Final answer:
In Latin America, a boulevard, park, or public garden with a promenade lined with shade trees is called a Paseo. This term and the concept date back to Spanish colonial urban planning, where such promenades were central elements of city design, providing both social and symbolic functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Latin America, a boulevard, park, or public garden that features a promenade lined with shade trees is called a Paseo. This term captures the essence of a leisurely walkway that is often found in the urban design of Latin American cities, which were influenced by Spanish colonial planning. The Law of the Indies dictated that cities should be organized with a central plaza surrounded by important buildings and often a promenade or grand boulevard extending from it. These boulevards were lined with high-end residences and became a social space for the community. The design intention of promenades and these public spaces was to offer an opulent route for parades and a shaded pathway for residents to enjoy. They often feature artistic elements such as statues and are designed to provide an experience that transitions from more confined spaces to expansive and open areas. Contemporary urban planning continues to embrace this concept, as seen in the transformation of a downtown avenue into a pedestrian-only promenade in Curitiba, which ended up being a celebrated public space.