“Successful Transformation?”

~ Elizabeth

I was intrigued by the sign by the land transformed from an oil storage depot to a town park. What exactly did they mean that the place was “age friendly,” an ambitious goal for a recreational site? How might one park serve everyone from baby to elder and those with mobility challenges? And were they able to demonstrate rather than just tout the designation? To my deep delight they truly delivered on this public space by the river.

Years ago I spent time on Portland, Oregon’ Planning Commission and as its member on the city Design Commission. While neither a professional planner nor an architect, I learned much about what goes into designing a project. When I began to reflect on this new park in Connecticut, it was through the experience of that learning base.

The reclaimed land was basically an enormous clean slate and I imagine a welcome challenge to its architects. The team wisely assessed all the needs of many different citizens and ended up creating a series of “rooms’ within the expanse. And as new demands arose, the park has been modified.

In following posts I will lay out the clever way they truly met the claim to be “age friendly” as well as boat, dog, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, volleyball, kite flying, ice skating and lately pickleball accommodating. To say nothing of creating a lovely backdrop for weddings.

28 thoughts on ““Successful Transformation?””

  9. I think this is great! Just as areas should provide access to the disabled, we should also take care of our older population.

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        4. Yes, I agree Elizabeth, while it can get a bit noisey around here at times with the families who now have teens (their music).

          I do prefer the sound & vibrancy of all ages around me 😊

          My friend lives in an over 55’s village & said at first she loved it with all the social activites. But then her neighbours started passing away & having to enter Aged care facilities & now realises she made the wrong choice.

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