The American Planning Association (APA) Wednesday announced the country’s 15 Great Places for 2017 through the organization’s national flagship program, Great Places in America.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Great Places in America recognizes unique and exemplary streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces — three essential components of all communities. These authentic places have been shaped by forward thinking planning that showcases affordable transportation options, promotes community involvement and accessibility, and fosters economic opportunity.
“Our Great Places in America designees, this year and from years past, highlight the many facets that make up planning –from community engagement, quality of character and economic development,” said Cynthia Bowen, AICP, president of APA. “These neighborhoods, streets and public spaces illustrate how a community coming together creates lasting value. It is an honor to recognize these outstanding places as a way to kick-off National Community Planning Month.”
APA Great Places offer better choices for where and how people work and live every day. They are defined by many characteristics including architectural features, accessibility, functionality, and community involvement. The 275 Great Places designated to date are located in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Great Places in America is just one of the ways APA recognizes and celebrates National Community Planning Month each October. The month is designed to recognize and celebrate the many residents, leaders, officials, and professionals who contribute to making great communities through the planning process.
The 2017 Great Places in America designees are listed below and not ranked.
o Great Neighborhoods
· Seward – Minneapolis, Minnesota
· Heart of Missoula – Missoula, Montana
· Over-the-Rhine – Cincinnati, Ohio
· Uptown Greenwood – Greenwood, South Carolina
· Pearl – San Antonio, Texas
o Great Streets
· Congress Street – Tucson, Arizona
· Lincoln Avenue – Chicago, Illinois
· South Grand Boulevard – St. Louis, Missouri
· Main Street – Waterloo, New York
· Park Lane – Kirkland, Washington
o Great Public Spaces
· County Home Complex – Pitt County, North Carolina
· Market Square – Knoxville, Tennessee
· Mill Creek Linear Park – Bakersfield, California
· Rosa Parks Circle – Grand Rapids, Michigan
· San Angelo Concho River Walk – San Angelo, Texas
To learn more about each of this year’s designees, visit: www.planning.org/greatplaces.
