Brandeis Green and I did a brief presentation to the group at our last meeting with a few specific ideas for this group. For those who couldn't be with us, we will highlight a few of our concepts in several posts. We are trying to be mindful of cost, as well as contributing to the overall success of KP.
One very important idea to bring KP together is to create connectivity between Winthrop to the downtown area. While this may seem like a "connectivity" issue, the ambience of this walkway with a welcoming arch, wayfinding signs, interesting lighting with decorative light poles and tasteful landscaping, make a walkway a more welcoming and interesting experience.
Donna and I discovered that pedestrian spaces are really the key to any successful downtown. We need to have a solid plan for a walkway connecting Winthrop to Downtown,
A two mile walk may sound daunting for some people, but if that walk is down a sidewalk lined with shops, outdoor cafes, restaurants and green spaces, it becomes a much nicer idea. Think of the walk from the Arc de Triomphe, down the Champs-Elysses through Tuileries Garden to the Louvre.
It is all about perception of distance. Partition sections into smaller chunks with visible eye candy that make it easier to walk. Make the walk interesting and visually appealing with artwork, Have plenty of restaurants and retail shops. Incentives must be provided to attract restaurants to KP.