May 2024 - Parks & Recreation - 42

COV I D -1 9
auto-centric paradigm during the
past two decades. The pandemic
only has accelerated this trend.
Empowering Transformation:
Grant Funding
Another ripple effect of the pandemic
is grants, which have taken
on an even more critical role in
recent years, with communities
leveraging grant funding to improve
parks as well as reimagine
and revitalize their neighborhoods.
Take the Lexington Fayette Urban
County Government stormwater
incentive grant for the " 900 Block "
in Lexington's Cane Run Watershed,
for example. The site - consisting
of four bungalow structures
originally
constructed
between
1949 and 1961 that were reimagined
as one multifamily complex
- was previously lacking usable
open space, which contributed to
flooding issues on the north side of
Lexington. The project leveraged
public grant funding to retrofit the
property while advocating for a
more extensive agenda for improving
Lexington's urban ecologies
and stormwater systems.
Through the grant, the site was
retrofitted using green infrastructure
to filter stormwater and reduce
flooding. The sustainable and
resilient design set a new standard
for immersive, low-impact development
installations, transforming a
site that was previously 70 percent
impervious into an enriching space
replete with long-established plants,
educational signage and social spaces
for the community to enjoy.
Bringing Indoor
Activities Out
The pandemic's limitations on indoor
gatherings prompted us to
explore
creative
alternatives
relocating activities, programs and
classes
typically held indoors to
outdoor settings. This transition
sparked a reimagining of our parks
and open spaces, highlighting their
adaptability for a wide spectrum of
outdoor events and programming
that transcended conventional recreational
uses. Adaptable design
elements include a range of shade
structures
that
offer
protection
against diverse weather conditions,
enhancing the utility and comfort
of outdoor spaces.
Park programming also has
for
evolved to prioritize technology
accessibility, reflecting the prevalence
of remote and hybrid work
lifestyles. Features like Wi-Fi access;
downloadable content, such
as augmented-reality walks, games
and exhibits; and improved lighting,
electrical outlets and convenient
access to charging stations
all have gained greater significance
as the pandemic accelerated the
migration of indoor amenities to
outdoor settings. A prime example
of this trend is Parkland Plaza in
Louisville, Kentucky, which was
designed for multiple outdoor uses,
including markets, community festivals
and concerts. The park features
cool pavements to reduce the
heat-island effect, shade structures,
a variety of seating, and picnic tables
that add up to a more enjoyable
outdoor experience for the
community.
Access for All
Along with a surge in the utilization
of parks and green spaces,
the COVID-19 pandemic spurred
a critical reevaluation of the principles
of equity and accessibility
within these vital community
resources. As the importance of
outdoor spaces for physical and
mental well-being became increasingly
evident, it became clear that
not all communities had equal access
to these essential sanctuaries.
Although
this
disparity
existed
before COVID-19, the pandemic
shed new light on inequities, highlighting
how underserved areas of
The Chattahoochee Riverlands project
will connect millions with vital natural
resources and provide access to the
outdoors.
42 Parks & Recreation | MAY 2 0 2 4 | PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVERLANDS
May 2024 - Parks & Recreation

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