Links for the week of 6/24

Feet First Philly is taking a short break from the internet to celebrate our nation's birthday next week.  We'll be back in full swing on July 5th!  In the meantime, enjoy this collection of news and blog posts from the pedestrian sphere. • Chalfont Playground in Northeast Philly gets new play equipment and a sprayground! (NEastPhilly.com) • This summer, Parks … Continue reading Links for the week of 6/24

Why “pop-up” placemaking may be a misnomer

Marcus Westbury, Australian urbanist and founder of the nonprofit "Renew Newcastle," believes that the terminology often used for small-scale projects meant to revitalize urban places and kick start development can be misleading.  Phrases such as "pop-up parks" and "tactical urbanism" suggest temporary fixes to persistent problems, which misses the bigger point that the methods used … Continue reading Why “pop-up” placemaking may be a misnomer

Parklets gaining popularity

"Parklets" are small public spaces, typically set up in parallel parking spots, that repurpose areas usually reserved for cars into places where pedestrians can comfortably congregate.  They often include movable tables and chairs, planters, and other placemaking features.  Philadelphia's first parklet, at 43rd and Baltimore Avenue, was first installed in 2011 and returned this year … Continue reading Parklets gaining popularity

Improving walkability through “placemaking”

One of the keys to walkability is that an area looks and feels like a good place to walk.  There are many features that are typical of such places, in particular, cleanliness, well-maintained properties, the presence of other pedestrians, and low crime.  To improve the perception of a place to pedestrians, certain small changes can … Continue reading Improving walkability through “placemaking”