COVID-19 restrictions have highlighted the importance of abundant, multi-use open spaces accessible to all.

Of the many profound changes experienced by cities in 2020, writes John King, the most meaningful might be the "realization of the importance of public space in all its forms, as well as heightened expectations of what such spaces should provide." From public seating to pocket parks to vast open spaces, the restrictions on indoor(and many outdoor) activities highlighted the need for safe, accessible, and abundant public spaces.
"In a July survey conducted by the East Bay Regional Parks District, more than 20% of the respondents said they visit one of the district’s 73 parks 'weekly,' four times the amount recorded in 2019." Public spaces also took on unexpected uses, including parking lots transformed into dining spaces, vacant lots turned into COVID-19 testing sites, and parks used to distribute free food and necessities. Phil Ginsburg, general manager of San Francisco’s Recreation and Park Department, told the San Francisco Chronicle, "parks are not luxuries or sweet amenities — they’re essential infrastructure."
But some warn against "knee-jerk" reactions from city planners and officials who assume, for example, that restrictions on cars are "an absolute good." Oakland's Slow Streets program received such criticism for its expedited implementation and lack of adequate public outreach. Oakland architect June Grant argues that plans must be made at the neighborhood level, where local users know how they use their local roads and public spaces. Ryan Russo, director of Oakland’s Department of Transportation, admits that the city's policies have often failed to reflect the experiences of underrepresented communities. "It’s too easy to listen to voices that reflect your own experiences. We need to stay in conversation with the community."
FULL STORY: As we kept space from one another, our public spaces revealed their new uses

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.

Houston Mayor Promises Dedicated Austin Street Bike Lane After Public Backlash
Although the one-way bike lane won’t be protected by physical barriers, the proposal is an improvement over the mayor’s initial plan to only include sharrows on the Austin Street project.
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