by Gosia Kung on April 28, 2012
We are only 8 weeks away from Denver's first Better Block Event. To learn more please visit event's page at http://betterblockjp.org/.
Please listen to the founder of WalkDenver Gosia Kung talk about Better Block Project on Colorado Public Radio.
LISTEN
Denver’s first Better Block is coming to Denver. Better Block Jefferson Park will take place on Saturday, June 23rd, 2012 in the old business district of Jefferson Park— on 25th Ave, between Federal and Eliot.
Cities around the U.S. are looking for tools to help redevelop communities that enable multi-modal transportation while increasing economic development, and reducing carbon emissions. The “Better Block” project is a demonstration tool that acts as a living charrette so that communities can actively engage in the buildout process and provide feedback in real time.
If you want to volunteer for the event please contact Wendy at wendy@groundworkdenver.org. We are looking forward to seeing you on June 23rd.
by David on March 21, 2012
Nominate your favorite pedestrian site, or favorite potential pedestrian site, by filling out the form below. Nominations will be accepted through June 1st, 2012 and a top awards will be announced at the WalkDenver Better Block event on June 23rd. Nominations will be judged on the following criteria:
1. Accessibility and Linkages: Is it easy to get to as a pedestrian? Are there pedestrian connections? Is it linked with bicycle or transit infrastructure? (Can use GoogleMaps, Walkscore, RTD, and site visits to find answers.)
2. Scale: Are the streetscaping, architecture, and amenities built to the human scale?
3. Safety and Comfort: Are there crosswalks, signage, bulb outs, narrow streets, lights, traffic calming measures, etc? Are there eyes on the street at various hours of the day? Is it comfortable? Are women present?
4. Maintenance: Is the street well-maintained? Is it welcoming and clean?
5. Use and Sociability: Is it exciting? Is there an interesting mix of varied uses? Does it encourage human contact and social activities? What is the proximity to commercial uses? Can you get errands done without using a car? Do people rendez-vous here in groups? Are there various ages in the people there? Are people showing affection with each other?
6. Aesthetics and Image: Is it beautiful? Does it calm or excite the senses? Does it have character? Do the physical aspects capture a sense of public place?
7. Green: How does the street promote or protect air and water quality and minimize or manage stormwater runoff? For example, how much tree cover is provided? Are there other forms of “green infrastructure”?
