West Palm Beach
Public Realm Action Plan
Introduction / Why a Public Realm Action Plan?
People are key! And even though cultures and climates are different from city to city, we all experience our environment from the same starting point: THE HUMAN DIMENSION!
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Introduction / Why a Public Realm Action Plan?
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People need stimuli that appeal to all their senses & environments that make them feel comfortable.
“1,000 stimuli per hour. One for every four seconds.”
But unfortunately not all environments invite us to spend time outside and enjoy our cities.
-Gehl / Gemzøe
5 Senses
72°
Eye Level
Average walking speed 5 km/h - 3 m/h
4 seconds
4 seconds
4 seconds
Introduction / Why a Public Realm Action Plan?
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What kind of city do you want?
People walk at roughly the same speed, but not all our urban environments invite for walking 3 mph environments: Human scale Social and inviting All senses are activated Versus 50 mph environments: Large scale / undefined Designed for speed and efficiency Uninviting Unpleasant sensory experiences
Introduction / Why a Public Realm Action Plan?
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STREETS ARE A CITY’S LARGEST CANVAS ACCOUNTING FOR
80%
OF OUR PUBLIC REALM
And using them is a central part of our daily lives. But often walking, biking and taking transit, is compromised by design based on efficiency and speed. 21st century street design put people first! The 21st century street is a place. Source: NACTO, http://nacto.org/publication/urban-street-design-guide/
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Introduction Why a Public Realm Action Plan? An action plan is... • a plan that builds a city vision from eye level • a framework to guide investment in the public realm • a plan that tests strategies through pilot projects
Introduction / Why a Public Realm Action Plan?
West Palm Beach has a LOT going for it. ...A walkable downtown core that draws people from all over the city
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Introduction / Why a Public Realm Action Plan?
...Historic neighborhoods and destinations
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Introduction / Why a Public Realm Action Plan?
...A city chock full of amazing public art (with more on the way)
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Introduction / Why a Public Realm Action Plan?
...A beautiful sunny climate, and surrounded by water.
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Introduction / Why a Public Realm Action Plan?
West Palm Beachers themselves might just be the city's greatest asset.
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Introduction / Why a Public Realm Action Plan?
Many well-attended events bring people together
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Introduction / Why a Public Realm Action Plan?
There's a love for the quirky and the arts!
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Introduction / Why a Public Realm Action Plan?
There is a committed core group of civicminded folks ready to come volunteer for their city
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Introduction / Why a Public Realm Action Plan?
The City of West Palm Beach has a clear vision
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West Palm Beach will be a vibrant, resilient, attractive and safe city, recognized as a model community which: • Takes pride in history, diversity and environment • Promotes and enjoys community respect, pride and cooperation • Provides visionary and creative governmental leadership • Is a celebrated cultural and recreational destination • Values its public employees and recognizes their achievements The City of West Palm Beach partners with the community to preserve and enhance the quality of life through providing efficient and effective community-focused services.
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Introduction / Why a Public Realm Action Plan?
WPB is the 3rd largest city in the region West Palm Beach Pop: 103,588 (2015) Area: 56.55 sq mi Density: 1.880 / sq mi
Growing population
Popular destination
100,343 people (2010) 108,896 people (2016)
6.9 million tourists visited Palm Beach County in 2015
8.5% increase
10% increase year over year Fort Lauderdale Pop: 173,570 (2015) Area: 34.7 sq mi
Miami Pop: 440,989 (2015) Area: 35.68 sq mi
Today most people drive
But increase in transit ridership
77% drive, 8% carpool 3% transit 4% walk 1% bike
3.64 million rides (2010) 4.39 million rides (2014)
City mode share 2015 Sources: Census, http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/tourism/fl-pbc-2015-tourism-record-20160210-story.html, http://www.palmbeachmpo.org/static/sitefiles/meeting/2016_FEB_18_SFRTA_Annual_Update1.pdf
20% increase
Introduction / Why a Public Realm Action Plan?
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Livable cities are in high demand This matters in the 21st century, where cities need to compete for talent, and where livable neighborhoods need to be accessible to all people.
Introduction / Why a Public Realm Action Plan?
81% OF MILLENIALS
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76% ACTIVE BOOMERS
Say affordable and convenient alternatives to the car is at least somewhat important when deciding where to live and work
Source: Investing in Place (National Poll), APA, 2014
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Introduction / Why a Public Realm Action Plan?
56% OF MILLENIALS
46% ACTIVE BOOMERS
Would prefer to live someday in a walkable community, whether urban, suburban, or a small town
Source: Investing in Place (National Poll), APA, 2014
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Introduction / Why a Public Realm Action Plan?
74% OF MILLENIALS
2/3 OF ALL RESPONDENTS
Believe investing in schools, transportation choices, and walkable areas is a better way to grow the economy than recruiting companies
Source: Investing in Place (National Poll), APA, 2014
Introduction / Why a Public Realm Action Plan?
Good urban design makes people healthier! Findings across 15 cities and 6 continents suggests urban planning can reduce the health burden of the global physical inactivity pandemic.
Source: Physical activity in relation to urban environments in 14 cities worldwide: a crosssectional study. James F Sallis, Jens Troelsen, et al. Lancet Medical Journal - 2016
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Introduction / Why a Public Realm Action Plan?
To create a healthy and livable city with a vibrant public life you need to invest in the public realm.
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Introduction / Why a Public Realm Action Plan?
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West Palm Beach already knows this, and things are moving.
Parks M aster Plan
M
t i l i ob
n a l yP
d n o B
s e u Iss
Brightli
ne
PUBLIC LIFE! Strate gic Pl an 20162020
Shore to
Core
e g n u et Lo
Suns
And many more...
Sunset Park Improvements Estimated $80,000
Introduction / Why a Public Realm Action Plan?
Spruce Street Resurfacing Estimated $1,070,000
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Sullivan Park Renovation Estimated $170,000
A lot of investments and projects are bringing change to the built environment in West Palm Beach
Currie Park Improvements Estimated $500,000
Pleasant City Improvements Estimated $200,000
Lakeside Court: N Dixie to Flagler Estimated $190,000
Gaines Park Improvements Estimated $1,000,000
>$1 billion in development projects downtown
Providencia Park Neighborhood Lighting Improvements Estimated $350,000
$40M and $60M Bond Issues for Public Space Tamarind Safety Improvements (Signage): PBL to Flagler Estimated $25,000
One West Palm 30-Story Residential and Office Tower
Banyan: Tamarind to Olive Estimated $1,7700,00
Northwest Area Estimated $2,000,000
Aloft West Palm Beach Hotel and Commercial
Olive Island: 6th to Quadrille Estimated $300,000 Canvas Outdoor Museum Site
PD Bldg Improvements Estimated $700,000
Old City Hall Development Helen Wilks site
PD Bldg Roof Replacement Estimated $800,000
Centennial Fountain Repairs Estimated $1,000,000
PD Bldg Generator Replacement Estimated $1,500,000
All Aboard Florida (Brightline) Station Service Begins 2017
Transit Village Mixed-Use Residential (2017)
The Cosmopolitan Hotel and Office Space
IT Infrastructure Estimated $6,000,000
Tower Proposed - Christian Science Church existing on site Complex Improvements Estimated $25,650,000
>$1 billion in development projects: http://www.mypalmbeachpost.com/business/ real-estate/one-west-palm-250-million-office-condo-hotel-project-wins-approval/ GMvSfuC6rAPJQ5Vb1fmrZL/
Development Project
Bond Project
Howard Park Improvements Estimated $480,000
Wildermere Rd Improvements: Dixie to Olive Estimated $540,000
The Bristol 25-Story Residential Tower
Introduction / Why a Public Realm Action Plan?
These investments make now the perfect time to create a public life driven vision for the public realm in West Palm Beach.
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Building a Vision From Eye Level Process
Building a Vision from Eye Level / Process
Step 1:
Taking Stock of Public Space and Public Life in West Palm Beach You need to know where you are to know where you're going. Photo: Sushi Films
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Building a Vision from Eye Level / Process Guiding Question:
What are the existing patterns of Public Space and Public Life in West Palm Beach?
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Building a Vision from Eye Level / Process
Northwood Spruce Currie Park
Hurricane Memorial Park Coleman Park
21st St 20th St
Blum Park
19th St
Study areas The PS/PL studies were conducted in selected streets and public spaces within a larger study area.
15th St
Tamarind
The engagement process as well as future investments (bond measures) guided the selection.
7th St
Sunset Lounge N Rosemary Ave Quadrille
3rd St
Flagler
Banyan Tri-Rail Station area
Downtown Waterfront
LEGEND
CityPlace* Okeechobee Blvd
Public Space Survey Public LIfe Survey (12/16) Public Life Survey (01/17)
Howard Park Diana Place
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Building a Vision from Eye Level / Process
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We looked at Public Space Quality Facade Quality & Ground Floor Activity
Vacancies
Obstacles
Seating
Shade
Lighting
Building a Vision from Eye Level / Process
Place Inventory mappings What are existing design features in key public spaces in the city?
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Building a Vision from Eye Level / Process
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We observe how people move through the city Walking
Cycling
Walking distance and time
Crossing the street, jaywalking, and signal timing
Building a Vision from Eye Level / Process
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How people spend time Standing
Lying Down
Bench Seating
Waiting for Transit
Cafe Seating
Secondary Seating
Children Playing
Commercial Activity
Cultural Activity
Physical Activity
Building a Vision from Eye Level / Process
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And we look at WHO is there... Age
Gender
Building a Vision from Eye Level / Process
Why collect data?
To find human stories To inform strategy and design To provide evidence To make objective choices To benchmark progress To discover new opportunities To create urgency for change
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Building a Vision from Eye Level / Process
We listened to you. Guiding Question:
What kind of life do you want to cultivate in West Palm Beach?
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Building a Vision from Eye Level / Process
Favorite Places Engagement Understand what people love and care about in WPB, what they would like to see more of, what streets they use, where they never go, and why.
Focus Group Interviews Understand potentials and challenges in relation to specific user groups and their current and desired public realm user patterns.
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Building a Vision from Eye Level / Process
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What routes do you take around the city?
What inspires you from other places?
What's your favorite place in West Palm Beach?
FLAGLER DRIVE
ONCE DE LEON AVE
DIXIE HIGHWAY / ROUTE 1
UCE AVENUE
ADWAY / HIGHWAY 1
AVE PINEWOOD
AVE
AVE
AVE ROSEMARY
DIVISION
E TAMARIND
24TH STREET
INTRACOASTAL
BETHESDA TERRACE NORTHWOOD ROAD
Building a Vision from Eye Level / Process
23RD STREET 23RD STREET
N TAMARIND AVE
22ND STREET
23RD STREET
22ND STREET
PONCE DE LEON AVE
N DIXIE HIGHWAY / ROUTE 1
Northwood (Harold's Coffee & Relish)
21ST ST
N FL
INTRACOASTAL
LE RD RIVE
20TH STREET
AG
BROWARD AVE
EAST PARKWAY
PICADILLY ST
20TH ST
19TH ST
GRANT ST
BUTLER ST
N DIXIE HIGHWAY / ROUTE 1
ADAMS ST
N FL
N TAMARIND AVENUE
WINDSOR AVE
18TH ST
PINE ST
AGLE R DR IVE
Listening locations
STATE ST
SPRUCE AVENUE
N TAMARIND AVENUE
Coleman Park 17TH ST
INTRACOASTAL
17TH ST
LILAC COURT
N LAKESIDE COURT FLAGLER DRIVE
16TH ST
Favorite Places • 8 Meetings in locations in six neighborhoods • 204 responses to an online survey
S LAKESIDE COURT 15TH ST 15TH ST
15TH ST N DIXIE HIGHWAY / ROUTE 1
SPRUCE AVE
14TH ST 14TH ST
14TH ST HENRIETTA AVE
N SAPODILLA AVE
DIVISION AVE
DOUGLASS AVE
N TAMARIND AVENUE
WINDSOR AVE
INTRACOASTAL
13TH ST N FL AGLE IVE
R DR
PALM BEACH LAKE BLVD PALM BEACH LAKES BLVD
11TH ST
GLER N FLA
N OLIVE AVE / FEDERAL HIGHWAY
INTRACOASTAL
DRIVE
N DIXIE HIGHWAY / ROUTE 1
HENRIETTA AVE
N ROSEMARY AVE
10TH ST
ROUTE 1
N RAILROAD AVE
9TH ST
8TH ST 8TH ST HENRIETTA AVE
EUCALYPTUS ST
AG
N FL IVE
DR
6TH ST
INTRACOASTAL
7TH ST
LER
W RAIL
N ROSEMARY AVE
N SAPODILLA AVE
DIVISION AVE
DOUGLASS AVE
6TH ST
N OLIVE AVE / FEDERAL HIGHWAY
N DIXIE HIGHWAY / ROUTE 1
7TH ST
N TAMARIND AVENUE
ROAD AVE
TO FLAGLER MEMORIAL BRIDGE
QUADRILLE STREET
5TH ST
Historic Northwest
5TH ST
3RD ST
N QUADRILLE BLVD
2ND ST
FIRST STREET
Clematis - Subculture
4TH ST
INTRACOASTAL
3RD ST
2ND ST
FIRST STREET
1ST ST
NARCISSUS AVE.
S DIXIE HIGHWAY / ROUTE 1
CLEMATIS STREET
CLEMATIS ST. S OLIVE AVE / FEDERAL HIGHWAY
DATURA STREET
S ROSEMARY AVE
S SAPODILLA AVE
S TAMARIND AVENUE
DATURA STREET
EVERNIA STREET
SC
LE
MAT
IS
ST.
DATURA ST
Clematis By Night EVERNIA STREET
INTRACOASTAL
EVERNIA ST.
S QUADRILLE BLVD
TriRail Station
N CLEMATIS ST.
S FLAGLER DRIVE
CLEMATIS STREET
CLEAR LAKE
N FLAGLER DRIVE
N OLIVE AVE / FEDERAL HIGHWAY
N ROSEMARY AVE
N SAPODILLA AVE
DIVISION AVE
DOUGLASS AVE
N DIXIE HIGHWAY / ROUTE 1
4TH ST N TAMARIND AVENUE
Focus group interviews • Tri-rail station, transit rider interviews • Northwood, focus group interview with community members and organisers from neighborhoods north of Banyan
FERN STREET
FERN STREET
FERN STREET
FERN ST.
GARDENIA STREET
HIBISCUS ST
S ROSEMARY AVE
S SAPODILLA AVE
Howard Park IRIS STREET
INTRACOASTAL S FLAGLER DRIVE
S TAMARIND AVENUE
HIBISCUS ST
S OLIVE AVE / FEDERAL HIGHWAY
S DIXIE HIGHWAY / ROUTE 1
AUSTRALIAN AVENUE
GARDENIA STREET
TANGLEWOOD COURT IRIS ST S QUADRILLE BLVD
INTRACOASTAL
TRINITY PLACE
OKEECHOBEE BLVD
CHASE ST
LAKEVIEW AVE S OLIVE AVE / FEDERAL HIGHWA
OKEECHOBEE BLVD
S DIXIE HIGHWAY / ROUTE 1
OKEECHOBEE BLVD
S FLAGLER DRIVE
LAKEVIEW AVE
ROUTE 704 TO I-95
TO ROYAL PARK BRIDGE
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Building a Vision from Eye Level / Process
Thank you to everyone who came out for listening sessions and assisted with collecting all this data!
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PSPL Findings Survey & Engagement Data
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
Meeting people where they are:
What we heard
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
47 Northwood Village
Favorite Places are concentrated downtown, especially along the Clematis spine...
"Where's your Favorite Place in West Palm Beach?"
Mandel Public Library Clematis Subculture
• But people also pointed to places in Northwood and Coleman Park, and places south of downtown like Howard Park. • The waterfront, especially adjacent to downtown, was particularly popular.
City Place LEGEND: FAVORITE PLACES 31-33 mentions 15-17 mentions 1 mention
Howard Park
Flagler Green
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
Favorite and less favorite routes show stark divisions on where people like to go and where they avoid • The North is stigmatized.
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"Which routes do you take around the city and which do you avoid?"
• Flagler is a favorite route, but only certain sections. • Preferred routes drop off west of Rosemary downtown.
LEGEND: FAVORITE ROUTES 15 uses
15 avoids
7 uses
7 avoids
1 use
1 avoid
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
Crime came up frequently in engagement conversations
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“I avoid Dixie at night - once a guy grabbed me there. There are issues with street walkers and drug dealing”
“Howard Park is my favorite place because I love that I can leave my kids here and it feels safe”
“We need light on Tamarind - it’s so dark”
“I don’t walk a lot because I’m worried about safety”
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
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When it comes to public space, West Palm Beachers value... Natural Beauty & Greenery
Relaxing
Food & Drink
Comfortable Microclimate
Walkability & Accessibility
Uniqueness & Artistry
Sociability
Eventfulness
Liveliness & Fun
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
We asked about how transit users get around. Most people we spoke with paired their TriRail trip with another mode of transportation, either car, bike, or bus.
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I take my bike on the train.
In WPB you need a car to use public transit.
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
Partially because the walking experience around the station is so tough.
52 Crossing Tamarind is hard but that's not all. I walk to work at the convention center. Crossing Okeechobee there's a LONG wait and you need to run to make it across. Like playing dodgeball!
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
Buses are often delayed, and low frequencies pose challenges.
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"I got fired once because the bus delay made me so late." -Transit Rider
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
People complained about the lack of information at bus stops and the TriRail station
54
Just last week I had to wait an hour for a train and there was no info at the station.
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
Public Space Public Life Survey Highlights
What we saw
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
56
Downtown is very compact, meaning you could walk everywhere. Seriously. It takes less than 20 minutes to walk from one side of downtown West Palm Beach to the other.
5 min
10 min
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
57
But most streets are not designed for pedestrians and cyclists...
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
59 Northwood
Pockets of the city have vibrant or active facades, which make for an engaging pedestrian environment...
LEGEND: FACADES Vibrant Active
Tamarind from Palm Beach Lakes Blvd to 23rd St
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
60 Northwood
But most facades are dull or inactive, which can make walking feel dull or even unsafe.
LEGEND: FACADES Dull Inactive
Tamarind from Palm Beach Lakes Blvd to 23rd St
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
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Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
62 Northwood
The city has many vacancies and empty lots. This can make walking feel uncomfortable. (But also presents an opportunity for densification!)
LEGEND: VACANCIES
Vacant lot
Tamarind from Palm Beach
Vacant building
Lakes Blvd to 23rd St
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
63 Northwood
Add in surface parking and its easy to see that the majority of downtown and key northern corridors have unpleasant walking environments
LEGEND Vacant lot Vacant building Surface parking
Tamarind from Palm Beach Lakes Blvd to 23rd St
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
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Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
Lots of places have no sidewalks
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Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
66
Many sidewalks are narrow and cluttered with obstacles...
Nowhere for people!
For cars
For poles
One driver's "connector" is another human's "divider," splitting whole neighborhoods from one another.
Tamarind Ave
Major streets are VERY wide.
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Quadrille Blvd
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
width 56 ft Banyan Blvd
width 60 ft
width 60 ft
width 182 ft Okeechobee Blvd
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
If it: Looks like a highway, Sounds like a highway, Drives like a highway... As one West Palm Beach walker put it: "Crossing Okeechobee feels like playing Dodgeball!"
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Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
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Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
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Lack of crossings and signal timing favoring traffic makes it unsafe and very time consuming to walk across the street I've made a horrible mistake.
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
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Getting to the TriRail without a car is a heroic feat. ~900 commuters cross Tamarind every day from the TriRail... They deserve better.
Getting teenagers to school requires paid help
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
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It could take nearly 11 minutes to cross Okeechobee.
Crossing Okeechobee at Rosemary Weekday, 8AM
Waiting... 180 sec.
Walk... RUN! to the median 2 sec. 18 sec.
Waiting... 480 sec.
Walk... RUN! 2 sec. 18 sec.
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
If you want to cross in less time, you'd have to cover 160' in 20 seconds to make the light. Put another way... Run, Forest, Run!
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Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
76 Northwood
Most streets outside the downtown core (and many streets within it!) are very poorly lit.
LEGEND: LIGHTS Good Light Adequate Light Too Dim Dark
Tamarind from Palm Beach Lakes Blvd to 23rd St
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
It's hard to want to walk when you can't see where you're going.
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Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
260 days of sunshine a year West Palm Beach average temperature: 750 F Average temperature in August: 830 F
We gotta talk about shade.
Source: https://climatecenter.fsu.edu/products-services/data/1981-2010-normals/west-palm-beach
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Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
Architecture can provide shade
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Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
Trees can provide shade
80
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
But! Not all trees provide shade equally. We love all these palm trees... but they don't beat the heat.
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Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
Most WPB streets have NO SHADE...
Um... didn't you say 83 degrees average temps in August?
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Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
83 Northwood
We found a lot of trees!
Tamarind from Palm Beach Lakes Blvd to 23rd St
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
84 Northwood
But only some short street sections have enough consistent coverage to create a real shaded environment for people.
Tamarind from Palm Beach Lakes Blvd to 23rd St
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
85 Northwood
Even with arcades, awnings, and umbrellas, West Palm could really use more shade
LEGEND: SHADE
Tree Canopies
Umbrellas
Awnings Arcades Other
Tamarind from Palm Beach Lakes Blvd to 23rd St
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
86 Northwood and Spruce Street
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Given this fragmented streetscape, it's no surprise that few people walk outside the key streets in the downtown core
Rosemary 21
3rd Street 232
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77 11
Clematis East
Clematis West 249
91
396
Waterfront shared path
118
Rosemary
29
Quadrille
Fern
396
71
Cityplace
Okeechobee Blvd 122
Average Pedestrian Counts Weekday 19 Jan 2017 (CityPlace count from 08 Dec 2016)
63
Datura
46
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
87
Some Streets are BUSY, with peak pedestrian counts comparable to larger and more walkable cities
3366 2832
weekday average 396/hour
weekday average 557/hour
900
1074 984
900
864
678
654 522
498
414
546
444
372
222
312
9
10
11 12pm 1
Clematis East
Weekday 19 Jan, 8am-8pm
4
5
6
7 10am 11 12pm 1
1100
2376
834
1512
660
612 426
450 348
1100
834
324
342
258
192
3
2946
2436
492
300
2
2850
2274
588
138
108
8am
3144
702
540
408
258 192
weekday average 533/hour
weekday average 2,457/ hour
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9 8am
9
10
11 12pm 1
270
2
3
4
5
6
7
10
11 12pm 1
2
3
4
5
Cityplace
Tryon Street, Charlotte NC
16th Street, Denver, CO
Weekday 08 Dec, 10am-10pm
Weekday 06 Nov, 8am-8pm
Weekday 16 July, 10am-7pm
6
7
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
88 Even well-loved destinations see low numbers of foot traffic...
Others, not so much...
weekday average 46/hour
0
24
48
60
60
54
42
30
42
30
8am
9
10
11 12pm 1
2
3
4
5
Northwood Road
Weekday 19 Jan, 8am-8pm
weekday average 91/hour
78 78 6
7
30
8am
60
72
9
10
108
150
66
11 12pm 1
72
2
54
3
102
96
4
5
weekday average 29/hour
150 126 0
South Flagler Drive
Weekday 19 Jan, 8am-8pm
weekday average 11/hour
6
7 8am
12
24
9
10
0
18
6
11 12pm 1
24
6
0
12
24
18
12
6
2
3
4
5
6
8am
9
10
Rosemary & Banyan
Weekday 19 Jan, 8am-7pm
42
36
12
36
66
42
30
11 12pm 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
0
42
Quadrille Boulevard
Weekday 19 Jan, 8am-8pm
89
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
All the action is in City Place and Clematis! 1000
900
900
Clematis East
800
708
700
Rosemary Ave South at CityPlace
588
600 PEDESTRIANS/HOUR
Average 383 peds/hour
552 486
500
Rosemary Ave North at CityPlace
438 400
306
Clematis West
300
200 S Rosemary S Flagler Drive Spruce Northwood Datura Fern Quadrille
100
0 8AM
9
10
11
12PM
1
2
WEEKDAY HOUR OF DAY
3
4
5
6
7PM
Average 66 peds/hour
90
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
People walk where they feel invited
Cityplace, Main Plaza, weekday evening peak (Dec. 2016)
1074
PEOPLE AN HOUR
WEEKDAY AT 6PM
900
PEOPLE AN HOUR WEEKDAY AT 7PM
Clematis by Narcissus, weekday early evening peak (Jan. 2017)
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
And avoid streets that do not support walking...
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No shade
Vacancies
No places to sit or rest No functions
Sidewalk obstructions
Unused lots
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PEOPLE AN HOUR WEEKDAY AT 9AM Lack of eyes on the street
Rosemary and 3rd street, weekday peak hour (January 2017)
Poor lighting
92
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
The high quality streets invite a vibrant nightlife
8 AM
Clematis East Pedestrian Count Thursday, January 19, 2017 - 8 AM to 8 PM
Over 900 pedestrians out at 7 PM!
8 PM
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
94
The waterfront is almost everyone's 'favorite place', but not many people actually go 91 ppl/ hour walking
Aker Brygge Oslo, Norway 2,688 ppl/hour walking*
*Weekday 11 June 2013, 8am-9pm average IMAGE CREDITS: LINK Architektur, photo by Tomasz Majeski
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
Maybe because it feels like you have to cross a highway to get there.
95
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
Image: imperialbeachca.gov, Data: www.eco-public.com/ParcPublic/?id=681#
Flagler could be an incredible cycling route, but very few people bike there now compared to waterfronts in other cities
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CYCLISTS ON AVERAGE WEEKDAY IN JANUARY (54 cyclists at 10 am - peak hour)
Flagler Drive waterfront shared path Thursday, January 19, 2017 - 8 AM to 8 PM
790
CYCLISTS DAILY AVERAGE, YEAR ROUND
Imperial Beach Bayshore Bikeway Chula Vista, San Diego (Pop: 256,000)
96
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
97
In the major downtown streets, cycling numbers are comparable to other mid-sized American cities. weekday average 21/hour
96
weekday average 17/hour
weekday average 12/hour
weekday average 20/hour
54
54 24
18 12
12
6
6
12
6
0
8am
9
10
11 12pm 1
30 18
0
2
Clematis East
Weekday 19 Jan, 8am-8pm
3
4
5
6
7 8am
9
10
6
12
18
18
11 12pm 1
6
3
4
24
24
6
2
42
36
5
6
6
7 8am
6
6
9
10
6
18 6
11 12pm 1
24 12
30 18
12
12
0
2
3
4
5
6
24
18
7
8am
9
10
6
6
6
0
11 12pm 1
2
3
4
Cityplace at Rosemary/Fern
Tryon Street, Charlotte NC
16th Street, Denver, CO at Arapahoe St
Weekday 08 Dec, 10am-7pm
Weekday 06 Nov, 8am-8pm
Weekday 16 July, 10am-7pm
5
6
7
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
There's not much cycling infrastructure in the city
98
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
And the infrastructure that does exist is inconsistent.
99
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
West Palm Beach is: ...Sunny ...Seaside ...Flat ...Compact. It should be one of America's greatest cycling cities! After implementing the mobility plan, it will be.
100
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
We've talked a lot about moving from one place to another. What about places to stop and spend time?
101
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
102
Seating Northwood
Overall the city needs more places to sit. There are clusters where seating is available, but you have to pay to sit in most seating areas. Invite more people by adding more free public seating.
LEGEND: SEATING
1
5
10
>25 Public
Tamarind from Palm Beach
Private
Lakes Blvd to 23rd St
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
Hey, at least it's shady!
103
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
Most bus stops don't have any shade or seats, especially as you move out of Downtown West Palm Beach...
104 "The bus in itself is fine, it's the waiting area that's painful." -North West Palm Beach resident No shade! Few, uninviting seats!
Minimal presence!
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
105
What if all bus stops in West Palm Beach looked like this one?
Shade!
Bike Parking!
Seating!
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
Moveable chairs empower people to chase the shade
106
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
Guess what else helps beat the heat?
Hint: It's wet. Places to play in the water are popular in West Palm Beach.
107
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
108 Northwood
But in a city that is surrounded by water there are very few places to feel it. Walk coast to coast in 20 minutes
In many cases, it's even hard to see it!
LEGEND: WATER
Water Features
Tamarind from Palm Beach Lakes Blvd to 23rd St
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
110 Northwood
West Palm Beach has amazing public art with more and more to come. In much of downtown you are never more than a few minutes walk away from an amazing piece of art.
LEGEND: ART
Public Art
Tamarind from Palm Beach Lakes Blvd to 23rd St
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
stay! "Look but don't touch" With little seating and hardly any shade, people can't (yet) truly enjoy these incredible cultural resources. ...and there is SO much to enjoy!
111
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
112
A top favorite place in West Palm pairs art with a comfortable place to hang out
Hint: Chairs + Shade = Comfort
Source: https://bigcitiesbrightlights.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/subculture-coffee-clematis-street-kobra-mural.jpg
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
116 Blum Park and Northwood
The Main Plaza at CityPlace is the most popular place to hang out, with over twice the stationary activities of Clematis
21
19
Clematis West
12 12
93
17
Clematis East
46
Main Plaza
Standing Waiting Transport Bench Seating Cafe Seating Secondary Seating Movable Seating Lying Down Children Playing Commercial Activity Cultural Activity Physical Activity
17
48 Howard Park
Average Stationary Counts Weekday 19 Jan 2017 (CityPlace count from 08 Dec, 2016)
21
19
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
Stationary activities are dominated by paid seating
1.5% commercial activity 15% 1.5% physical standing activity 3.5% waiting for transit 46 people / hour
78% cafĂŠ seating
Clematis, weekday 8am-8pm average activity 2.5% commercial 3.5% cultural activity activity 2.5% 22.5% secondary standing seating 3% movable 3% waiting 17 seating for transit people / hour 0.5% bench seating
62.5% cafĂŠ seating
Northwood, weekday 8am-6pm average activity
117
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
Parks provide a greater mix of activities, even though overall usage is still low
Blum Park, weekday 8am-8pm average activity
16% standing
2% physical activity 19% children playing 12 people / hour
42% bench seating
118
1.5% lying down 19.5% secondary seating
10% standing
22.5% bench seating 3% secondary seating
48 people / hour
24.5% children playing
Howard Park, weekday 8am-6pm average activity
38.5% physical activity
2% commercial activity
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
119
Howard Park is loved! But only the southern half. Standing Waiting Transport
Bench Seating Cafe Seating
Secondary Seating Movable Seating Lying Down
Children Playing Commercial Activity Cultural Activity Physical Activity
Where is everybody?
Combined Thursday and Saturday stationary activities snapshots, 8am, 12pm, 5pm. Dots approximate and illustrative
It is not easy to get there, even though it's right next to downtown. Once there, there is little to do, unless you make you way to the southern part of the park.
Public Space Public Life Survey / Findings
120
Key places are somewhat sticky, but could be stickier!
On average 1 in 6.5 stay for longer
On average 1 in 6 stay for longer
93
67 557
Main Plaza
Weekday 8 Dec, 8am-8pm
On average 1 in 3 stay for longer 117
445
Clematis
Weekday 19 Jan, 8am-8pm
357
Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA
Weekday 16 Oct, 8am-9pm
Comparison of number of people spending time in a place, related to how many people walk by - daily average.
4
Key Takeaways Challenges and Opportunities
Key Takeaways / Challenges and Opportunities
1 Quality invites quantity (of people, that is) High quality spaces lead to high volume places
123
Key Takeaways / Challenges and Opportunities
124 Northwood and Spruce Street
Shade
Key Takeaways / Challenges and Opportunities
125 Northwood and Spruce Street
Seating
Key Takeaways / Challenges and Opportunities
126 Northwood and Spruce Street
Adequate or bright lighting
Key Takeaways / Challenges and Opportunities
127 Northwood and Spruce Street
Active and Pleasant Facades
Key Takeaways / Challenges and Opportunities
128 Northwood and Spruce Street
Only a few places have all the ingredients for a pleasant human environment. And (surprise, surprise) these are the places where people spend the most time! The connections between them are what we really need to work on.
Clematis TriRail
Cityplace
Key Takeaways / Challenges and Opportunities
129
2 A compact - but fragmented city Where distances are very short but the journey feels long or impossible.
6 MIN
OBSTRUCTIONS! VACANT LOTS!
NO CROSSWALK!
HOT!!!
5 MIN
9 MIN 10 MIN
BLANK WALL 2 MIN
NO SHADE! 11 MIN
TOO DARK!
4 MIN LOOONG SIGNAL!
COMPACT!
...BUT FRAGMENTED
Key Takeaways / Challenges and Opportunities
3 Reasons to go, but not to stay West Palm Beach has some great destinations, but most lack the human-scale amenities that invite people to stay.
130
131
Key Takeaways / Challenges and Opportunities
4 A city ready for transition, where cars still dominate You're planting the seeds for a walkable, transit-oriented city, but cars still reign here.
DOMINANT
EMERGING
Key Takeaways / Challenges and Opportunities
132
5 A city of neighborhoods - with different public space experiences The quality of the public realm varies drastically by neighborhood. All West Palm Beachers should enjoy a high quality environment.
SOME NEIGHBORHOODS
OTHER NEIGHBORHOODS
5
Strategic Vision Embracing Public Life
Strategic Vision / Embracing Public Life
We look for the overlap between what is needed today and what you aspire for tomorrow.
134
needs and aspirations
Strategic Vision / Embracing Public Life
135
Light
Art
Vision
More of what people love Peopl e
Shade
Strategic Vision / Embracing Public Life
e l b a rt o f om
136
Vision
C
Make what people love accessible - for all d
te c u r t s Unob
Safe
d
e Connect
Strategic Vision / Embracing Public Life
137
The future of West Palm is connected and comfortable - for all! The NETWORK PLAN envisions safe and comfortable connections for pedestrians and people cycling between existing (and future!) destinations and Favorite Places. It envisions Favorite Places in all neighborhoods. AND it connects all neighborhoods to the waterfront.
LEGEND
Main Street
Secondary Street
Tertiary / laneway
Future links
Neighborhood Street
Separated bike lanes
Future bike links
Favorite Places / Destinations School, library, museum, hospital, venue
Strategic Vision / Embracing Public Life
10 Guiding Principles to Get There
138
Strategic Vision / Embracing Public Life
139
1. Prioritize Comfortable Connections Lighting
Define a connected street network, with a clear hierarchy that prioritizes comfort for pedestrians and cyclists on neighborhood streets, and streets that connect between key destinations. Start by connecting Favorite Places. Make it comfortable • Where it's hot, add shade. • Where it's dark, add light. • When people need a break, add seats. Where it's hard, make it easy • When streets are wide, add crossings. • When sidewalks are blocked, remove obstructions. • When it's not clear where to go, show people the way.
Connecting existing and future Favorite Places
Shade Wayfinding
Greenery
N
W Seating
E
S
Unobstructed sidewalks Quality bike connections
Strategic Vision / Embracing Public Life
140
2. Fill in the gaps - today Yesterday
People don't ever feel comfortable walking by emptiness. It's just human nature. Fill in the vacant lots, empty buildings, and blank walls now - don't wait. Activate empty buildings, ground floors, and vacant lots • Install free, fun, and artistic activities - Los Trompos and the 21 Balançoires swings are great examples. • Provide incentives to entrepreneurs to pop up in vacant lots and buildings. Don't wait for development to do it! • Make use of vacant lots waiting for development by adding neighborhood amenities.
Activate buildings
Activate lots
Today
Strategic Vision / Embracing Public Life
141
3. Plan for a human scaled city tomorrow Temporary activation is great, but permanence is the goal. Incentivize and guide development that makes West Palm Beach a human-scaled city for the long term. Continue to develop guidelines for human-scale development • Height is fine, but how buildings meet the ground is critical. Guide developments to create ground floors that are transparent, active, have frequent entrances, and are appealing to pedestrians. • All types of developments can engage with the street, including retail, services, and residential. Be flexible • There are many ways to activate your city - not just through retail. Guidelines should allow for a variety of uses as long as they are context-sensitive and cater to people.
Quality public space In-fill buildings
Tomorrow
Active ground floors
Strategic Vision / Embracing Public Life
142
4. Embrace and dignify human-scale mobility Intermodal connectivity - local scale
Embrace transit. It's not enough to just provide buses and trains - the experience has to be delightful. Ensure high quality access to station areas • Improve street crossings and connections to stations. • Provide shade, lighting, and unobstructed sidewalks on routes leading from destinations to transit stops. Make waiting comfortable • Multi-modal transit stations are your entrances to the city. Make them state-of-the-art and offer comfortable seating, games, art, and snacks for people to enjoy while they wait. • Upgrade bus stops with seating, shade, small-scale activities, and real-time schedules. Add service where it is needed • Increase bus service along routes that are used most. • Add new trolley and Skybike stations in neighborhoods that are not currently served.
Public service and real time schedule updates
2A 14
Intermodal connectivity - regional scale
72
WeWelc st P om alm e to Be ach
Frequent and reliable bus and trolley service
Station areas that welcome you to West Palm
And send you off with a kiss!
Strategic Vision / Embracing Public Life
143
5. Polish Your Existing Gems Double down on quality Add more love to existing places
Invite more people to stay longer. • Build on existing public space gems to go from good to fantastic. If there's a great playground but it's too hot, add shade. If there is great art but nowhere to appreciate it from, add seating. Make sure every Favorite Place is chock full of quality. Repeat. • Use data and observation to understand who is not being invited into public space, and then invite them. • Use data and observation to understand when spaces are being used (or not). Create spaces that appeal to people at all times of day, during all days of the week. Focus on the everyday - not just events • Events are wonderful, but fleeting. Make sure that Favorite Places include elements that people can enjoy on a regular old day without any formalized programming or events.
Wayfinding
Greenery
Lighting People watching Shade
Seating Play
Activities
Strategic Vision / Embracing Public Life
144
6. All neighborhoods should have Favorite Places When investing in new great places, spread the love • Invest in creating great places in neighborhoods that aren't currently represented on the Favorite Places map. • Look to build on areas that show potential: places near neighborhood destinations, amenities, and meeting places. If the neighborhood had a core, where would it be? What makes a place your favorite? Ask the locals • Engage with residents of underserved neighborhoods to understand what they need and want in new great spaces. • Co-create new places with local leaders to make sure investments are useful, relevant, and have buy-in. • Test ideas through events and pilot projects to visualize 1:1 what a new Favorite Place could be. Use the test to invite people to give direct input to the project and refine accordingly.
Double down on quality Pilot for new Favorite Places
Engage
From test to permanent!
Strategic Vision / Embracing Public Life
Get in it!
Northwood Walk your dog!
Coleman Park
Come on in, the water is fine! • Explore opportunities to invite people to get into the water, including steps down the water, harbor baths, kayaks or other boating opportunities, etc.
Bike!
W
Catch a fish! ERFRON AT
3.5m
Historic Northwest
CC
A
Make it easy to enjoy the waterfront • Enhance waterfront destinations with shade, lighting, seating, and programming. • Create neighborhood-specific waterfront destinations. • Use upcoming developments as opportunities to create new waterfront destinations.
Pleasant City
T
Make it easy to get to the water • Make Flagler a connector instead of a divider by adding comfortable crossings. • Tie each neighborhood to waterfront destinations, with safe, comfortable routes (see Strategy #1).
Stroll!
Run!
ESSIBL
BRIDGE
Enjoy the view!
Downtown
Touch it!
BRIDGE
Grandview Heights El Cid
Get on it!
E
7. Bring the water to the people
145
Strategic Vision / Embracing Public Life
8. Focus and create 'extreme' quality A little here, a little there won't work. Prioritize extreme quality, and in doing so raise West Palm Beach public space quality standards. It's better to do a lot in fewer places than spread yourself thin • Focus on key spaces - and the routes connecting them and go all in! Build equity into the criteria for picking your extreme quality spots • Make sure you are investing fully and strategically in neighborhoods that need it most.
146
Strategic Vision / Embracing Public Life
147
9. Always Lean Toward Action Action-oriented design
It's easy to get paralyzed by complexity. But don't! Emphasize progress, testing ideas, and making steps toward your ultimate goal.
M e a s u re
Use pilot projects to test ideas and visualize change 1:1 • If you have a big idea, don't be afraid to act now and test it. • Experiment, experiment, experiment. Iterate, iterate, iterate.
st
Te
ne
Keep moving in the right direction but don't give up until the job's done. • When experiments succeed, move to make them permanent. • Then scale up.
R e fi
Engage and involve - on-site. • Meet people where they are in the public realm. Ask, listen, and learn to make future iterations even better, give a voice to people who might not attend or speak at 'classic' public meetings, and get buy-in for ideas.
0238
Strategic Vision / Embracing Public Life
148
10. Make people-first design & implementation business as usual Become the first city in the country to create an Office for Public Life. • Make public life a priority in government planning and investment to achieve spin-off effects in economic development, public health, sustainability, and more. • Hire - and empower - the right people to integrate public life planning into city planning. Make measure, test, refine part of the normal planning process • With change comes more change, new opportunities, and new challenges. Keep observing and counting and use public life tools to document, evaluate, and respond to change over time.
OF
F ICER
- for -
Public Life People-focused (urban) design M
EA
SU
RE • TEST • RE
FI
NE
Strategic Vision / Embracing Public Life
How do we get from Strategic Vision to Action? Measure, Test, Refine. Pilot the future West Palm.
149
6
Taking Action Pilot Projects
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
You're doing a lot of great things! Now... Let's be strategic about it!
151
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
152
Connect the dots. y da
To
A lot of great things happening! But efforts are dispersed.
! w o orr
Tom
Build on great things! Concentrate efforts!
Connect! Access for all!
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
153
Pilot Project Process -> Measure, Test, Refine! M e a s u re
M e a s u re
M e a s u re
st
Te
st
Te
ne
ne
ne
Te
R e fi
R e fi
R e fi
st
0238
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
154
s s e roc
p l ta
n e m e r Inc
d e nt
ng
a l P
i n n
e i r
O n
io t c
Vision
Ba
A rri
er
of
Tra d
Why Pilot a Vision? • Test an idea on a 1:1 scale. Engage more people than traditional planning by engaging with people as part of their everyday routine • Shorten the distance between citizen and decision maker, and idea and implementation •
Create a feedback loop between community need, intervention, and use
itio
• Fail fast. Make adjustments to a long-term vision based on real information
na
lP
• Envision the unimaginable
Current Situation
lan
nin
g
•
Manage risk inherent in capital projects by testing ideas in a low-risk environment before full-scale implementation
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
Inform long-term change, step by step
Times Square, NYC
155
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
Changing mindsets
Times Square, NYC
156
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
From temporary to permanent
Times Square, NYC
157
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
Creating a platform for engagement
SĂŁo Paulo, Brazil
158
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
Vacant lot -> public space
São Paulo, Brazil
159
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
Space for everyday activity...
and for events...
SĂŁo Paulo, Brazil
160
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
161
Staffing up for pilot projects
Managing the process a full-time job - for two!
SĂŁo Paulo, Brazil
Managing the pilots and engagement - on site
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
162 More people staying
Documenting impact
Centro Aberto ExperiĂŞncias na escala humana
Source: http://gestaourbana.prefeitura.sp.gov.br/rede-deespacos-publicos/centro-aberto/
SĂŁo Paulo, Brazil
Sales increase - local business
More people walking
Less jaywalking
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
163
Scaling up the process
More plazas
Safer streets
More play
SĂŁo Paulo, Brazil
More seating
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
Inviting people out in public space
Charlotte, NC
164
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
Understanding what people want and care about
Charlotte, NC
165
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
Local leadership
Charlotte, NC
166
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
Local ownership and community buy in
Charlotte, NC
167
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
Space for community Pride in community and history
Charlotte, NC
168
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
Action! 1:1
Better Block Tallahassee, FL
169
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
171 Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new
172
Pilot hunches!
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
173 05
01 COMPLETE CLEMATIS
03
04
02 DANCE INTO THE SUNSET 02
03 15TH ST: SAFE & COMFORTABLE FROM SCHOOL TO THE POOLS 04 A PLEASANT CITY FOR PLEASANT CITY 05 TWO-MINUTE TAMARIND 06 A PLAYFUL CONNECTION TO HOWARD PARK
01
06
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
174
01 COMPLETE CLEMATIS Create better pedestrian experiences along Clematis, celebrate the station as an entrance to the city and a first-class multi-modal node, and support activity on the waterfront to create One Complete Clematis.
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
KEY CHALLENGES
Not the most welcoming entrance to the city from the TriRail Station
175
It’s only a 20 minute walk from TriRail to the waterfront, and just 6 minutes to the 500 block of Clematis – but it feels much longer!
Some parts of Clematis provide wonderful walking experiences
Others... not so much
The waterfront is gorgeous, but you can’t actually touch the water, and there’s little to do
• Clematis’s core is thriving, but its eastern and western edges could use some love. • Crossing Tamarind from TriRail is a frogger-like experience, and the west side of Clematis is uninviting, with little shade and pedestrian interest. • Everyone says they love the waterfront, yet it’s empty most of the time. There’s no way to interact with the water, and shade and everyday activities are lacking.
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
176
POTENTIAL MOVES 10 minute to Currie Park Banyan Blvd
5 minute 20 minute to the Water
5 minute 20 minute to Tri-Rail
City Hall
10 minute to Sunset Lounge
2 minute to CANVAS Public Library
Waterfront
Clematis St
Flagler Lawn Park
Tri-Rail Station
Meyer Amphitheatre
Fla gle rD r
Narcissus Ave
Olive Ave
Dixie Hwy
Brightline Station
Quadrille Blvd
Sapodilla Ave
Tamarind Ave
r er D rwat Clea
Evernia St
Rosemary Ave
5 minute to CityPlace
Datura St
7 minute to Diana Place 0
Create an artistic gateway to the city at TriRail, signaling to commuters and visitors that they have arrived downtown. Include creative wayfinding elements that point out how close downtown destinations are to the station. De-froggerfy the intersection at Tamarind and Clematis by adding a signal, building pedestrian islands to help crossing, and painting a fun and welcoming supergraphic on the intersection.
50 100
Add shading to the western stretch of Clematis to make the walk from station to core more comfortable.
Install pedestrian-friendly design measures to make crossing the rail and Quadrille intersection feel safe and comfortable.
Add bike lanes along Clematis from TriRail to Rosemary.
Widen the waterfront park by taking space from (underutilized) Flagler and install docks that step down to the water. Include eye-catching lighting to draw people to the waterfront.
Light up Clematis with string lights from station to shore. Add movable seating to the Flagler Green so people can always follow the shade.
300ft
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
177
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
Goal Metrics
178
Safer, more comfortable paths to transit • Decrease in jaywalking • Decrease in time spent crossing Tamarind • Higher reported transit rider satisfaction • Increase in pedestrians to and from the station, including after dark
An active and fun downtown waterfront • Increase in stationary activity on Clematis waterfront and Flagler Lawn • Increase in pedestrians • Increase in cyclists on Flagler along waterfront
Let's Complete Clematis and create a state of the art connection between rail and shore!
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
We heard that WPB has been allowing for parklets on Clematis. This is great, and people want more! When it comes to street activation through parklets, the more the merrier.
179
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
179
02 DANCE INTO THE SUNSET It’s time to restitch the Historic Northwest and downtown. Rosemary was once the commercial heart of HNW, but has since fallen into vacancy and disrepair. Let’s leverage investment in the Sunset Lounge and set the stage for a renewed ‘Main Street’ to serve HNW residents and visitors.
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
KEY CHALLENGES Not the most welcoming entrance to the neighborhood
180 Who would think that it’s just a 10 minute walk from the Sunset Lounge to Clematis?
A revitalized Sunset Lounge and future public park!
Sidewalk obstructions and lack of shade make walking unpleasant • The Historic Northwest is right next to Clematis, but feels a world away. • Banyan acts as a barrier and many streets in HNW suffer from sidewalk obstructions, dark sidewalks, vacancies, lack of shade, and few things to do. • Investments in the Sunset Lounge will create a great destination and public space for the neighborhood, but getting there on foot from downtown is challenging.
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
181 9th St
Pilot Skybike station
8th St
Better Block Pilot
Pilot Trolley Stop
7th St
Redesign the Rosemary and Banyan intersection to make crossing on foot safe and appealing.
Create a ‘Vacancy Lab’ to test different uses for vacant lots along Rosemary (e.g., sports fields, community garden, food truck pop-ups, a plant nursery, tree grove).
Paint the vacant buildings and sidewalk obstructions bright colors to create an eye-catching pathway along Rosemary that highlights its potential. Install active wayfinding and artistic lighting along Rosemary leading from Clematis to the Sunset Lounge.
Leverage foot traffic during Clematis by Night by inviting local artists and vendors to a street fair on Rosemary and/or at the Sunset Lounge.
6th St
Community Center 5th St
4th St
Alice Mickens Park
10 minute to the Water
3rd St
Investigate adding a trolley stop on Rosemary and 3rd Street and/or at the Sunset Lounge.
2nd St
Improve the connection across the tracks and to the water along 3rd Street.
Banyan Blvd
City Hall 10 minute to Sunset Lounge Clematis
Clematis St
Public Library
6 minute to Tri-Rail 5 minute to CityPlace Datura St Rosemary Ave
Install traffic calming measures and pedestrian and cyclist improvements on Rosemary.
Sapodilla Ave
Create a gateway to the HNW at Banyan and Rosemary, incorporating art and bright lighting.
Pilot connection across tracks
Brightline Station
Quadrille Blvd
POTENTIAL MOVES
Sunset Lounge
0
50 100
300ft
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
182
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
Goal Metrics
Break down the Banyan Barrier • Increase in people walking from downtown to HNW
183 Let’s make Rosemary a true neighborhood Main Street!
• Shorter wait times to cross Banyan and decreased jaywalking • Decrease in stigma of crossing Banyan. Perceived travel time = actual travel time
Make Rosemary a neighborhood destination • Increase in pedestrians and cyclists, including after dark • Increase in stationary activity along route • Increase in access to public transit, Trolley ridership • Decrease in vacancy
Pilot the future - With the neighborhood! • Relative use of vacancy lab tests • Number of locals engaged in pilot process • Reported sense of ownership
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
184
03 15TH ST: SAFE & COMFORTABLE FROM SCHOOL TO THE POOLS 15th Street is one of a few streets in the city that crosses both railroads at grade, connecting schools with residential neighborhoods, a major park, and the waterfront. Let’s make 15th a truly great pedestrian and bike street that is safe and enjoyable for school children and all WPBers.
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
185
KEY CHALLENGES
Kids walk along the active rail near 15th Street to get home after school
Biking from Gaines Park to the waterfront takes only 10 minutes!
Brand new bike lanes on 15th, but most people don’t use them yet (hint: no shade!)
Not ideal pedestrian conditions on 15th
• 15th Street connects several schools with Gaines Park, Pleasant City, and the waterfront. It’s also one of the only streets that crosses both railways north of downtown. For such an important road, it could be more pedestrian friendly. • Right now kids walk to and from school along the railway - let’s make a better and safer route for them on a People First 15th Street.
The waterfront is gorgeous, but hot! Imagine if you could get in the water!
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
186
POTENTIAL MOVES 3 minute Roosevelt Middle School
7 minute Gaines Park
7 minute 20 minute to the Water
3 minute to Coleman Park
20 minute to Gaines Park
Pilot Trolley Stop
3 minute to Blum Park
Lakeside Ct
15th St
Conduct engagement with school children to understand the routes they take and why - and let kids help with any street or mural painting for the pilot. Promote walking and biking to school with events and traffic school for children. Improve pedestrian conditions on the route, including adding shade, lighting, and wayfinding.
15th St
Dixie Hwy
14th St Spruce Ave
Henrietta Ave
Nathaniel J. Adams Park Sapodilla Ave
Douglass Ave
Tamarind Ave
Windsor Ave
Roosevelt Elementary School Australian Ave
Movable Harbor Bath
5 minute to UB Kinsey / Palmview Elementary School of the Arts Division St
Pilot Skybike station
Flagle r Dr
10 minute to Currie Park
Pilot Skybike station 6 minute 20 minute to Downtown
0
50 100
Provide continuous protected bike lanes on 15th Street - with shade.
Add play facilities by the Roosevelt School ‘kiss’n’ride’ area for ‘Play While You Wait’.
Improve intersections with safer intersection design and supergraphics.
Make the waterfront at Lakeside Court a stop for the Sunset Pools (see Pilot 04).
Add small scale ‘rest stops’ along the route, with seating, shade, playful interventions, bike pumps, etc. Add art with and by school children to fences along the schools, tracks, and water body.
300ft
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
187
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
Goal Metrics
A great route for kids • Number of kids and families engaged in pilot process • Reported sense of local ownership over pilots
188 Let's make biking and walking not just safe, but also fun!
• Observed activities at play stops • Increase in children walking and cycling on 15th Street • Decrease in children walking on the rail
A neighborhood connector for all • Increase in pedestrians on route • Increase in cyclists on route • Increase in pedestrians and stationary activity on waterfront and in Gaines Park
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
189
04 A PLEASANT CITY FOR PLEASANT CITY Give Pleasant City residents something to do in Blum Park while helping address the shortage of affordable food in the neighborhood. Connect the neighborhood to the water and Currie Park while creating a new destination: the Sunset Pools.
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
190
KEY CHALLENGES
Pleasant City is not accessible for all despite its walkable size!
Northwood Village has a great pedestrian experience, but the shops and restaurants are too expensive for many nearby residents
In Blum Park, kids use the playground and people hang out on the low fencebench, but other than that there’s nothing to do
Fields of open space make the water feel very far from Northwood and Pleasant City
• Residents say that Pleasant City is a food desert. Northwood Village has great restaurants, but they are too expensive for many who live in the surrounding area. • Blum Park is underutilized with few activities. • Getting to the water from Northwood and Pleasant City is challenging because it feels far. Once you’re at the water, there’s little to do.
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
191
POTENTIAL MOVES
Northwood Rd
Build on the community garden on Spruce and connect to a kitchen. Create a community/commercial kitchen in a vacant building or repurposed shipping container to supply the food truck program and provide jobs training. Install pedestrian and bicycle improvements on Spruce leading from Northwood to Merry Place. Improve the connection between Northwood Village and Blum Park by creating pedestrian paths through alleys and parking lots. Connect Northwood Village to the water and the new Publix on 23rd, by creating a green ‘ramblas’ with with an illuminated tree grove, seating, shade, and footpaths.
?
Flagler Dr
24th St
Dixie Hwy
Engage with Pleasant City residents to identify other improvements to Blum Park, e.g. adult exercise equipment, swings, sports, etc.
25th St
Spruce Ave
Add more activities to Blum Park by building barbecue pits, institute a weekly or biweekly food truck program with local entrepreneurs, and add picnic tables and shade.
23rd St
Blum Park
Pleasant City Elementary
22nd St
Future Apartments
Future Publix Supermarket
Pilot Trolley Stop
Pilot Skybike station
Movable Harbor Bath 9 minute 30 minute to Downtown
Currie Park
21st St
Community Garden 20th St
Pilot Trolley Stop
19th St
5 minute to Blum Park
7 minute to the Water
Butler St
Cheerful St
Build a mobile harbor bath - 'the Sunset Pools' - that allows people to get into the water and can move and serve different neighborhoods. Add a trolley stop on Dixie and at Currie Park to better serve residents of the neighborhood.
18th St
Merry Place Apartments
Pine St
0
50 100
300ft
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
192
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
Goal Metrics
Connected Pleasant City • Increase in pedestrians and cyclists • Increase in access to public transit, Trolley ridership
193 Let’s leverage Blum Park and connect Northwood to the waterfront!
Pleasant City for Pleasant City • Number of residents engaged in pilot process • Reported local satisfaction with pilots • Increase in users of Blum Park and waterfront who live in the neighborhood • Increase in affordable food options (with local job creation) • Increase in local pride
Activate Blum Park and Curry Waterfront • Increase in stationary activity, all day • Increase in diversity of stationary activity (not just secondary seating) • Increase in diversity of users (all ages)
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
05 TWO-MINUTE TAMARIND Bring amenities to the Coleman Park community along its main spine. Along Tamarind no one should ever be more than two minutes away from comfort, services, or neighborhood serving retail. Build on existing hang out areas, and increase positive activities and eyes on the street by adding services that the neighborhood needs.
194
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
KEY CHALLENGES
195 All these vacancies could make up a great neighborhood!
Tamarind has several informal hang out spots by convenience stores, but there’s nowhere to sit, no shade, and nothing to do
There are frequent vacant lots, but many are city owned, presenting a great opportunity
This ‘bus stop’ leaves a lot to be desired
• Tamarind is Coleman Park’s main commercial street, but it’s plagued by vacancies, lack of lighting and shade, illicit activities, and a tough stigma. • Locals complain that bus stops are uncomfortable, and although there are a few hang-out spots next to corner stores there is nowhere to sit and nothing to do. • Residents have to leave the neighborhood to run most errands.
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
196 2 minute to Memorial Park
POTENTIAL MOVES
7 minute to Blum Park
23rd St
22nd St
Lincoln Rd
Add seating, shade, lighting, and information to all bus stops.
Use pop-ups to fill vacant lots, add eyes to the street, and energize Tamarind. Pop-ups could include a mobile library, WiFi stations, bike repair shop, computer access points, outdoor exercise equipment, street games, activities for teens, etc.
Better connect Tamarind and the rest of the community to Coleman Park.
Conduct a community engagement process with Coleman Park residents to understand community needs and wants. Use this engagement to direct pop-ups and other elements of ‘community nodes.’
Community Center
20th St
Add shade and lighting along Tamarind.
Pilot continuous sidewalks along the street and clearly mark intersections for safe street crossings. Investigate ways to make cycling on Tamarind (between 15th and 23rd) more comfortable by clearly marking that this is a neighborhood green street / commercial main street.
21st St
Coleman Park
19th St
Grant St State St
Adams St
Future Apartments
18th St
17th St
Melanie Jenkins Park
15th St
Tamarind Ave
Create ‘community nodes,’ or clusters of activity, around existing organic hang-out spots at corner stores and near bus stops. The nodes will include seating, shade, pop-up services, and things to do.
0
50 100
300ft
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
197
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
Goal Metrics
198
Renew Tamarind as a community spine • Increase in pedestrians and cyclists • Increase in useful services for local residents • Decrease in stigma of the route • Number of locals engaged in pilot process
Increase perception of safety and eyes on the street • Increase in pedestrians, also the evening • Increase in eyes on the street through pop-ups • Increase in perception of safety as reported in intercept surveys
Comfortable places to stay • Increase in stationary activities at community nodes • Increase in reported satisfaction with bus stops
Let's make Tamarind a neighborhood gem!
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
199
06 A PLAYFUL CONNECTION TO HOWARD PARK Create better connections between downtown, Okeechobee destinations, and Howard Park. Add a signature, family-friendly, and playful connection to and through Howard Park - and to the warehouse district.
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
200 Howard Park is BIG on the Favorite Places map and only a 5 minute walk from Walking along CityPlace!
KEY CHALLENGES Pedestriansiswait up daunting Okeechobee the most to 8 minutes street to crossto incross West Palm, and segregates several Okeechobee. Whenof the city’s gems from the rest of downtown the signal finally
Okeechobee isn’t much better than getting across it...
comes, it’s so fast that you’d have to sprint to make it across. The median is sweltering with no shade
This is very hot! A very uncomfortable walk...
Howard Park is a Favorite Place for many West Palmers. Build on the success and add more activities, inviting a broader range of users
• The southern edge of downtown has some of West Palm Beach’s greatest assets. However, getting around Okeechobee on foot is a huge challenge. • There are few opportunities for kids to play, and the best one, Howard Park, is hard to get to from downtown and is on few people’s mental maps. • The south end of the park is very active, but the northern part could pack more punch.
There is nowhere to safely cross Parker Ave along Howard Park
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
CityPlace
Kravis Center
POTENTIAL MOVES
Okeechobee Blvd
201
Pilot Trolley Stop
Improve the Okeechobee crossings with reduced signal times for pedestrians, bulb-outs, and supergraphics.
Pilot Skybike station
Lake
Add shade, lighting, and other pedestrian improvements to Okeechobee between Cityplace and Howard Park, including the intersections.
Palm Beach County Convention Center
Hilton Hotel
Rd
Tennis Courts
Oke ech obe e
Add wayfinding that directs visitors and other users of downtown to Howard Park.
N St
Howard Park
Create a playful connection through Howard Park, with play for all ages. Play features should serve as a special and fun destination for locals and visitors alike to enjoy, like Los Trompos.
Newark St O St
Community Center Dog Park
Add shade structures and seating in the northern section of Howard Park.
New Jersey St P St
New York St
Add a SkyBike station in Howard Park, by the Convention Center.
Baseball Fields
Palm St
Penn St
Art District Rail Walk
Armory Art Center
Lake Ave
Bl an ch eS t
Park Place Parker Ave
Connect to upcoming art district by Caroline Street, with sidewalks for the Caroline crossing neaer Howard Park, wayfinding elements, and paths for biking and walking.
ne St Caroli
Future Skybike station
6 minute 15 minute to Diana Place and waterfront
Cla ire Av e
Pilot a trolley stop in Howard Park, and if user base for it, also at the Art Walk in the Warehouse Distrct.
Pilot Trolley Stop
0
50 100
300ft
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
202
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
Goal Metrics
Okeechobee for People • Decrease in average pedestrian wait time • Decrease in jaywalking
203 Let’s break down the barrier to downtown’s southern gems!
• Increase in pedestrians between downtown and Howard Park • More comfortable microclimate on sidewalks
Connect & Activate North Howard Park • Increase in stationary activities on the northern edge of Howard Park • Increase in reported awareness of Howard Park among downtown users • Number of SkyBike users at pilot station • Number of trolley station users
A Playful Route • Increase in play activity along route, all ages
The purpose is not to solve everything at once, but to continue the process of change and be strategic about it. It's an incremental process!
Taking Action / Pilot Projects
Pilot Conversation Passion-o-meter
205 Did we forget something crucial? Do you have ideas for additions? Please write down and post on hunch board.
1. Vote with your head. Will it make a larger impact? How doable is it? Will it make West Palm more connected? And more active? 2. Vote with your heart. Which are you most passionate about? What excites you? Write down WHY you selected each. And post!
THANK YOU!