Amenities, activation, and outreach enliven two under-utilized public spaces in downtown Seattle.
(Boonton, NJ, October 22, 2015) — Partnerships between cities and downtown organizations allow the pooling of resources, avoid duplication of effort, and can guide redevelopment and activation of urban parks in the direction most beneficial for downtown residents, workers, and visitors.
That’s been the case in Seattle, WA, where the Downtown Seattle Association and its Metropolitan Improvement District manage two of downtown’s most visible public spaces, Westlake Park and Occidental Park.
The immediate goal was to increase day-to-day use of the parks by workers, visitors, and residents. Ultimately, the Association wants the public spaces to become assets that attract people from adjacent neighborhoods and the greater downtown area, as well as helping nearby property owners attract tenants.
The Association and its members gain other benefits from managing the parks, as well. For now, any income generated via events and permitting is invested back into the parks and their operation. The spaces should eventually become self-sustaining, requiring no city dollars and a reduced contribution level from members, says Jonathan Scholes, president and CEO of the Association.
More on public space management and on making downtowns the place for aging residents, appears in the October issue of Downtown Idea Exchange.
###
About the Downtown Research & Development Center
For over 50 years, the Downtown Research & Development Center has acted as the information clearinghouse on practical strategies and tactics for revitalizing the hearts of our cities and towns.
The Group\'s main activities include publishing the widely influential Downtown Idea Exchange and Downtown Promotion Reporter newsletters; publishing relevant books and reports; and operating the DowntownDevelopment.com website.
Website: http://www.DowntownDevelopment.com