Artificial Grass Works
In the right location, even plastic grass can make a successful public space.
Despite concerns, the public has embraced a large "grassy" area made from plastic in a revitalized Silver Spring downtown area in Maryland. People decide what makes a successful public space. The risky decision of a government official turns out to be a winner as people vote with their feet.
"It's hard to admit that this fake grass might be kind of okay, because the world has enough fake things in it. Synthetic turf is the epitome of the ersatz and the tacky...But visit this inorganic field of dreams on a recent afternoon and look around. Barefoot lovers are stretched out kissing. Frisbees and footballs are flying. Mexican takeout is steaming on picnic blankets..."
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Fake Grass in Silver Spring MD
I live near this field of plastic grass. I guess its ok, considering the plastic nature of the new, improved downtown Silver Spring, which is basicly one big food court, with every mid-priced franchise fry pit imaginable. Sort of a Disney like. People drive their monster SUVs in and park them in the nearby parking structures so they can wander around in a pretend urban environment. They have to drive in, because there was no residential component. We do have Discovery Channel, the folks who bring us fake PBS programs with real, genuine commercials.
One more thing. When the new, improved downtown was built, they preserved an old strip shopping mall, and the official symbol for the project resembles a trash can on fire.