as part of the natural environment, difficulties may be encountered in conceptualizing it as a necessary accompaniment to the built environment. In contrast to public capital facilities for roads, sewers, and water mains, set asides for open space remain to be fully recognized as part of the infrastructure necessary to support living in both the urban and the suburban environment.&nbsp;<br><br>Originally published in The Urban Lawyer, Vol. 42-4/43-1, Fall 2010/Winter 2011 by the American Bar Association.