2010/05/26 Council Agenda Packet

Urban Park or Plaza Description: Urban parks provide visitors with access to open spaces in commercial and high-density residential areas. Examples of urban parks include public squares, promenades, urban plazas and landscaped courtyards. Urban parks sometimes serve the neighborhood park needs of surrounding residents and often provide opportunities for community events. Urban parks enhance the quality of life and identity of urban developed districts. Urban parks promote tourism and economic development. Typical urban park users: • Park serves employees or residents from surrounding residential or business areas. • Programming of the space and partnerships can encourage farmers markets, art walks, theater and other events that can bring visitors to the space from throughout the community. • Visitors arrive by foot. • Visit the park for one hour or less. Site Selection: • A minimum site size of 0.5 acres is preferred. • Site should front a public street • Promote increased use of alleys to provide access • Good access and visibility Provide: • Paved area of sufficient size to accommodate walking and seating area access. • Night lighting to maximize use and visibility of park • Seating and ADA access • Shade for summer and sun pockets for winter Consider: • Neighborhood park features if intended to be used as a neighborhood park • Shelter structures • Water feature • Concessions or vendor space, commercial lease space (restaurant, bookstore, coffee shop, museum) • Trees and general landscaping improvements • Shrub beds flower baskets and horticultural or annual plantings • Public art, performance space such as a stage area or band shell, special facilities or features, such as historic or interpretive structures, Interpretive signage • Permanent restrooms • On -street parking Avoid: Off-street parking 35 I