Friends of Waterfront Park’s Post

We used to be good at building great streets. What changed? Today, when we build shops and offices, they rarely add up to a good place, writes Tristan Cleveland, PhD. Many urban areas are defined by empty grass and asphalt. These streets discourage people from walking or socializing, with terrible consequences for sustainability, health, and happiness. How do we fix this problem? Our latest story outlines how to make great street design everyone's responsibility. Read the full story: https://lnkd.in/gmADjgkb #happycities #happycity #streetdesign #walkability #urbanplanning

Pocket Parks ++ [city public green spaces] Pocket parks play a crucial role in improving the well-being of urban environments, providing accessible outdoor spaces that foster social connections, promote physical health, and enhance the overall quality of life in cities. Their human-scaled design resonates with individuals, creating inviting spaces that encourage interaction with both nature and the community. Pocket parks are particularly significant for the human scale of urban environments. Their small size makes them approachable and accessible, allowing individuals to feel a sense of ownership and belonging. The intimate setting of a pocket park contrasts with larger, sprawling parks and creates a feeling of safety and comfort. Because of their size, pocket parks foster a personal connection to the space. People can easily interact with their surroundings, whether through tending to community gardens or chatting with neighbors.

🎥 Rethinking Master-Planned Communities 🚶♂️🏡 At Red Oak Development Group, we’re flipping the script on traditional master-planned communities by prioritizing people over cars. Too often, communities are designed with cars in mind—segregating different housing types, placing amenities in isolated areas surrounded by parking lots, and making cars the primary way to get around. We’re taking a different approach. We’re focusing on placemaking, pedestrian-friendly designs, and truly integrated spaces. We prioritize people, porches and placemaking over cars, driveway and garages.  We plan for every home to have a park or trail or some sort of community staple such as a coffee shop, school or brewery  within a quarter-mile radius of their home, creating walkable communities where people can connect. By integrating residential and commercial spaces, each adds value to the other, enhancing the overall community experience. It’s about bringing back that small-town charm and local way of life we all yearn for, especially in an era where remote work is more prevalent than ever. It’s time to rethink how we build communities, and I’m proud to be part of that movement at Red Oak. #MasterPlannedCommunities #Placemaking #WalkableNeighborhoods #RedOakDevelopmentGroup #CommunityBuilding #UrbanDesign #SustainableLiving

How do you feel about mixed use buildings?

Investment in Valley Falls, Robust Community Engagement, Beautiful Public Spaces! These are a few of my favorite things! So grateful for everyone who continues to work with us on creating at Wellness Hub at Valley Falls Heritage Park. As a community we’ve been asking the big questions: - What does Heritage really mean? Who’s heritage is being honored? - What does universal accessibility look like in this space? - How do we bridge the divide between a storied history and an evolving future? While we navigate these questions and talk to our neighbors, the current results and design are a testament to the care put into this work. https://t.co/Wbg6nrEAo5

What type of development do you think makes the biggest impact on a growing community? Development is more than construction—it’s about shaping communities. At Byzantine Homes, our mission is to design spaces where people can live, work, and thrive. From integrating public spaces into developments to ensuring projects align with community goals, we’re focused on creating places that matter. #BuildingCommunities #SmartDevelopment #OntarioRealEstate #SustainableGrowth #MixedUseDevelopment #CommunityFirst #SmartCities #UrbanLiving #SmartDesign #FutureCities

New York City isn't just about skyscrapers and bustling streets. We've got some incredible green spaces that offer a breath of fresh air right in the heart of the urban jungle! 🌳🏙️ Take Prospect Park, for example. This 526-acre oasis in Brooklyn is a haven for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. From picnicking on the Long Meadow to paddling on the lake, there's something for everyone. And let's not forget about the zoo – perfect for a fun day out with the kids! Then there's Brooklyn Bridge Park, a relatively new addition to our city's outdoor scene. With its stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, it's become a favorite spot for joggers, cyclists, and Instagram photographers. The park's innovative design incorporates old pier structures, creating unique spaces for recreation and relaxation. But here's what I love most about these parks: they're not just green spaces, they're community hubs. They host events, farmers markets, and outdoor concerts, bringing New Yorkers together in the best way possible. As a real estate professional, I can't stress enough how much these parks add value to nearby neighborhoods. They're not just amenities; they're lifelines in our concrete jungle. What's your favorite NYC park activity? Frisbee in the meadow? Yoga by the river? Or just lounging on a bench with a good book? #NYCParks #UrbanOasis #CityLiving #ProspectPark #BrooklynBridgePark #OutdoorNYC #TopPropertiesTeam #RealBrokerLLC #RealBrokerage

While difficult to definitively define, placemaking is part of everything we do as elected officials.

Exciting News for Cities! Transform your Vacant Spaces into Art Spaces We convert chronically vacant spaces in downtown areas into vibrant art studios, offering a myriad of benefits for cities: Revitalizing Urban Cores: Zero Empty Spaces breathes new life into neglected areas, revitalizing urban cores and transforming them into bustling cultural hubs. Supporting Local Artists: By providing affordable studio spaces, Zero Empty Spaces supports local artists, empowering them to pursue their craft and contribute to the city's creative ecosystem. Community Engagement: These art studios serve as magnets for community engagement, attracting residents, visitors, and art enthusiasts, fostering a sense of belonging and pride. Economic Catalyst: Transforming vacant spaces into art studios generates economic activity, from increased foot traffic to supporting neighboring tenants, spurring local business growth and driving economic revitalization. Enhancing Aesthetic Appeal: Abandoned storefronts are transformed into activated art studios that are open to the public, enhancing the city's aesthetic appeal and creating visually stunning landmarks and a venue for creative collisions. Zero Empty Spaces is more than just a program—it's a catalyst for positive change, igniting creativity, fostering community connections, and revitalizing our urban landscapes. Drop us a line to learn more about how your city can join forces with us to create vibrant, and inclusive cities for all! #ZeroEmptySpaces #art #downtown #vacancymanagement #ZES #BusinessImprovementDistrict #CommunityRedevelopmentAgency #UrbanRevitalization #mainstreets #InternationalDowntownAssociation #communityempowerment

The focus is often on the design and construction of streets and public spaces (the making), rather than the ongoing care of and connection to the place. The unbalanced focus is evident in capital-works heavy budgets, with little attention paid to how it will be cared for and change over time. Public spaces are like theatre stages. The purpose of a theatre stage is in service to what it enables and encourages people to do on it, rather than the technical details of construction and materials used.