WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The American Planning Association (APA) today announced the country's 15 Great Places for 2015 through the organization’s national program, Great Places in America.
Launched in 2007, 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 diverse architectural styles, promotes community involvement and accessibility, and fosters economic opportunity.
“Our Great Places in America designees reflect the many facets that make up planning, including community engagement, economic benefits and quality of character,” said Carol Rhea, FAICP, president of APA. “These exemplary neighborhoods, streets and public spaces showcase the positive outcomes when a community works together to create communities of lasting value. It is an honor to recognize these outstanding places during National Community Planning Month and add to our distinguished list of great place designees.”
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 245 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.
Again this year, APA is seeking further input from the public for the “People’s Choice” designee. Citizens can nominate their favorite Great Place by commenting on APA’s Facebook page, Twitter or Instagram feed using hashtag #greatplaces. The “People’s Choice” Great Place designee will be announced on November 2.
The 2015 designees, listed below, are not ranked.
2015 Great Neighborhoods
- Crossroads Arts District, Kansas City, Mo.
- Downtown Plano, Plano, Texas
- Roosevelt Row, Phoenix, Ariz.
- Wynwood, Miami, Fla.
2015 Great Public Spaces
- Balboa Park, San Diego, Calif.
- Flint Farmers' Market, Flint, Mich.
- Hermann Park, Houston, Texas
- Millennium Park, Chicago, Ill.
- Santa Fe Railyard, Santa Fe, N.M.
- Pearl Street Mall, Boulder, Colo.
2015 Great Streets
- Third Street, McMinnville, Ore.
- Fifth Street, Dayton, Ohio
- Laura Street, Jacksonville, Fla.
- Lexington Avenue, Asheville, N.C.
- Olvera Street, Los Angeles, Calif.
The American Planning Association is an independent, not-for-profit educational organization that provides leadership in the development of vital communities. APA and its professional institute, the American Institute of Certified Planners, are dedicated to advancing the art, science and profession of good planning -- physical, economic, and social -- so as to create communities that offer better choices for where and how people work and live. APA has offices in Washington, D.C., and Chicago with almost 38,000 members worldwide in nearly 100 countries. For more information, visit www.planning.org.
