Title
Informational Report on “Great Places” Award
Recommended Action
Information only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Informational report on a recent award naming Olympia’s 4th Avenue a “Great Urban Street” in Washington State.
Staff Contact:
Max DeJarnatt, Senior Program Assistant, Community Planning & Development, 360.753.3723
Presenter(s):
Marygrace Goddu, Historic Preservation Officer and Arts, Cultures & Heritage Coordinator, Community Planning & Development, 360.753.8031
Background and Analysis:
The Washington Chapter of the American Planning Association has launched a program honoring “Great Places in Washington,” paralleling the national Planning Association’s “Great Places in America” program. It is intended to recognize neighborhoods, streets, and public spaces that make communities stronger and bring people together through good planning. Percival Landing was designated a “Great American Public Space” at the national level in 2010.
In response to a July 2019 call for nominations, city staff nominated 4th Avenue for this year’s state-wide program, which sought to identify great streets in Washington. In early October, we were pleased to learn that we had won. Fourth Avenue was selected for recognition as one of Washington’s “Great Urban Main Streets” and awards were presented at the Association’s annual conference on October 17 in Tacoma.
Award criteria included:
• Vibrant mix of uses that supports the greater community
• Interesting building facades that contribute to use and popularity of the street
• Attributes and design elements that create a distinctive character
• Safe and welcoming to all, particularly pedestrians
• Accommodate community events and facilitate social interaction.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Downtown Neighborhood, and broad community interest.
Options:
Receive the report.
Financial Impact:
N/A
Attachments:
Nomination