Parks as Multi-Use Destinations and Catalysts for Community Revitalization by Cynthia Nikitin, Senior VP Project for Public Spaces
Jul 15, 2015
Parks as Multi-Use Destinations and Catalysts for Community Revitalization by Cynthia Nikitin, Senior VP Project for Public Spaces
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Placemaking is a movement that reimagines public spaces as the heart of every community. Rooted in community-based
participation, Placemaking involves the planning, design, management and programming of public spaces and
capitalizes on a community’s assets and potential to create vibrant destinations—such as neighborhood gardens,
community markets, and downtown squares. For the past 40 years, Placemaking has sparked social, economic, and
environmental benefits to communities around the world.
WHAT IS PLACEMAKING?
“We have to turn
everything upside down
to get it right side up.
To get from adequate
to extraordinary.”
Qualities of Great Urban Parks
Traffic, Transit & the Pedestrian
The Edge Uses
Attractions & Destinations
Seasonal Strategy
Identity & Image
Flexibly Designed
Programming
Amenities
Triangulate
Place Management: Central to the Solution
Diverse Funding Sources
Reach Out Like an Octopus
Lighter Quicker Cheaper
Traffic, Transit & the Pedestrian
• Connected to adjacent areas
• Range of transportation options
• Vehicles do not dominate
Attractions & Destinations
• Choices of things to do
• Triangulation opportunities
• Clustered activity around destinations
• Focal Points
Outdoor piano and seating area with WiFi connection
Temporary stage for musical performances
Open air movie night series in the park
Seasonal Strategies• Flower Show• Fashion Show• Xmas Market• Antique Show• Play Equipment• Cultural Festivals
Develop a program of innovative and interesting events around
different ages, cultures and seasons that extends throughout the year
An outdoor holiday market
Temporary farmers market
Winter Wonderland display around fountain
Temporary ice skating rink around fountain Holiday market around fountain
Lighting the trees with ornaments
Flexible Design
• Overlapping and
changing uses
• Form supports function
• All day activation
• Place should evolve over time
• Experiment with low cost improvements
Programmed Uses and Activities
• Recreation/Exercise• Play• Games• Performance• Public Art• Environment/Educational• Community events
Amenities
• Attracts cross-section of users
• Source of local/regional civic pride
• Comfortable places to sit
• Food and markets
Upgrade amenities throughout the Parks
Temporary café kiosks with movable seating, tables and shading structures
Examples of consistent design of amenities such as chairs, tables, umbrellas, kiosks and market tents
Place Management
• Management through:
– Security/Maintenance
– Programming Events
– Managing Destinations
– Providing Amenities
Develop a plan for a management entity to handle the planning and
management of all events, coordinate management of operations and
oversee economic activities
Diverse Funding Base
Security --City Funding
23%
Facility -Parks
Department6%
Event Rentals
18%Event Sponsorships
12%
Tenant Leases
24%
In Kind Donations
17%
Reach out like an Octopus
Reach out like
an OctopusConnect to other destinations
and to the downtown
Link downtown activities,
products, and services to the
Trail
• Add on to and enhance the place by reaching out into theneighborhoods
• Connect to other destinations and to the downtown
• Become a district
POWER OF 10: PLACE
1. Read the paper
2. Window shop
3. Learn about upcoming events
4. Go inside! 5. Walk by
6. Sit & relax
7. Read someone else’s book
8. Take a break from a bike ride
9. Pet a dog
10. Have a conversation
Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper
• Comfort, Amenities & Public Art
• Activation Events
• Interim Public Spaces
• Light Development
Theaters/
Museums
Transit
HospitalsCoffee
Shops
Libraries
Schools
Parks
Community
Centers
City Halls
ChurchesOffices
Communities Today
City Halls Community
centers
Theaters/
Museums
TransitHospitals
Coffee
Shops
Libraries
Schools
Civic Squares
Community Gathering
Spaces/Parks
Churches
Offices
Communities
of the Future