Parks are dedicated natural and/or controlled planted areas used for both human recreation and wildlife protection. Planned in a variety of locations from dense urban areas to small towns and vast wildlife preserves, parks are administered and maintained as multifunctional ecological, recreational, and aesthetic environments serving both active and passive needs. Throughout history parks have incorporated natural elements such as plants, rocks, and soils and man-made objects including pavilions, playgrounds, monuments and fountains. The following assortment of elements and guides have been compiled as a resource to better illustrate the range of considerations related to park design.