Have you heard of the term, “Placemaking?” It’s a relatively new term, but it reflects a very conventional concept. Placemaking is simply a way of creating place — place in a community where people want to visit and be. Can you think of a place in your community where people go to connect with each other? A place to connect, gather and come together as a community? Or, can you think of a place that you avoid in your community? Perhaps a vacant lot, underused space, or uninviting area that you deem unsafe or dysfunctional?
Hmmmm……what if placemaking can turn around a place that is undesirable to a place that is beneficial to a community? A place that will foster healthier and more economically viable communities.
Simply defined, “Placemaking” is making places in your community better. If you have a strong stake in your community and a commitment to make things better, keep reading.
Benefits of Placemaking
There are many benefits to placemaking and there are a lot of strategies to creating great places. Places that help to increase activity and engagement in communities. The Project for Public Spaces (PPS) Project for Public Spaces has found successful places have four key qualities in common:
- They are accessible
- People are engaged in activities there
- The space is comfortable and has a good image
- It is a sociable place
A good public place offers accessibility, engagement, comfort, and socialization. And, there are lots of things to do in a good public space. Simple things, like listening to music, reading a book, sitting on the grass, or having a bite to eat. And, of course, connecting with friends and neighbors.
Parklets and Pocket Parks
An example of a good public place is a parklet? Never heard of one? No worries — parklets are simply people spots. They offer a place for you to stop, to sit, and to rest. They can be created by extending existing sidewalks into parking spots. Yes, actual parking spots. You can incorporate seating and greenery for aesthetics, plus provide a space for people to chill. What a great idea!
Another great idea……pocket parks! Pocket parks are mini-parks, which are created on small or vacant lots. Why not turn a run-down, uninviting and unused space into a beautiful pocket park? A place that is a welcoming spot for residents. Don’t we all want to sit and relax more? To connect more?
How to Start Placemaking
Truly, there are so many possibilities when it comes to placemaking. Think trails and pedestrian paths, community gardens, playgrounds, fitness areas, dog parks, and more.
Placemaking begins by identifying a neighborhood or space. It involves everything from the planning, to the design and the management of public spaces. By looking at, listening to, and asking questions of the people who live, work and play in a particular area, you can develop a common vision for that place. A vision that eventually evolves into a strategy. It can begin with doable, small scale improvements. Improvements that can immediately bring benefits to places and people.
Do you know of a place that can benefit from placemaking? Maybe a long neglected park that is in need of transformation? Is there an area in town where people no longer go? Vacant lots that are underutilized?
Want to Be a Placemaker?
If you are interested in becoming a placemaker or know someone who is, please click on the following links to learn more about getting involved.
Placemaking and preserving the stories of place and creating new life to Hawaiian places, serves to create thriving communities where we can all connect and contribute.
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