Every week, we bring you the latest news in placemaking, landscape architecture and urban planning, the nature-mental health link, and much more. Check back each week for new roundups and items.
Minneapolis Has a Plan for the Most Resilient Neighborhood in the Country
“For Minneapolis, climate change will most likely lead to wetter, hotter years by mid-century, with annual temperatures rising as much as 5 degrees. Unfortunately, like most cities, its pipes, sewers and even electricity were laid for very different weather. Adapting could require the ability to disconnect from that grid — which is exactly what the planners of one futuristic neighborhood propose to do.Those involved in the project, called Prospect North, use a variety of terms to capture their vision — “city within a city,” “innovation district,” “living laboratory.” Between waste-powered energy and an on-site hydroponic farm, blueprints for the dense living-and-working space look about as off-the-traditional-grid as a commune in the woods.”
A Common Vision: NYC People’s Climate March and City Parks
“Two days before the recent United Nations Climate Summit, more than 400,000 protestors gathered in New York City to take part in the People’s Climate March in an effort to draw attention to climate change. While goals of climate change campaigns commonly include calls for reducing carbon dioxide emissions and transitioning to renewable sources of energy, the role of parks in the overall environmental health of cities is often overlooked. At the Climate March, urban parks were, quite literally, at the center of the action. The march actually began right outside of Central Park, and hundreds of students, concerned citizens, and interest groups gathered in Central Park West. However, the role of urban parks is much greater than just providing a gathering space.”
Mother Nature is Nanny at Revamped Park
“There’s no creaky swing set at this park. No plastic twisty slides or faux-spider web or paint-chipped metal monkey bars to give callouses. Instead, kids at Westmoreland Park’s new natural play area in Southeast Portland get to romp in a concrete stream channel with willow tunnels, water pumps and mazes where they can manipulate the water’s flow. There’s a large sand pit for digging in, loose materials like branches and pine cones for creative play, and mounds of actual logs and boulders to climb, balance and scramble on to their heart’s content. It’s the city’s first permanent ‘nature playground,’ a newish trend in playground design that may just be the envy of every parent and school-kid in town.”
Natural Lakeshore Landscaping Program will Help Home Owners Promote Healthier Lake Life
“Modifications to lakeshore landscaping can not only enhance the natural beauty of a site but it can promote healthier ecosystems around the lake. And, keep geese — and their byproducts — off your property. The Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership will be offering a free workshop on natural lakeshore landscaping for property owners from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Portage Community Center, 325 E. Centre Ave., Portage. The workshop will include sessions on lake ecosystems, designing natural lakeshore landscaping, the use of native plants in lakeshore landscaping, problems with high impact landscape methods, such as retaining walls, and state rules and regulations.”
