Ordinance 2921-06 - Laserfiche WebLink

Management and Programming: Provision for maintenance and security is as essential to a successful urban park as its design. Experience in other cities has shown that the most successful and heavily used parks are those with numerous programmed activities such as lunch concerts, displays, events, art shows, etc. Access: All parks should be connected to attractive walking streets and, where possible bicycle paths and transit lines. Generally, parks on highly visible corners near other activity centers are most used. The appendices include resources and further suggestions for refining a downtown open space strategy. Proposed Open Space Actions 0-1 Construct open space to support a growing downtown residential population. While the amount and nature of the needed open space is not determined at this time, some provision for one or more small open spaces in the Grand/Rucker/Hoyt Avenues area should be considered. A small amount of individual open space is required for each new residential unit. However, some form of Neighborhood Park is needed, designed specifically for the needs of local residents. Even in downtowns an effort should be made to create residential neighborhoods, not just housing. A local park or set of open spaces is a critical ingredient in building a neighborhood. 0-2 Institute a program to encourage developers to include open spaces as part of their developments. Small open spaces for dining, relaxing or other passive activities can significantly enhance the urban environment, especially if they are adjacent to active uses such as shops or eating and drinking establishments. The bonus system to allow greater building height and bulk in the Land Use chapter includes incentives for providing such open spaces and the standards accompanying this plan include provisions that will help ensure that the plazas and open spaces are inviting and useful. PLAN ELEMENTS Supply creates demand. A good new space builds its constituency—gets people into new habits, like eating outdoors; induces them to use new paths. William Whyte: The City The optical leverage of open air cafes is tremendous. For basic props nothing more is needed than several stacks of chairs and tables and some canvas. Put up the tables, bring on the waitresses and the customers, and the visual effect can be stunning. William Whyte: The City EVERETT DOWNTOWN PLAN – DRAFT 6/29/2006 91