Over 100 people attended the latest public meeting of the Congress Square Redesign and Public Art Commission project held on December 15th at the Westin Hotel. The design team, WRT and Sarah Sze studio, presented the latest iterations of the CS design and public art concepts and solicited feedback from attendees. You can view the full presentation here, or watch the CTN video of the meeting here.
The goal of the meeting was to determine if the concept is moving in the right direction and if it meets our community’s vision for the space, our needs for improved pedestrian circulation and accessibility, and our desired programs. You can read the full vision statement and program requirements here.
Based on past public visioning sessions, the desired “programs” to be accommodated in the new design are the following:
Desired Characteristics:
- Pedestrian Priority (less car dominance)
- Public and Open/Inviting, Accessible (all ages, abilities)
- Neighborhood/Community space
Activities:
- Access to Green Space/Natural Elements/Enjoying Outdoors
- Food/Eating
- Performances
- Events (that activate the entire square ‐ First Friday Art Walk, Markets)
- Play & Education (all ages)
- Other day-to-day uses
Elements:
- Seating (varied types/ conditions to accommodate dining, people‐watching, resting, reading, sun/shade)
- landscaped spaces
- water or natural play feature
This is YOUR park and we want YOUR feedback. Does the concept achieve our programming needs? Is it more accessible to people of all ages and physical abilities? Is there improved pedestrian circulation throughout the square? Does the design accommodate our desired characteristics, activities, and elements? Is the space flexible enough?
The Project Team is soliciting comments until January 15th. Please take a moment to complete the survey below and help us shape the future of Congress Square Park!
Concept Comments