Who are the visionaries that are realizing the potential economic and social value of the town square? For the most part it is both the private and non-profit sectors AND elected officials – particularly mayors! In city after city, these people are raising funds, structuring unique community based processes, and thinking up innovative ways to create or improve town squares. Since our article, "The Return of the Civic Square" in the December 2002 issue of Making Places, where we outlined some of the people and places that are creating new squares, there have been important developments in the projects we highlighted, as well as more cities that are in the process of making squares the focal points of their downtowns' revitalization.
Here are some examples of recent efforts that we know about. If a new square is being created or restored in your city or town, we would love to hear about it!
Duluth Town Green, Duluth, Georgia
Campus Martius, Detroit, Michigan
Centennial Square, West Palm Beach, Florida
Hyde Park, Fort Worth, Texas
The revitalization or creation of major squares are also in the planning stages in these cities:
Public Square, Cleveland, Ohio (existing square)
Memphis, Tennessee (new square)
Greenville, North Carolina (new square)
Parks in the News
Vacant Lot in Weehawken, NJ Turned into Urban Oasis
Weehawken Reporter Once an eyesore that collected trash, this small park now has picturesque landscaping, a fountain and promenade, and a place for children to garden. (August 23)
Philadelphia May Reach Compromise on Skating Ban in Love Park
Phildelphia Daily News The City Planning Commission is recommending the City adopt a plan that would allow skateboarding during limited hours in Love Park, once among the most popular spots for street skating in the county. (August 21)
Dog-Friendly Trend Gains Ground in Charleston Area
The Post and Courier Large fenced-in areas and off-leash areas are becoming more common in Charleston area parks, allowing dogs and their owners to enjoy parks without bothering others. (August 18)
Bush Administration Approves $156 Million Plan for Lower Manhattan's Open Spaces
HUD.gov/news The funding will be used to improve public parks and open spaces, to make street improvements and to provide to more pedestrian-friendly access in Lower Manhattan. (August 6)
Ohio Leads the Country in 'Tree Cities'
The Beacon Journal The National Arbor Day Foundation has designated 231 communities in Ohio as 'tree cities'; but some residents would rather not foot the bill for beautification projects. (August 4)
Manhattan Activists Turn Industrial East Side Waterfront into New Park
Landscape Architecture Opened in 2002 but dedicated in June 2003, Stuyvesant Cove Park is a 3 acres man-made park on a reclaimed waterfront on the East River. (August 1)
