WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The American Planning Association (APA) announces the country's 15 Great Places for 2017 through the organization’s national flagship program, Great Places in America.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, 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 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. 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 way APA recognizes and celebrates National Community Planning Month each October. The month recognizes and celebrates the many residents, leaders, officials, and professionals who contribute to making great communities through the planning process.
Again this year, members of the public can nominate and vote for the “People’s Choice” designee by commenting on APA’s Facebook page, Twitter or Instagram feed using hashtag #APAgreatplaces. The “People’s Choice” Great Place designee will be announced on November 8.
The 2017 Great Places in America designees are listed below and not ranked.
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Great Neighborhoods
- Seward – Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Heart of Missoula – Missoula, Montana
- Over-the-Rhine – Cincinnati, Ohio
- Uptown Greenwood – Greenwood, South Carolina
- Pearl – San Antonio, Texas
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Great Streets
- Congress Street – Tucson, Arizona
- Lincoln Avenue & Giddings Plaza – Chicago, Illinois
- South Grand Boulevard – St. Louis, Missouri
- Main Street – Waterloo, New York
- Park Lane – Kirkland, Washington
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Great Public Spaces
- Mill Creek Linear Park – Bakersfield, California
- Rosa Parks Circle – Grand Rapids, Michigan
- County Home Complex – Pitt County, North Carolina
- Market Square – Knoxville, Tennessee
- San Angelo Concho River Walk – San Angelo, Texas
To learn more about this year’s designees, visit: www.planning.org/greatplaces.
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.
