What I Like in a City

In this post I'm going to get my opinion out about what I like to see in a City. Not in any particular order except for Number 1.

1)Fountains

Ever since I was a little kid I always liked fountains, at such a young age I had no clue why, but now I think I have figured it out. Wherever fountains are, people follow. Fountains add a breath of life to a bleak corner, or under appreciated open space. Of course I realize Providence cannot quickly introduce a fountain the size of the Trevi Downtown, but just a small fountain I feel could make a big impact. There are a couple fountains in the Kennedy Plaza area but I feel like if just a couple more were put in farther away, it could make Downtown Providence a much more walkable city, drawing people Downtown, and keeping them there for a days activities.

2) Open Spaces

Open spaces are a key part to a great city. New York has Central Park, Chicago has Millennium Park, and Washington "The Mall", and many other cities have large open spaces. City Hall Park is a good try at an open space. The only thing lacking is want, the want to be there. Surrounded by busy streets and really no reason to go through the park if only to get to a bus, there isn't much happening. If stores, truck vendors, and more publicized small events happened here it could liven up Downtown as well as make it a resting place and place to grab some lemonade.

3) Quick and Easy Public Transportation
The great thing about New York City's MTA is that it is extremely easy to navigate. After looking at the maps for just a minute you have a very good idea for how to arrive at your destination, even if this is your first time using the Subway. RIPTA is great, don't get me wrong, but adding more signage and showing map routes a little more could make people feel more comfortable using RIPTA, creating more traffic flow through Downtown.


Other Things I like to see in Cities:
-Clean
-Busy Storefronts
-Pedestrianized Streets