They can, but in Baltimore's case, and probably in the case of other cities, there are areas that seem to have been created just to check a box. Ferry Bar Park, for instance, is an official park that I found behind a closed down WalMart. It had a broken picnick table and trash was everywhere (ex: https://www.flickr.com/photos/40423570@N07/24766355732/). It's like the city had forgotten about the place.

I'm not saying I prefer private, but I understand how they could gain popularity if the city isn't doing it's part to keep up it's own areas. Your IT stat doesn't surprise me, and is definitely a good point.