Case Studies 

Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

*Nominee 

Cape May Point Circle

Cape May Point

NJ

USA

Contributed by 
Roger Wells
Project for Public Spaces
 on 
July 14, 2005
May 1, 2024

A community garden and multiuse space.

What makes it Great?

Why it doesn't work?

A circle of sand that was converted to a mixed-use area was all paid for by private donations and a lot of volunteer help. Activities that can be found here include walking, butterfly, sitting, flower, basketball, frisbee, theater, volley ball, and gardening. The soil was amended with recycled sewage sludge, mounded to echo remnant dunes and irrigated. Native and horticultural species were used for color, interest, shade and to attract butterflies and birds (this is one of the major birding stops on the Atlantic flyway). The garden is maintained by local volunteers and used by all the residents.

Access & Linkages

Everyone in this small community can walk to and into the park and enjoy it in a number of different fashions.

Comfort & Image

The park is surrounded by gently undulating dunes with salt resistant black pines, beach plum and bayberry under planted with bulbs and flowers. A brick path curves its way through the park. Many of the bricks have peopleÍs names on them, which was a major way of fund raising.

Uses & Activities

The park is used informally all summer long by adults and children for walking, sitting and talking, playing volley ball, a quick pickup game of basketball, exercising your dog or sitting on the grass and listening to a concert.

Sociability

This is the communal heart of the town. The local store is on one corner and several residential streets radiate out from the circle into the rest of the community. Local residents join groups, called "bed fellows" to maintain the flower beds. Local banks helped fund it and every few years another component of the original master plan (donated by a landscape architect) is implemented.

How Light?

How Quick?

How Cheap?

History & Background

Related Links & Sources

Cape May Point Circle
Cape May Point Circle
Cape May Point Circle
Cape May Point Circle
Cape May Point Circle
Cape May Point Circle
Cape May Point Circle
Cape May Point Circle

*Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

NOMINATE A PLACE

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