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.
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:
- New ways to explore Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park
- Parks as educational partners in San José
- Detroit meets local needs
- Streets for kids in Philadelphia
- 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.
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Eagle County Government
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Nashville Planning Department
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
Journal of the American Planning Association