Programming Amenities

Activating Our Public Spaces

strategies sublist programming

strategies sublist programming

strategy parklet ladot flickr

strategy parklet ladot flickr

sf parklet

sf parklet

el sereno parklet

el sereno parklet

spring street parklet architects newspaper sam lubell

spring street parklet architects newspaper sam lubell

parklet york highlandpark

parklet york highlandpark

parklet benches

parklet benches

el sereno parklet flickr ladotpeopleist

el sereno parklet flickr ladotpeopleist

Parklets

Parklets or 'street porches', as they are sometimes called, are a low cost urban design intervention that enhances the public and community life of a street.  Parklets are generally constructed in the space of one to three curbside parking spots that are transformed through semi-permanent means.

Parklets, like public plazas, can be part of creating vibrant pedestrian-oriented streetscapes, but should be carefully designed and located to improve neighborhood amenities while slowing gentrification. 

fruitvendor shutterstock 121827016

fruitvendor shutterstock 121827016

popupvendor la shutterstock 517319695

popupvendor la shutterstock 517319695

tacos cropped wikimedia

tacos cropped wikimedia

foodtruck la flickr

foodtruck la flickr

Informal Vending

Pop-up retail and informal vending are short-term temporary sales spaces. These can be mobile carts or temporarily constructed facilities with the purpose of drawing in pedestrian buyers. They can range from a small fruit cart set up next to an office complex to a Christmas themed retail day with multiple vendors at the local commercial strip mall.

strategy outdoor ex ladot flickr 2 reduced

strategy outdoor ex ladot flickr 2 reduced

strategy outdoor ex parklet ladot flickr

strategy outdoor ex parklet ladot flickr

Outdoor Fitness

Outdoor fitness is engaging the body in physical activity while outdoors. This can range from outdoor exercise equipment to a park boot camp. Outdoor fitness uses green spaces to promote mental and physical health.

cerritos farmersmarket 7 fb

cerritos farmersmarket 7 fb

cerritos farmersmarket 5 fb

cerritos farmersmarket 5 fb

img 9043 whittier farmers market copy reduced

img 9043 whittier farmers market copy reduced

cerritos farmersmarket 8 fb

cerritos farmersmarket 8 fb

cerritos farmersmarket 3 fb

cerritos farmersmarket 3 fb

cerritos farmersmarket 2 fb

cerritos farmersmarket 2 fb

cerritos farmersmarket 4 fb

cerritos farmersmarket 4 fb

Farmers Markets

At dozens of Southern California farmers’ markets, farmers and ranchers sell locally grown produce directly to consumers. These markets reflect the diversity of Southern California, with offerings ranging from blueberries, peaches, avocados, and local honey, to tomatillo, chayote, bottle gourd, and Asian water spinach. But farmers’ markets are not just about food. They are places to meet neighbors, pick up cooking tips from farmers, eat a meal, listen to local musicians, and get involved with issues affecting local residents. Many markets also offer locally grown flowers, plants, and prepared foods.

“Farmers’ markets are drivers of local economic activity,” says Clare Fox, executive director of the non-profit Los Angeles Food Policy Council, “and an important placemaking strategy to anchor culture within a neighborhood.”

lb cityfabrick3 fb

lb cityfabrick3 fb

lb streetmural fb

lb streetmural fb

lb communityfair fb

lb communityfair fb

lb streetfair2 fb

lb streetfair2 fb

boldpas oldpasadena

boldpas oldpasadena

boldpas2

boldpas2

bell littlefreelibrary fb

bell littlefreelibrary fb

Pop-Up Events

Pop-up events enliven spaces with temporary or semi-permanent exhibits for cultural enhancement. This can include a pop-up shared community library on the sidewalk outside a residential area, a pop-up art exhibit in an activated alley to express the history of a neighborhood, or even a mariachi band in a commercial parking lot.

sela org art

sela org art

img 2655 sela 2to1 crop

img 2655 sela 2to1 crop

img 2382 sela 2to1 crop

img 2382 sela 2to1 crop

llar movienight 2

llar movienight 2

llar movienight

llar movienight

Community Events

Community events are short-term events open to the public that are ceremonies, cultural celebrations, exhibitions, fairs, or market gatherings. These events most often take place in large public spaces and can bring together community members to better connect with their neighbors. 

 

dog park shade structure az

dog park shade structure az

longbeach busstop shutterstock 1421477927

longbeach busstop shutterstock 1421477927

shade maywoodriverfrontpark

shade maywoodriverfrontpark

tables altadenatrianglepark jm

tables altadenatrianglepark jm

bench altadenatrianglepark jm

bench altadenatrianglepark jm

shade hollydalepark

shade hollydalepark

Comfort Furnishings

Comfort furnishings help make public spaces inviting for people. They can include site amenities such as benches, tables, shade structures, and other outdoor furniture. Whether at bus stops, parks, or smaller street parklets, these amenities make a space more functional, enjoyable, and accessible.

sign birds peckpark jm

sign birds peckpark jm

sign silverlake water

sign silverlake water

sign butterflies ranchosantaana

sign butterflies ranchosantaana

sign life echopark

sign life echopark

sign raingarden commerce jm

sign raingarden commerce jm

sign bosqueriohondo

sign bosqueriohondo

sign bioswales peckpark jm

sign bioswales peckpark jm

sign bike peckpark jm

sign bike peckpark jm

sign butterflies peckpark jm

sign butterflies peckpark jm

sign silverlake water 2

sign silverlake water 2

sgr wayfinding jm

sgr wayfinding jm

sgr countytrailmap jm

sgr countytrailmap jm

sgr bikesign jm

sgr bikesign jm

interpsign sealbeach jm

interpsign sealbeach jm

Educational Signage

Educational Signage is graphic displays of information in public spaces that include 'Interpretive' signs and 'Wayfinding' signs.  

Interpretive signs are designed to 'interpret' what visitors are experiencing around them. They can include educational messages and content to inform the public of a site's historic, cultural, or ecological significance. Beyond providing information, they should spark the public's curiosity by allowing them to interpret the experience in their own way. These signs can also inspire a feeling of stewardship in site visitors, strengthening awareness of cultural and natural resources.

Wayfinding signs orient and guide people through the built environment. They help give geographic context and understanding of how to physically navigate a park, trail, or urban area.  They can include directional or guidance signs that enhance a visitor's experience of a place. 

greenscape title examples

greenscape title examples

Since 2005, urban greening orgnizations have participated in Park(ing) Day, an international demonstration of ways to convert parking spaces into people spaces. This annual event takes place the third Friday in September, involving local community members, students, and designers working together to transform metered parking spaces into temporary parklets.

The cities of Long Beach, Paramount, Downey, Bellflower, Norwalk, Cerritos, Compton, Pico Rivera,  South Gate, Lakewood, and others host farmer's markets featuring fresh produce, farm-fresh eggs, a variety of packaged and prepared foods, as well as artisan craft items.

The SELA Arts Festival takes place in the channel of the lower Los Angeles River, celebrating culture, art, food, and music in Southeast Los Angeles. 

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greenscape title resources

greenscape title resources
Parklets

• An Assessment of Spring Street Parklets in Los Angeles. UCLA Luskin Center. 
• Parklet Policy Toolkit. Smart Growth America.
• Tactical Urbanism Handbook. Vol 1 and Vol 2.  The Street Plans Collaborative. 
• Park(ing) Day Manual. Rebar.
• Long Beach Parklet Study. Studio One Eleven. 

Farmer's Markets

• Farmer's Market Finder. Ecology Center (interactive map). 
• Guide to Starting a New Farmer's Market. The UC Small Farm Center (UC Davis). 
• California Alliance of Farmers’ Markets. Training and online resources, including webinars. 
• Farmer's Market Certification. California Department of Agriculture. 
• Farmer's Markets EBT Guide. Ecology Center. 
 

Events and Informal Vending

• Design and Review Criteria for Public Art. Project for Public Spaces. 
• Health Code Requirements for Community Events. LA County Department of Health. 
• Starter Kit for Mobile Food Vending. City of Los Angeles. 
 

Outdoor Fitness

• Outdoor Fitness Zones. LA Department of Parks and Recreation.

 

Benefits

Greenscapes

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