Public open space is often referred to by urban planners and landscape architects by the acronym 'POS'. Varied interpretations of the term are possible.

'Public' can mean:
* owned by a national or local government body
* owned by 'public' body (e.g. a not-for-profit organization) and held in trust for the public
* owned by a private individual or organization but made available for public use or available public access, see privately owned public space