The American Planning Association has designated the Yavapai County Courthouse, in Prescott Arizona, as one of Ten Great Public Spaces for 2008. This is along with some other unknown places:
New York City, New York, Central Park
Burlington, Vermont, Church Street Marketplace
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mellon Square
Portland, Oregon, Pioneer Courthouse Square
Santa Monica, California, Santa Monica Beach
Washington, D.C., Union Station
Charleston, South Carolina, Waterfront Park
Providence, Rhode Island, Waterplace Park
Cleveland, Ohio, West Side Market
Now. Why can I brag? The department I work for is responsible for maintaining the building and the grounds. This is a major challenge for us to maintain an operational historic courthouse and 5 acres of grounds that is
“Known as the "jewel" of downtown Prescott, Arizona. The Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza is a majestic, man-made urban forest in the heart of a historic commercial district. For more than 140 years it has served as a gathering place for celebrations, commemorations, campaign kick-offs, concerts, movies, and festivals.”
During December the entire plaza is decorated and Prescott has been declared "Arizona's Christmas City"!
Take a few minutes and let me share with you:
http://www.planning.org/greatplaces/spaces/2008/yavapaicounty.htm