Reimagined Public Spaces and Programming During the Pandemic

Public spaces have become more important than ever. Here are five case studies of innovative and safely designed programming that engages people of all ages and backgrounds.

1 minute read

November 12, 2020, 11:00 AM PST

By Clement Lau


Coronavirus and Urbanism

Eddie Hernandez Photos / Shutterstock

In the midst of a pandemic, outdoor public spaces have emerged as much needed places for respite, exercise, and play. But with COVID-19 and associated public health orders, the use of these spaces has to be regulated, modified, and adapted to ensure public health and safety.

This Reimagining the Civic Commons article offers five stories showcasing innovative and safely designed programming that engages people of all ages and backgrounds:

  1. New ways to explore Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park
  2. Parks as educational partners in San José
  3. Detroit meets local needs
  4. Streets for kids in Philadelphia
  5. A popular program transformed for physical distancing in Los Angeles 

These case studies show how public agencies and organizations across the country addressed community needs by being creative, proactive, and flexible. They show that even a pandemic cannot stop people from having fun, exercising, and connecting safely in outdoor public spaces like parks, streets, gardens, and sidewalks. Please read the source article to learn more and be inspired.

Tuesday, November 10, 2020 in Reimagining the Civic Commons

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Rendering of Shirley Chisholm Village four-story housing development with person biking in front.

San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning

SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.

June 8, 2025 - Fast Company

Yellow single-seat Japanese electric vehicle drivign down road.

The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs

The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.

June 6, 2025 - PC Magazine

People riding bicycles on separated bike trail.

With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike

For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.

15 minutes ago - UNM News

Bird's eye view of half-circle suburban street with large homes.

In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City

If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.

2 hours ago - Investopedia

Color-coded map of labor & delivery departments and losses in United States.

The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace

In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.

June 15 - Maine Morning Star