Saw my own block in a new light after a trip to Denver

I went to Denver last month for a conference. Stayed in a hotel near the 16th Street Mall. But what got me was walking around and noticing how every corner had a little park or a bench or some public art. Meanwhile back home in my Ohio suburb, we have a massive parking lot where a park could be. I always thought I was happy with my neighborhood, but now I see we just accepted empty space as normal. Has anyone else visited a city and realized your own town is missing something basic?

3 comments

3 Comments

wesley_jones1mo ago

That parking lot you mention probably has a zoning code written twenty years ago that made green space optional while requiring a minimum number of car spots. The funny thing is, many towns have a "park fund" from developer fees that sits unused because nobody pushes to spend it. Your HOA or city council might have more power over these basic things than you realize, they just need someone to ask.

the_mary1mo ago

It really does feel like we're all just one determined neighbor away from fixing so much, doesn't it.

murphy.mason1mo ago

Has your town actually looked into that developer fee fund to see what's available?