The current economy in many areas of the United States is still in a downturn. Wow, it appears on the surface some areas are making an economic comeback, this is not necessarily true when it comes to small town America. As such, a number of areas are installing pedestrian plazas and malls to help revitalize neighborhoods while also making it safer for pedestrian traffic.
Most of these new green spaces are being added to roundabouts, intersections and downtown areas. Although, cities and towns with bays, harbors and other water based attractions have also been adding these malls and plazas to existing boardwalks. A good example of this is the new boardwalk and walkways in Eureka, California.
The cost and creation of these areas are often a collaboration among multiple parties. In most cases, the responsibility would fall on city officials and local non-profits willing to share the cost. In others, there may be assistance from local, state and federal governments depending on the size and scope of the operation. Costs can often vary as some cities may wish to include installing fountains, landscaping and statues. Whereas, others merely close off street traffic without creating new elements.
Whether a pedestrian mall or plaza, the basic concept is to create a safer place for pedestrians and drivers. In most cases, the areas which host bars, shops and restaurants are going to be located in open air centers. Whereas, plazas are often found within roundabouts, intersections and other areas. In both cases, these areas are closed to motorized vehicles.
Originally, these areas came to the United States in the 1960s and 1970s. It was during this time that a number of cities began installing these malls. As shopping malls were being established on the outskirts of many cities at the time, the efforts were two-fold. One being to create a safe walking space away from traffic, the other to keep shoppers coming downtown rather than going to new enclosed shopping centers.
When it comes to tourist prone areas like Jacksonville, Oregon and Arcata, California, these areas often offer a number of arts, shops and galleries. In some cases, like Arcata, Jacksonville and others, there are often Art walks held once or twice a month. Whereas, tourist areas like the San Antonio Riverwalk or Times Square often host a number of larger festivals and entertainment venues year round. To locate these events, check the local or online calendar listings for any cities of interest.
Other areas have been revitalized over the last five to ten years. Whereas, some areas now have work in progress with regards to installing new roundabouts and intersections. As such, there will most likely be a number of new green spaces and plazas installed during construction. After which, it is most likely pedestrians and drivers will have an easier time maneuvering through these area.
Whether a small town or big city, these efforts have not gone unnoticed. In fact, many more people are out walking more than ever before. As a result, businesses and special events held in these areas are also seeing more foot traffic. One of the biggest of these events in most areas is a weekly or bi-weekly Farmer's Market which host fresh produce and locally made merchandise.
Most of these new green spaces are being added to roundabouts, intersections and downtown areas. Although, cities and towns with bays, harbors and other water based attractions have also been adding these malls and plazas to existing boardwalks. A good example of this is the new boardwalk and walkways in Eureka, California.
The cost and creation of these areas are often a collaboration among multiple parties. In most cases, the responsibility would fall on city officials and local non-profits willing to share the cost. In others, there may be assistance from local, state and federal governments depending on the size and scope of the operation. Costs can often vary as some cities may wish to include installing fountains, landscaping and statues. Whereas, others merely close off street traffic without creating new elements.
Whether a pedestrian mall or plaza, the basic concept is to create a safer place for pedestrians and drivers. In most cases, the areas which host bars, shops and restaurants are going to be located in open air centers. Whereas, plazas are often found within roundabouts, intersections and other areas. In both cases, these areas are closed to motorized vehicles.
Originally, these areas came to the United States in the 1960s and 1970s. It was during this time that a number of cities began installing these malls. As shopping malls were being established on the outskirts of many cities at the time, the efforts were two-fold. One being to create a safe walking space away from traffic, the other to keep shoppers coming downtown rather than going to new enclosed shopping centers.
When it comes to tourist prone areas like Jacksonville, Oregon and Arcata, California, these areas often offer a number of arts, shops and galleries. In some cases, like Arcata, Jacksonville and others, there are often Art walks held once or twice a month. Whereas, tourist areas like the San Antonio Riverwalk or Times Square often host a number of larger festivals and entertainment venues year round. To locate these events, check the local or online calendar listings for any cities of interest.
Other areas have been revitalized over the last five to ten years. Whereas, some areas now have work in progress with regards to installing new roundabouts and intersections. As such, there will most likely be a number of new green spaces and plazas installed during construction. After which, it is most likely pedestrians and drivers will have an easier time maneuvering through these area.
Whether a small town or big city, these efforts have not gone unnoticed. In fact, many more people are out walking more than ever before. As a result, businesses and special events held in these areas are also seeing more foot traffic. One of the biggest of these events in most areas is a weekly or bi-weekly Farmer's Market which host fresh produce and locally made merchandise.
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