Experiencing Public Spaces During the Winter Season
Placemaking and the Festive Spirit: Creating Winter Wonderlands In Public Spaces
With the holiday season upon us, we are surrounded by songs invoking images of cozy homes, snow-covered landscapes, and twinkling lights. For many, holiday music evokes feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and togetherness. They capture the essence of the holiday spirit. But have you ever considered the role of placemaking in shaping song lyrics and the festive experiences they describe?
Placemaking is a multifaceted process that transforms ordinary spaces into vibrant, welcoming destinations. It's about creating places and spaces that foster social interaction, promote community well-being, and enhance the overall quality of life. During the holidays, placemaking plays a particularly important role in creating enchanting atmospheres we associate with this special time of year.
Recently, a tweet by our very own Christine Edwards called out this concept, and I can’t stop thinking about it! Here’s the tweet:
So, without further ado, here’s a light-hearted breakdown of how these seasonal songs really do illustrate the importance of placemaking!
1. Winter Wonderland: Embracing Seasonality
Holiday songs like "Winter Wonderland" paint pictures of snow-covered landscapes. Communities often come together to enhance public spaces during the holidays. You’ve seen towns and cities decorating streets and parks with ribbons, greenery, and lights. Sometimes they create seasonal ice skating rinks (hello Skating at Camp North End). There are often specialty markets and seasonal community events. These public efforts breathe life into communal spaces, turning them into actual winter wonderlands where people can gather, celebrate, and create memories.
2. Silver Bells: Pedestrian-Friendly Spaces
Another hallmark of the season’s songs are the gentle chiming of silver bells. The song “Silver Bells” reminds us of a time when carolers strolled through snow-dusted streets, bringing music and community togetherness with them. The importance of pedestrian-friendly spaces can’t be missed!
In 2023 we saw how placemaking can transform bustling, traffic-filled streets into inviting pedestrian promenades with the continued efforts and events of OpenStreets704 and their Corridors Connect series. Through survey responses gathered during engagement initiatives with Vision Zero CLT, Civility Localized honed in on the high value placed on walkable communities by members of the community. Widening sidewalks, adding greenery, lights, and public art are just some of the ways communities encourage pedestrian-friendly experiences during the holidays, and all year long.
3. Jingle Bells: Alternative Modes of Transportation
Ok, I know the images of horse-drawn sleighs dashing through snow-laden fields aren’t exactly practical modes of transportation for most of us; but the spirit of the song still holds relevance!
We know placemaking can encourage the use of alternative modes of transportation; that includes everything from bicycles and scooters to trolleys and trains. And we know that creating accessible modes of transportation, including public transit, helps reduce reliance on cars. That’s why we love to see things like the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) offering fare-free busing during the winter months! Does your municipality offer incentives to engage with public transit and alternative modes of transportation at the holidays? Placemaking is sometimes seen as strictly the way we construct the built environment, but it can include incentive programs, public awareness campaigns, and more.
Placemaking is Accessible Public Transit
A Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) bus is decked in a festive design to draw attention during the holidays as it provides fare-free trips from Dec. 1, 2023 to Jan. 6, 2024.
Ultimately, navigable communities with many modes of transit create more sustainable and welcoming holiday experiences for all. We are reminded that, no matter the season, its always the right time to invest in accessible, walkable communities. So this year, as we listen to the sounds of the season on repeat, let the lyrics be a reminder that empowered communities promote joyful and sustainable spaces by leveraging the power of placemaking.
The Power of Place: Public Spaces Truly Shape Our Lives
Placemaking is not just about creating beautiful spaces; it's about fostering connections, enhancing well-being, and creating a sense of belonging. During the holiday season, placemaking plays a vital role in shaping the festive atmosphere, transforming ordinary spaces into winter wonderlands where communities can gather, celebrate, and create lasting memories.
As community engagement specialists, we encourage you to embrace the power of placemaking this holiday season and indeed, all year long.
By working together to enhance public projects, we improve both public spaces, and public life for all.
Cheers to the end of the year, and to the endless possibilities of placemaking in the year to come. See you in 2024!
