Today, Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at 11:00 AM, is the groundbreaking ceremony for Paul Walker Park in downtown Miami (46 West Flagler Street.)
From the city of Miami:
The park in the heart of Miami is being resurrected in the same site where it stood 15 years ago. “Bringing the Paul S. Walker Park back to life was my first initiative as commissioner. I’m very proud to see the hard work of so many people lead to what will soon be an oasis for the public to enjoy,” says Commissioner Sarnoff.
The park will be approximately 4200 SQ.FT. and will serve the downtown office crowd and tourists during daytime hours. The $284,993 cost is coming from DDA funds and a Homeland Defense Neighborhood Improvement Bond issued to Commissioner Sarnoff through District 2.
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It’s great to have parks like this around the city. The city should try to purchase small properties like this in the urban parts of the city and create this mini parks. It’s a great area for people to relax and they can be made really simple so it’s not too expensive.
I remember this pocket park from many years ago. No one hardly ever ventured into it because some homeless people used it as a toilet and sprawled on the seating all day. I’d rather have a Taco Bell/KFC joint venture there as there is a little park on the NW corner of Flagler and SW 1 Ave that accomplishes the same thing but that’s just my two cents.
Well with the DDA employees in place, HOPEFULLY they’d ask the homeless people to not sleep there so others feel comfortable to go there.
I am weary about the ultimate success of this project. No doubt, more park space is needed in downtown and Brickell. However, after riding by the site tonight and seeing this rendering, I fear the pocket park will not be substantially activated. I admit, I have not seen full plans, but the buildings that sandwich the property will probably not contribute to its success. To do so, they would have to open themselves to to park with active cafe seating, doors and windows. That would provide one more layer of transparency and connection for activity. I fear this is remnant space that may be destined to be empty 23 hours out of the day, but for those who don’t have anywhere else to be…not a destination or opportunity for community interaction. Another component is programming. Does anyone know if the space will be programmed in any way, no matter how minor?
Better than a vacant lot? yes, but the devil is in the details with these types of interventions. Time will tell.
i think that this has the potential to be great. I was shocked when I saw this post because for the past few weeks I had been thinking about how flagler street could use a pocket park with a cool waterfall fountain or something and look what shows up!
The park alone needs more to be successful, it needs to have a draw. I think it should have a cafe and seating regardless, as it gives people a reason to go there and sit down.
On a smaller but still significant note, the park should be elevated a foot or two off the ground, allowing for steps. This will create a destination-like feel to the place that would not exist if it were at ground level. I also think having shade is crucial. I hope and pray for the success of this park, I think it can really help things.
It’s not open yet. It’s still locked up with a “coming soon” sign on the fence.
i was thinking about what this park reminded me of… paley park in new york, a wildly successful pocket park on 3rd avenue. I hope paul walker can emulate its success
Eli, I want the park to be as successful as you do, but as you say
“The park alone needs more to be successful, it needs to have a draw. I think it should have a cafe and seating regardless, as it gives people a reason to go there and sit down.”
That is exactly what I was saying. And again, I admit, I have not seen full plans for this park, just the rendering and it’s location. I see it as being a very active lunchtime spot in the cooler winter months, but beyond that it will really come to programming and how well the design engages its borders.