A city is an artificial construct. It is dynamic, a series of active interiors with conditioned space. It is a destination. A park is passive, unconditioned entity,  an environment for activity rather than the activity itself. A new third entity would mediate between these two polemics.  As one moves from city to lake, you enter a networked environment, both formally and experientially. Program is arranged around a central hub of activity with additional program itemized and dispersed radially. Through surface and climate zones, this entity sets itself apart from either polemic, creating zones of play, well-being, or social interactions. Boardwalks through wetlands allow a close experience with nature and connect to the rest of the area

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At one end there is the city, at the other, a park.  In between, you are in the third entity.