The Placemaking Team met on 2/27 for the Knowledge Park Action Plan kick off and was very well attended -32 people sat in. The group was chaired by Melanie Jones from the RHEDC Quality of Life Committee. We met again on 3/21 and are currently at about 25 participants-still a large group.
At the initial meeting the team discussed the many available wants and opportunities and possible obstacles to achieving those opportunities. There was observed overlap with the Development, Marketing, and Tourism teams. The team is in the process of setting up a calendar that will have them meeting every two weeks leading up to the 6/21 date.
Trips taken or in process: Savannah, Asheville, Durham, and Spartanburg.
Main discussion topics included: Artist studios, a performing arts center, playgrounds, dog parks, streetscape plans, creating a park like atmosphere at Laurelwood, public restrooms, seating/gathering places that are pedestrian friendly, outdoor exercise connections, indoor year round farmers market, coffee shops, nightlife….. A survey will be issued to various community groups next week to gather feedback. This will help the team zero in on the 5 actions items. The need to post often to was emphasized.