Color me jealous. I love the Columbia Heights plaza. The city has created a space that just works for the neighborhood. It has become a bona fide gathering spot in short order; even in the face of consistent construction around it.
It's really simple actually: a water feature, some grass, landscaping, places to sit and some retail. Doesn't hurt that there are eateries nearby that serve hand held, cheap food (Sticky Fingers Bakery, Julia's Empanadas, FrozenYo).
Remember when it was just a field of gravel and some trees? Not very attractive. The solar lamplights act as a sort of public art and the semi-grassy artificial hills are always filled during late afternoons and evenings.
What if Lamont Park could be that place for Mount Pleasant? We really don't have a central place like Columbia Heights plaza here in Mount Pleasant. Occasionally Lamont Park can be; during music festivals or the farmers market. But, by in large, it takes a special event for the place to fill up on any given day. That's too bad. What would it take for Lamont Park to be attractive to you on a daily basis? You can choose more than one.
4 comments:
I remember seeing a proposal to semi-pedestrianize Mt. P St. by raising it to sidewalk level and forcing cars to a lower speed limit. Since Lamont Park is across the street from all the retail, that proposal would better connect the park to the foot traffic, and - I think - create a great sense of place that would vitalize both the park and the retail corridor.
While the railing and wall on the south side of the park (facing Don Juan's) is pretty, it feels like it cuts off the park from walkers-by. Maybe they could put in stairs there?
Love the idea of converting a portion of MtP Street (e.g. Lamont Irving) into a pedestrian walkway with retractable pylons to let trucks deliver to stores during certain hours. Would revolutionize the neighborhood.
i recently had the opportunity to view this lil slice of the city from an adjoining roof deck..i had the same thoughts as you...wow..how nice..and successful that is!
xoxo
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