For the Love of Public Spaces

by Amanda Mackaay

What makes a good public space and why are they important? This is a question that has consistently been on my mind since I started working on the Downtown Public Realm project with the VPSN. The project is geared toward developing an inventory of public spaces in the downtown area as a way to identify what a working public space looks like and to address any shortcomings.

What I have concluded is that there is no definitive definition of a good public space as they come in many different shapes and sizes. Some spaces have been carefully designed by the city with signage and amenities that make it an obvious place for people to gather. Some spaces are more informal and have morphed into a public space organically over time simply because of certain qualities that have attracted a niche group of people. Either way, there is no doubt that public spaces contribute to the livability of this city as they foster feelings of interconnectedness and bring about increased social activity.

A Snapshot of some of Vancouver’s Favourite Public Spaces

• Granville Island is one of Vancouver’s most iconic and beloved public spaces. It offers a perfect balance between free entertainment and commercial activity. While strolling through the streets of Granville Island one can enjoy live entertainment, public seating areas that offer breathtaking views of Vancouver’s beautiful landscape, as well as a plethora of shopping and restaurants for the discerning foodie or the tourist that is looking for good food mixed with a dynamic atmosphere. People can literally find enjoyment on every square inch of Granville Island, thereby making it a unique mix of formal public spaces and informal areas that attract large gatherings of people.
•  The False Creek Seawall is a beautifully paved pathway that offers gorgeous views of the city as well as all the amenities that make it a functional and enjoyable public space. Whether you are walking, running or cycling along the seawall, the cherry blossoms, green space and plethora of seating options along the way make this one of the best places to be in Vancouver.
•  Olympic Village is one of Vancouver’s newest additions to the inventory of public spaces. With its unique architecture, ample supply of restaurants and bars, pedestrian friendly zones, green space and numerous amenities, Olympic Village is undoubtedly one of the city’s most popular public spaces.

Dynamic Public Spaces: Vancouver’s Parklets

Public Spaces do not need to be large and complex to add to the vibrancy of city life. Parklets are mini plazas that are created simply by extending a platform over a parking space at the level of the sidewalk. Benches, chairs, tables and landscaping can be added to the space to enhance the functionality and sense of welcoming. The beauty of the parklet lies in its simplicity; it is a public space in the most minimal sense of the word but is just as enjoyable as some of the more well-established spaces in Vancouver. While the parklets are sponsored by private entities, the space must remain a free area for any member of the public to use. I would argue that parklets are some of the most inclusive public spaces and unequivocally contribute to the social fabric of a neighbourhood by providing a quaint area to sit and relax amidst the commercial activity. Parklets are the most cost-effective way to invest in public life and I personally would like to see more of them in Vancouver.

Here are the locations of the parklets in Vancouver to date:

• Urban Pasture: 1000 block Robson Street. The space boasts long curved benches on a wood deck with beautiful landscaping. It is a unique place to sit down in the centre of one of Vancouver’s busiest shopping strips.
• Commercial Drive Parklet: 1938 Commercial Drive. The space allows you to enjoy the eccentric commercial drive while sitting on steel and wood tables and benches.
• Parallel Park: East 14^th Avenue and Main Street. This parklet offers cubed tables and cedar seats.
• French Quarter: East 21^st Avenue and Main Street.
• Hot Tubs: East 44^th Avenue and Fraser Street. This unique space mimics a hot tub with its circular seating area. (pictured above)

Public Opinion

Vancouverites, I am now extending this question out to you: what are your favourite public spaces and what types of spaces do you want to see more of? The VPSN will be holding a few community engagement events (stay tuned) which will aim to gain public input on public spaces in the hopes of enhancing the city with more aesthetically pleasing areas that contribute to the inclusivity and social well-being of Vancouver.