As the father of three girls, ages 7, 5, and 3, we spend most weekends frequenting parks and public spaces throughout our Quad Cities community. Our girls value the parks based on what activities are available throughout the park, how high the park structures are, or what theme the park is (Ships, Rockets, etc.). As parents we value the parks surroundings, views along the river, proximity to other businesses (maybe a brewery), the amount of trees and interesting landscapes, and the security of the park. The concept design and space planning of the park is important to both the kids playing at the park and the parent’s experience at the park.
When beginning the concept planning of a development, the parks and public spaces are viewed as either the focal point of the development or an accessory of the development. Master planning for parks and public spaces are created through public-private partnerships between homeowners, business owners, developers and the city, county, or state governments. Parks are developed from this public-private equilibrium, some times it is heavily influenced by the private side, either through philanthropy or a private developer. Or by the state and local governments to either improve an area of the community, spur development, or provide public amenities for the community.
Now is the time to improve our parks! At the heels of the Covid-19 pandemic, everyone is looking for ways to experience the outdoors in a safe environment. Extra funding is becoming available through the American Rescue Plan Act and the forthcoming Federal Stimulus bill. We need to be proactive, create ways to improve our community through the use of parks and public spaces, and ultimately make the Quad Cities a better place to live!
