The American Planning Association (APA) has named Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood as one of the 10 "great neighborhoods for 2010" under the organization’s Great Places in America program.

APA Great Places "exemplify exceptional character and highlight the role planners and planning play in creating communities of lasting value," according to a statement. The Emerald Necklace park system in Boston was also designated as one of APA’s Great Places for 2010.

APA singled out Back Bay for its Victorian houses; successful retail and commercial area with some of the tallest buildings in New England; extensive public open spaces, anchored by the Esplanade, the Public Garden and Commonwealth Avenue Mall; and engaged residents, business and corporate leaders and citizen groups, according to a statement.

"It’s exciting to learn that the APA has designated the Back Bay a ‘Great Place in America,’" Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino said. "Residents and visitors have long recognized this great neighborhood as a gem in the city of Boston with its elegant streets, unique shops, great restaurants and vintage homes. The Back Bay truly exemplifies the way in which residential and commercial communities can come together to create a vibrant blend of history and modernity."

"The Back Bay epitomizes the characteristics that make ideal urban design, inspirational city planning and wonderful neighborhoods, and as such I’m delighted to see that the APA has recognized it as a ‘Great Place in America,’" added John F. Palmieri, director of the Boston Redevelopment Authority. "The Back Bay is home to a dedicated community of participants who work toward the future of this neighborhood while also honoring its historic past. It is because of their efforts, in partnership with the professional planners and project managers of the BRA, that the overall quality of the neighborhood is unsurpassed."