APA Announces 2018 Great Places in America

The American Planning Association has awarded 15 locations with the Great Places designation—a recognition for the work of planners and communities in creating great neighborhoods, streets, and public spaces.

"Our Great Places in America designees highlight the many facets that make up planning –from community engagement, quality of character and economic development," said Cynthia Bowen, president of APA, in a statement announcing the awards. "These neighborhoods, streets and public spaces illustrate how a community coming together creates lasting value."

Here's the list of this year's winners.

Great Neighborhoods

• Canalway Cultural District – Lowell, Massachusetts
• The Village of Shelburne Falls – Shelburne and Buckland, Massachusetts
• Guthrie Historic District – Guthrie, Oklahoma
• Historic Downtown Georgetown – Georgetown, Texas
• Ghent – Norfolk, Virginia

Great Streets

• Cushman Street – Fairbanks, Alaska
• East Cross Street – Ypsilanti, Michigan
• Fayetteville Street – Raleigh, North Carolina
• West Magnolia Avenue – Fort Worth, Texas
• State Street – Bristol, Tennessee and Bristol, Virginia 

Great Public Spaces

• The Plaza – Orange, California
• Aspen Pedestrian Mall – Aspen, Colorado
• Mill River Park – Stamford, Connecticut
• Public Square – Cleveland, Ohio
• RiversEdge at Marcum Park – Hamilton, Ohio

Check out more information and images for each of the winning places on the APA's website.

With the announcement of the 2018 Great Places in America comes a reminder that October is National Community Planning Month. That occasion will help promote a final award for the 2018 Great Places, the People's Choice designee. Nominate your favorite Great Place by commenting on APA’s Facebook page, Twitter or Instagram feed using #APAgreatplaces between October 1 and October 12. Voting will take place the second half of October, with the “People’s Choice” Great Place designee being announced November 7, according to the APA.