The Downtown Public Open Space Implementation Plan

A Panel Discussion Moderated by: Laura Burnett, FASLA, Burnett LAND & WATER &

Martin Poireir, FASLA, Spurlock Poirier Landscape Architects

Date: Wednesday, September 26, 2012, 12:00-1:00 P.M. 

Location:  NewSchool of Architecture and Design, 1249 FStreet, San Diego, CA  92101

Lunch Included: $5.00 in advance, $7.00 at door

RSVP: wsd at walksandiego.org  or call 619.544.9255

Urban parks are more important than ever for helping build a sense of community and enhancing our quality of life. The Downtown Public Open Space Implementation Plan is being prepared by Civic San Diego (formerly CCDC). The process has benefited from the input of many stakeholder meetings to include a vision for health, the community, the economy, and the environment. An important component of the Plan—first of its kind anywhere—is the network of Promenades. This will be 16 acres of new parkland developed on City–owned property within the existing public right-of-way of six of our downtown streets.  The Plan will add more than 4 miles of interconnected trails that link the downtown neighborhoods, inviting residents, workers, and visitors to stroll, picnic, exercise and play, enjoy gardens, tot-lots and dog parks. With the removal of pavement it will also serve to collect, cleanse, and reuse storm water.

What is the nature of the support for the Plan? Can the Plan be implemented? How will it be carried out? What is the framework for governance and management after implementation? Who is served by this investment? These are some of the questions our panelists will explore during this one-hour forum. If you live, work or play downtown, you won't want to miss this presentation.

Panel Participants

Carla Blackmar, Coordinator Southern California Chronic Disease Collaborative Public Health Institute

Bahija Hamraz, District Director Downtown San Diego Partnership

Stacey Pennington, SLP Urban Planning