Roosevelt Plaza Park (RPP) is a central open space in Camden, NJ at the doorstep of City Hall. From August to December 2014, RPP was the site of a new Pop-Up Park, which sought to enliven the existing park and encourage residents, employees, students, and visitors to spend time outside in Camden. The most striking impact of the Pop-Up was the feeling of inclusion that the site brought to a place previously characterized by social fragmentation. Nearby employees, residents, students, and clinic patients spontaneously interacted while listening to someone play the piano, watching a child fly a kite, or while enjoying a meal with friends. This sentiment was most powerfully voiced by Jennifer in a “Pop-Up Story”: “[The park] is something we are not used to, we don’t get this. The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like the ‘bad people’... to have somebody care enough to give this, it’s the smallest thing, but it’s the biggest thing.”
TRANSCRIPT
Roosevelt Plaza ParkPlacemaking in Camdenrsquos Public Spaces
Activating
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
CamdenCamdenSPECIALSERVICESDISTRICT
SPECIALSERVICESDISTRICT
CONSULTANT TEAM
December 19th 2014
IN PARTNERSHIP WITHTHIS REPORT WAS PRODUCED BY
CONTENTSIntroductIon
PoP-uP ImProvements
study FIndIngs
Lessons Learned
2
9
25
52
PROJECT SUMMARY
In 2014 Roosevelt Plaza Park in downtown Camden was the site of a new Pop-Up Park From August to December 2014 the pop-up brought flexible seating shade flowers public art and conversation starters to the doorstep of Camden City Hall Camdenrsquos central civic space Roosevelt Plaza Park was reopened in 2012 for public use after the demolition of a parking garage The pop-up sought to enliven the existing park and encourage residents employees students and visitors to spend time outside in Camden
Pop-up parks use simple inexpensive elements to enhance public spaces This strategy allows the public to test-drive public space improvements to see what works and what doesnrsquot before implementing either another round of pop-up interventions or more substantial capital improvements This strategy referred to commonly as ldquoiterative placemakingrdquo has the benefit of producing a public space that is bold innovative and responds directly to the user as the ephemeral nature of the improvements takes the risk out of traditional capital-intensive park projects
Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnership initiated the temporary improvement project in May 2014 to explore possibilities for the new but underutilized public space The design team was tasked with creating an impactful statement in the short term then using information gathered from the temporary improvements to identify guiding principles and make recommendations for future design interventions The project was designed and installed over a period of three months Funded by a grant from the William Penn Foundation
Key building blocks of the design were IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) totes These 4 foot plastic and metal cubes are reusable industrial containers utilized for the transport and storage of liquids Many businesses throughout Camden work with them either cleaning and reselling them or using them as shipping containers The totes at RPP all from Camden were transformed into a shade structure planters an info kiosk and a piano house as well as a display for public art
New American Public Art was contracted to create an interactive lighting installation for the pop-up The piece called lsquoBlue Hourrsquo used RGB LED lighting and infrared sensors to detect movement within the park triggering the lights to fade from cool blue to soft orange when people passed close by After dark the totes became a colorful interactive experience
Using time-lapse photography the design team recorded how users interact with the space Data collection continued for the remainder of the year to see which elements of the park worked best and which could be improved Findings were analyzed summarized and packaged into this report which will go on to guide future park improvements
Through December visitors to the RPP pop-up grew accustomed to a host of popular amenities a roof of bright yellow umbrellas familiar rhythms plucked out on the piano bright blue Adirondack chairs dotting the lawn and the constant sway of patio gliders For downtown Camden the pop-up was an entirely new type of public space meant as an experiment to guide future public space investment To date the pop-up is having notable impacts on improving the quality of life needed to build a more vibrant and beautiful downtown Camden
ROOSEVELT PLAZA POP-UP PARK
ldquoThis pocket park stands as a testament to what all Camden parks can look like and what the future holds for Camdenrsquos public spacesrdquo- Mayor Dana L Redd
PURPOSE OF THIS REPORT
The purpose of this report is to summarize the project and research findings of the pop-up park to suggest other future short-term and long-term improvements The information gleaned from the initial pop-up improvements will serve as the foundation for building a programming and capital upgrades plan to improve the aesthetic and brand of RPP while also improving the image of and quality of life in Downtown Camden
Above As seen from the windows of City Hall the 2014 Pop-Up provided shade and a pop of color for the downtown community
Amenities like this werenrsquot previously available in the area
3
THE EXISTING PARKPARK HISTORY
Roosevelt Plaza Park is a central open space in downtown Camden located at the crossroads of three major business corridors and at the doorstep of City Hall The historic 75000 square foot park originally constructed during the New Dealreopened in June 2012 after the demolition of the Parkade Building a mixed-use parking garage suffering from severe structural deterioration Owned by the City of Camden the planning and redesign of the park was overseen by the Camden Redevelopment Agency In 2012 the CRA awarded the Camden Special Services District (CSSD) Camdenrsquos business improvement district a lease of the property which included responsibility to maintain improve and program the park
While the restored Roosevelt Plaza Park reintroduced a central open space to Camdenrsquos downtown a lack of park amenities has resulted in a public space that people walk ldquothroughrdquo rather than ldquotordquo Inspired by examples of successful ldquopop-uprdquo interventions in other public spaces including the Porch at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia Corona Plaza in Queens NY and Discovery Green in Houston TX Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnership and the CSSD sought to implement low-cost high-impact amenities to make Roosevelt Plaza Park a unique destination for residents employees bikers and pedestrians in the City of Camden
Above Roosevelt Plaza Park was histori-cally the most significant public space in Camden
Left The Parkade Parking Garage demolished in 2012 once occupied the Roosevelt Plaza Park site
4
Above Roosevelt Plaza Park was re-opened to the public in 2012 but lacked the amenities that would make it a destination
5
ADJACENT DEVELOPMENT
Strategic investment in Camdenrsquos public realm could not come at a more opportune time After decades of decline the Cityrsquos downtown has enjoyed a recent surge of private and public investment As Camdenrsquos mixed-use waterfront district continues to evolve and grow the Cityrsquos anchor institutions including Rutgers University-Camden Rowan University Cooper University Hospital and the Cooper Medical School at Rowan University collectively undertook a planning process for long-term downtown institutional development and in the past two years have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in construction
The implementation of the Connect the Lots project is occurring at a critical juncture in Camdenrsquos revitalization efforts With a new Camden County Metro police force and economic incentives provided by the Economic Opportunity Act a reduction in crime has led to increased investment community will and optimism Over the past year shootings in the city have decreased by almost 50 percent Camdenrsquos first new supermarket in 50 years opened over 5 miles of new multi-use trails that lead to parks and central destinations have been added to the cityrsquos Camden GreenWay trail network and the City has embarked on an ambitious plan to demolish 600 abandoned homes These hallmarks provided the support needed to successfully plan and implement open space projects that encourage residents to spend time outside in the city The continued activation of underused areas will ensure that neighborhood spaces in between direct investment are not overlooked in the redevelopment process It is hoped that the ephemeral nature of the Roosevelt Plaza Park Pop-Up Park will raise awareness of the importance of translating these reimagined spaces into permanent features of the city helping to improve access to safe vibrant and healthy communities
As a result of this development and recent state legislation that strongly incentivizes growth in Camden these trends are anticipated to continue and accelerate Roosevelt Plaza Park sits at the crossroads of this existing and planned development and is the only large public central open space in the downtown
27The Downtown Institutional Plan
DE
LA
WA
RE
R
IV
ER
CO
OP
ER
RIV
ER
PROPOSED BUILDINGS PHASE2Further development from Rutgers University-Camden and the
Campbell Soup Co will take place in a second ancillary phase of the institutional expansion Concurrent to the second phase of institutional development is development catalyzed by the Economic Opportunity Act (EOA) Highlighted below are the most viable parcels for investment in the Downtown
Proposed Buildings Phase 2 Existing Campuses Development Opportunities Phase 1 Development Opportunities Phase 2 Potential Development Parcels unlocked by Economic Opportunity Act
Above A map from the recent Downtown Institutional Plan identifies high priority development opportunities that neighbor on Roosevelt Plaza Park
RPP
6
ldquoThe plazarsquos urban-architectural design lays out a master plan for the surrounding streets and building blocks to create an ldquourban roomrdquo that framed by dense mixed-use redevelopment will plant the seed for the downtownrsquos return to relevance and vitalityrdquo
-2012 Roosevelt Plaza Park Plan from WRT
BIG PLANS FOR RPP
Prior to the demolition of the Parkade parking garage in 2012 the Camden Redevelopment Agency commissioned a plan to conceptualize the new plaza The plan (which is pictured to the left) included visionary capital elements like a new landmark headhouse to invite PATCO riders into the station bio-infiltration gardens and green stormwater management and amenities to activate the public space Using this vision as a framework the first phase towards reclaiming Roosevelt Plaza as a public park included adding basic improvements and amenities to make the space more welcoming
7
Above The existing park has ample green lawns several young trees fixed benches trash receptacles bike racks pedestrian scale lighting pedestrian safety features like bollards and open flat paved areas to accommodate events The park also lacks a sense of scale and a memorable image
RPP TODAY
As a safe well-lit and well-maintained park Roosevelt Plaza Park is a beautiful but largely underused civic space in the city Prior to the pop-up park the space lacked the elements that attracted people and created a unique identity
Given the parkrsquos location approximately 27000 people walk by each day This critical mass of people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds has the potential if engaged to stimulate Roosevelt Plaza Park with the vital social capital needed to revitalize Camdenrsquos urban core
8
pop-up improvements
PROJECT BRIEF PROGRAM AND BUDGET
The design team was commissioned to provide design and planning services for temporary placemaking efforts at Roosevelt Plaza Park The project required first identifying the needs of park users and then designing temporary and movable elements for the park These elements were also utilized to inform the creation of this comprehensive document which will help guide future improvements for the central public space
While the infrastructure of Roosevelt Plaza Park had been recently upgraded the park was underused and lacked a strong sense of place Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnershiprsquos vision for the development of the park was inspired by examples of new active public spaces in other post-industrial centers that developed by taking small iterative and temporary steps To provide an informative pop-up the design team sought to implement low cost high impact amenities to make Roosevelt Plaza Park a central destination for bikers pedestrians residents and employees
POP-UP IMPROVEMENTS
A pop-up calls for elements that are easy to deploy
10
Above Corona Plaza in Queens theuniprojectorg
Left A temporary holiday light art installation at Discovery Green in Houston discoverygreencom
Pop-Up cafe at the Battersea in London londontheinsidecom PHS Pop-Up beer garden in Philadelphia phillycom Sunset Triangle in LA pricetagswordpress
Food Trucks at The Porch at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia uwishunucom
11
PIANO HOUSE
PLANTER GROVE
QUAD LAWN
PICNIC DINING
TOTES VERANDA
PATIO GLIDER lsquoVERANDArsquo
ADIRONDACK LAWN SEATING
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
TO CAMDEN CITY HALL
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING
INFO TOTE
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS
CUSTOM PLANTERS
TOTE PLANTERS
INTERACTIVE GATEWAY
INTERACTIVE LIGHT TOWERS
SHADE STRUCTURE
PICNIC TABLES WITH UMBRELLAS
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS40 FEET20100 5 N
The site plan above shows a variety of diverse spaces meant to test user preferences
12
PIANO HOUSE
PLANTER GROVE
QUAD LAWN
PICNIC DINING
TOTES VERANDA
PATIO GLIDER lsquoVERANDArsquo
ADIRONDACK LAWN SEATING
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
TO CAMDEN CITY HALL
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING
INFO TOTE
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS
CUSTOM PLANTERS
TOTE PLANTERS
INTERACTIVE GATEWAY
INTERACTIVE LIGHT TOWERS
SHADE STRUCTURE
PICNIC TABLES WITH UMBRELLAS
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS40 FEET20100 5 N
P L A Z A P A R KROOSEVELT
DESIGN CONCEPT
The goal of the pop-up park was to create a lively unique and varied design to engage users in experimental improvements Chosen elements aimed to aid in the exploration of what might support and drive the Camden community to embrace the park
The design included amenities that were missing in the nearby public space a shade structure umbrellas trees and flowers a variety of comfortable seating tables and places to sit down and eat Interactive lighting movable furniture a feedback box with feedback postcards informational signage and a free-expression chalkboard were employed in the design to involve users in the experiment
An eye-catching central shade structure (the Totes Veranda) high design standard and bright modern color palette helped to define the pop-up image and attract people into the space To be successful the pop-up needed to feel inviting and distinguished
THE RIGHT FEEL
In the design phase mood boards helped identify the desired atmosphere of the pop-up optimistic urban sophisticated and approachable
RPP
13
Vintage postcards showing a shining Camden downtown provided inspiration for the pop-up
Motion sensors activate colored lights in an
early prototype of the interaction for ldquoBlue
Hourrdquo by New American Public Art
CAMDEN INSPIRATION
To achieve a design that spoke to present day Camden residents the design team searched for local inspiration The pop-up is aesthetically influenced by the wide array of buildings downtown many excellent examples of the architectural styles of the 19th and early 20th centuries and by the diverse downtown community of businesses residents and institutional uses In our approach we emulated the romantic optimism of the original New Deal-era park that once existed on the site And we were impressed to discover that industry is still alive and well in Camden which drove the team to explore locally sourced materials
The team visited several recycling businesses in Camden exploring what items might be creatively re-purposed from their intended uses and what might even be recovered from the waste-stream Several types of containers are collected cleaned processed refurbished recycled into component materials and resold nation-wide from these Camden businesses
For the purposes of the pop-up park the design team gravitated towards IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) totes which are roughly 4rsquo cubes that are used to transport liquids The galvanized-steel grid cages of the totes reflect the art deco architecture of City Hall and the plastic insert lsquobottlesrsquo diffuse light beautifully
14
BEING RESOURCEFUL
Through a little creative re-working different types of IBC totes became planters signage foundations and lighted towers Where creating a foundation suitable to support shade sails in very windy conditions would have been cost-prohibitive the totes provided opportunity to build a bespoke structure The 33-tote structure included an interactive lighting experience created by New American Public Art called ldquoBlue Hourrdquo The artists modified the totes with LED lighting and motion sensors
THE COMPONENTS OF THE EXPERIMENT
15
Triggered by people moving through the park the color change is reminiscent of the light the hour after sunset and the glow from a hearth It reminds visitors of the warmth that can be felt by being in the presence of others and feeling the glow of sharing in community
A KIT OF PARTS
Above from left to right and top to bottom IBC Tote from Camden (refurbished) $160 Patio Glider Set $1050 Patio Umbrella (with 70 lb steel base) $200 Plastic Adirondack Chair $15 Iconic Metal Folding Chair $75 Resin Side Chair $80 36rdquo Table $225 Unfinished Picnic Table $95 Locking Mailbox for Feedback Postcards $40
As a testing ground for ideas the pop-up needed to explore and push some boundaries The ephemeral nature of temporary improvements allowed for unconventional materials such as using IBC totes as building blocks for structures lighting and planters Furnishings were selected to provide variety and maximize seating type options This made it possible to observe what kinds of seating park users preferred
The team scoured local stores for furnishings and used several well-known online discount retailers to find items with the right look at the right price point With the exception of the Fermob folding bistro chair (which is widely used in public spaces internationally) many of the main park elements came from alternative sources some of which worked better than others
The durable orange chairs and gray cafe tables that were used in The Grove came from BizChaircom and they performed very well The popular blue Adirondacks were by far the best value and were bought directly from Adams Manufacturing The patio gliders came from theSimpleStorescom and had to be returned more than once because they arrived damaged Hayneedlecom was the easiest supplier to work with as the website provides special services for business accounts The residential umbrellas proved to not be durable enough for the windy site In future pop-ups commercial-grade umbrellas would be a worth-while investment We found that 70 lb steel umbrella bases were sufficient for the 8rsquo umbrellas
18
TEMPORARY GREENING
Planters provided the pop-up with color and movement The plants were installed at the end of the New Jersey growing season so the designers choose a variety of species that look just as good in the fall and winter as they do in the spring Perennials (flowering plants that will come back again in the spring) along with trees and shrubs lent the space additional structure and interest A handful of annuals added pops of seasonal color
Top Left The Weeping Willow Trees and Crape Myrtle Trees planted in The Grove both have nice fall color and decorative bark for winter interest Below Perennials like Cone Flower and Little Bunny Grass were interspersed between dwarf willows and evergreen shrubs
BUILDING BLOCKS
IBC totes from two Camden recycling businesses were delivered to a warehouse about two blocks away from Roosevelt Plaza Park where they were staged and modified prior to installation Artists installed lights motion sensors wiring and timers in 25 of the totes for the art piece ldquoBlue Hourrdquo To make planters out of 14 of the totes the plastic insert ldquobottlesrdquo were cut with a circular saw
To install the totes Camden Special Services District ambassadors moved the totes to the park using a truck with a lift-gate and a hand-operated pallet jack An all-metal ldquosardine-canrdquo style tote at the base of each tote tower was filled with sand to create a solid foundation for the structure Using a fork-lift the totes were stacked on top of one another then each stack was placed onto the metal foundation tote The towers were then leveled with shims of painted pressure-treated lumber The towers were fastened together with 8 chain-link fence clamps per level Using ladders Department of Public Works employees set up the electrical wiring between towers and fastened the shade sails to the structure
20
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
When options for planters and sheltering for the piano were found to be unavailable within budget the team commissioned some clever custom-built elements that were made from basic lumber and common corrugated metal sheeting An aluminum-core sign with an outdoor brochure box and wall-mounted mailbox was mounted to a tote in the center of the park This simple set-up was found to be an effective tool for collecting feedback in the park
21
22
POP OF COLOR
Site furniture provided the opportunity to bring color into the park The bright hues helped to give each space an identity and certainly contributed to a positive and optimistic image for the pop-up While speaking at the press conference for the pop-up opening Camden Mayor Dana L Redd noted that now the park ldquopops with colorrdquo
23
ELECTRIFY THE NIGHT
At night when the park is still the totes structure glows a cool blue but when people move through the space their motion activates the lighting causing the lights to warm into a soft orange tone
study findings
ITERATIVE PLACEMAKING
Roosevelt Plaza Park was unique in that its simple inexpensive amenities test-drove public space improvements to see what did and didnrsquot work before implementing either another round of pop-up interventions or more substantial capital improvements This strategy referred to as ldquoiterative placemakingrdquo has the benefit of producing a public space that is bold innovative and responds directly to the user as the ephemeral nature of the improvements takes the risk out of traditional capital-intensive park projects
To analyze the use of Roosevelt Plaza Park and to inform recommendations for future interventions the team of Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnership Group Melvin Design and Sikora Wells Appel devised a unique methodology that used both qualitative and quantitative data to analyze the site The initial methodology was inspired by noted urbanist and public space researcher William Whytersquos seminal ldquoThe Social Life of Small Urban Spacesrdquo relying primarily on time-lapse photography and observations to analyze the site from above and at a distance Yet after the pop-up interventions were constructed the team realized that the initial methodology treated the park more like a petri dish than a public space This conclusion led to the refinement of the methodology to ensure not just the quantitative but the qualitative human story of the park was captured
STUDY METHODOLOGY
in 5 months the team collected
500+hours of timelapse
footage
124visitor surveys amp
feedback postcards submitted
121mapping surveys
completed
3818park users and
activities mapped
26
Data collection methoDology
For the teamrsquos analysis of Roosevelt Plaza Park the team recognized that the study had to tell a story through both quantitative data and qualitative observations and user feedback To accomplish this a multi-pronged strategy was devised that used several different tools to analyze the site
time-lapse photography
The initial methodology relied primarily on time-lapse photography to capture user movement activities and interactions in the space The team quickly found that William Whytersquos primary disclaimer of this technique that recording the film is easy and that evaluation is the hard part was as true using modern equipment in the 21st century as it was for Whyte in the 1970rsquos However while there were limitations to what could be observed using time-lapse photography it was a valuable tool for seeing that which is invisible to the human eye in real-time The ability to capture imagery of the entire site all-at-once and play back video of park users at hyper-speed allowed the team to observe patterns of movement usage throughout the day and patterns influenced by environmental conditions that would have otherwise been invisible And while the time-lapse photography was limited when mounted from a site-wide vantage point in the windows of City Hall our team recorded additional video with cameras mounted directly in the park in order to make more direct activity-focused area-specific observations Throughout this process both the Mayorrsquos Office and the Camden County Administration Offices were incredibly generous with their window-space by allowing the team to mount our cameras from their offices
To watch timelapse footage visit httptinyurlcomRPPtimelapse
27
Mapping Surveys
Roosevelt Plaza Park is cleaned and maintained by the Camden Special Services District (CSSD) who staffed the pop-up with an employee throughout the week with more limited hours on weekends Time-lapse photography is limited in its ability to see the close-up and personal and so the design team met with CSSD staff to get their help in filling out on-the-ground mapping surveys of user activity at the park While the survey was limited by the hours during the day that CSSD staff worked the CSSD did an exceptional job of capturing data that recorded the type of user location and what they were doing at the park This data was coded in digital maps produced by the design team that allowed for the exploration of a number of different variables and conditions observed in more than 50 mapping surveys
Visitor Surveys
In addition to the mapping surveys CSSD staff also helped to complete visitor surveys that recorded additional information about users that would have not been obtained through observation Initially the survey was only provided through an online survey platform but the team realized that an online survey was not the right platform for effectively reaching the constituency that uses the park Revising the strategy a paper copy of the survey was produced that CSSD staff helped distribute to more than 50 park visitors
28
Feedback Postcards
One of the most successful tools for obtaining user feedback was the custom feedback postcard tool developed by the design team Mounted on a central planted tote within the park this tool consisted of four simple elements a set of colorful pop-up park postcards with two questions on the back pens a mailbox and explanatory signage The postcard sought to find out what people liked most about the pop-up interventions and what they would like to see in the future The team received more than 70 postcards and with several more hopefully taken as souvenirs by park users - a covert way for the design team to spread the word about the park
29
PUBLIC CHALKBOARDSTo collect feedback on park usersrsquo hopes and dreams for the space two community chalkboards were installed at the pop-up The first was mounted to the back of the piano and the second chalkboard was installed in front of the park and served as a place for people to contribute their drawings hopes and names to the space
30
POP-UP STORIESPerhaps the most powerful qualitative feedback the design team collected was through a series of testimonial interviews conducted with park users which the design team turned into mini-documentaries dubbed ldquoPop-Up Storiesrdquo Speaking one-on-one with park users the design team was inspired to record and create mini-documentaries detailing the stories of several different park users This work most accurately captured the human impact of Roosevelt Plaza Park which the team found to be extremely powerful given the many decades of decline and disinvestment experienced by the City of Camden and its residents
31
the tote veranda the grove
the lawn
picnic tables
32
The park interventions while interrelated created a variety of different spaces in order to test user preferences and patterns at the pop-up What follows is a discussion and analysis of the teamrsquos observations of each of the ldquooutdoor roomsrdquo
THE GROVEPerhaps the most defined of the lsquooutdoor roomsrsquo the Grove was bordered by custom-design corrugated planter boxes the outdoor piano and sprinkled with IBC tote planters Our mapping survey showed that this area was a popular draw for a lunch-time crowd and the wider tables were successful in accommodating and encouraging groups of up to four people per table with visitors spending anywhere between 10-45 minutes on average at a table
A review of timelapse photography mounted on a nearby IBC Tote reveals some of the rhythms of the Grove Groups of people congregate at all times of the day but itrsquos shortly after noon when this area is at its peak and when lunch-time crowds fill nearly all the available tables with takeout food purchased from local restaurants Also notable is the diversity of this group consisting of professionals students and everyday residents
INTERVENTION AREAS
picnic tables
33
THE PIANOOne of the most loved features of the Grove was undoubtedly the outdoor piano which immediately attracted pianists dancers and conversation from the moment it was installed The addition of the piano was inspired jointly by the rich musical history of the City and the diverse population that occupied the park and its surroundings We thought ndash ldquowhat interactive design element could transcend social class race even languagerdquo The answer we came up with was to do something with music We hoped that the addition of an outdoor piano would encourage the diverse group of park users (eg the homeless clinic patients students professionals judges etc) to stop play a tune and interact In this sense the piano was a major success
Consider one mid-September afternoon at the piano Over the course of these four hours on a sunny September day we observed two primary pianists one a clinic patient and one a local minister who played for extended periods of 1-2 hours Both talented musicians their playing attracted over 20 other individuals which included a mix of professionals people eating lunch local residents other clinic patients and several other curious pianists to the site The most common sight to see were groups of 2-4 individuals spontaneously interacting with each other and the pianist A resident remarked to us that the piano allowed people of any stripe to step outside of their normal element and to be looked at not by how they dressed or talked but by what they could do and what they were capable of
34
ldquoEste parque me trae alegriacutea y amor hellip para mostrarle a estas personas aquiacute que estaacuten con cosas difiacutecilesmdashcomo las drogas Para mi con mi instrumento un piano les ensentildeoacute amorhellip Yo veo como ellos buscan el amor y el apoyo de otras personas El privilegio para mi vida es llenar con voces muacutesica la ciudad de aquiacute Camden helliprdquo- Junior Osvaldo Cruz
english translationldquoThis park brings me joy and love to show these people here who are going through difficult things-like drugs For me with my instrument the piano I can show them love I see how they seek love and support from others My lifersquos privilege is to fill this city Camden with music and voices ldquo
If viewing on a PDF click here to hear a sample of the outdoor piano being played
Junior Osvaldo Cruz brought music and joy to the pop-up park no matter the season
35
4276221
THE LAWNWhile not a lsquodesignedrsquo space our analysis found that the lawn is an area with potential for future interventions with a very light touch At 75000 square feet most of which is well-maintained largely unobstructed lawn Roosevelt Plaza Park is one of the largest usable green spaces in the City and arguably its most accessible sitting at the nexus of several commercial corridors transit lines and easily accessed on foot or by bicycle
Our team observed that the pop-up helped spur unplanned organic use of the lawn spaces which had not been occurring prior to the interventions Basking in the sun on an Adirondack chair a game of Frisbee outdoor Tai Chi and a gentleman called ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo who regularly showed up teach children and spread the joy of flying kites were some of the most notable people and activities that took advantage of the lawnrsquos uniquely wide open spaces and expansive views of City Hall
Though the design focused on the north west portion of the lawn by defining that space with the pop-up elements observation showed that the open lawn spaces south of the Tote Veranda was popular for active uses such as kite-flying and Frisbee The small strip of lawn defined by trees at the north east was the most popular area for lounging on the lawn
ldquoKites is what really brings me here because this brings families together - children to the old they all fly they all have fun This builds your self-esteem because when you flying it you feel so good about your accomplishments this is something yoursquore doing A kid two years old was just flying a kite Donrsquot say you canrsquot do it you can do anything you put your mind tordquo- Kevin the Kiteman
36
To watch Kevin the Kitemanrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPkevin
ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo shows a group of Camden youth how to fly a kite
37
THE PICNIC TABLESThe Picnic Tables were popular for sitting chatting and for having a meal at lunchtime Set up as a communal table along Market Street the location was intended to engage passersby and customers of the restaurants along Market Street In designing this space we wanted to test the viability of outdoor dining along this burgeoning restaurant corridor The consistent use of the tables proved this amenity is in-demand among daily park users While the picnic tables did provide a comfortable place to sit and while people did eat meals there the space could have been enhanced through the principle of triangulation further detailed later in this report As an arrangement of elements this space was not multi-dimensional in nature and could be enlivened in future iterations through the addition of other complementary elements (a food vendor for example) to create a better sense of place Intensive improvements here will interface with an existing demand making investment at the Market Street edge of the park a high-impact improvement
38
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
CamdenCamdenSPECIALSERVICESDISTRICT
SPECIALSERVICESDISTRICT
CONSULTANT TEAM
December 19th 2014
IN PARTNERSHIP WITHTHIS REPORT WAS PRODUCED BY
CONTENTSIntroductIon
PoP-uP ImProvements
study FIndIngs
Lessons Learned
2
9
25
52
PROJECT SUMMARY
In 2014 Roosevelt Plaza Park in downtown Camden was the site of a new Pop-Up Park From August to December 2014 the pop-up brought flexible seating shade flowers public art and conversation starters to the doorstep of Camden City Hall Camdenrsquos central civic space Roosevelt Plaza Park was reopened in 2012 for public use after the demolition of a parking garage The pop-up sought to enliven the existing park and encourage residents employees students and visitors to spend time outside in Camden
Pop-up parks use simple inexpensive elements to enhance public spaces This strategy allows the public to test-drive public space improvements to see what works and what doesnrsquot before implementing either another round of pop-up interventions or more substantial capital improvements This strategy referred to commonly as ldquoiterative placemakingrdquo has the benefit of producing a public space that is bold innovative and responds directly to the user as the ephemeral nature of the improvements takes the risk out of traditional capital-intensive park projects
Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnership initiated the temporary improvement project in May 2014 to explore possibilities for the new but underutilized public space The design team was tasked with creating an impactful statement in the short term then using information gathered from the temporary improvements to identify guiding principles and make recommendations for future design interventions The project was designed and installed over a period of three months Funded by a grant from the William Penn Foundation
Key building blocks of the design were IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) totes These 4 foot plastic and metal cubes are reusable industrial containers utilized for the transport and storage of liquids Many businesses throughout Camden work with them either cleaning and reselling them or using them as shipping containers The totes at RPP all from Camden were transformed into a shade structure planters an info kiosk and a piano house as well as a display for public art
New American Public Art was contracted to create an interactive lighting installation for the pop-up The piece called lsquoBlue Hourrsquo used RGB LED lighting and infrared sensors to detect movement within the park triggering the lights to fade from cool blue to soft orange when people passed close by After dark the totes became a colorful interactive experience
Using time-lapse photography the design team recorded how users interact with the space Data collection continued for the remainder of the year to see which elements of the park worked best and which could be improved Findings were analyzed summarized and packaged into this report which will go on to guide future park improvements
Through December visitors to the RPP pop-up grew accustomed to a host of popular amenities a roof of bright yellow umbrellas familiar rhythms plucked out on the piano bright blue Adirondack chairs dotting the lawn and the constant sway of patio gliders For downtown Camden the pop-up was an entirely new type of public space meant as an experiment to guide future public space investment To date the pop-up is having notable impacts on improving the quality of life needed to build a more vibrant and beautiful downtown Camden
ROOSEVELT PLAZA POP-UP PARK
ldquoThis pocket park stands as a testament to what all Camden parks can look like and what the future holds for Camdenrsquos public spacesrdquo- Mayor Dana L Redd
PURPOSE OF THIS REPORT
The purpose of this report is to summarize the project and research findings of the pop-up park to suggest other future short-term and long-term improvements The information gleaned from the initial pop-up improvements will serve as the foundation for building a programming and capital upgrades plan to improve the aesthetic and brand of RPP while also improving the image of and quality of life in Downtown Camden
Above As seen from the windows of City Hall the 2014 Pop-Up provided shade and a pop of color for the downtown community
Amenities like this werenrsquot previously available in the area
3
THE EXISTING PARKPARK HISTORY
Roosevelt Plaza Park is a central open space in downtown Camden located at the crossroads of three major business corridors and at the doorstep of City Hall The historic 75000 square foot park originally constructed during the New Dealreopened in June 2012 after the demolition of the Parkade Building a mixed-use parking garage suffering from severe structural deterioration Owned by the City of Camden the planning and redesign of the park was overseen by the Camden Redevelopment Agency In 2012 the CRA awarded the Camden Special Services District (CSSD) Camdenrsquos business improvement district a lease of the property which included responsibility to maintain improve and program the park
While the restored Roosevelt Plaza Park reintroduced a central open space to Camdenrsquos downtown a lack of park amenities has resulted in a public space that people walk ldquothroughrdquo rather than ldquotordquo Inspired by examples of successful ldquopop-uprdquo interventions in other public spaces including the Porch at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia Corona Plaza in Queens NY and Discovery Green in Houston TX Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnership and the CSSD sought to implement low-cost high-impact amenities to make Roosevelt Plaza Park a unique destination for residents employees bikers and pedestrians in the City of Camden
Above Roosevelt Plaza Park was histori-cally the most significant public space in Camden
Left The Parkade Parking Garage demolished in 2012 once occupied the Roosevelt Plaza Park site
4
Above Roosevelt Plaza Park was re-opened to the public in 2012 but lacked the amenities that would make it a destination
5
ADJACENT DEVELOPMENT
Strategic investment in Camdenrsquos public realm could not come at a more opportune time After decades of decline the Cityrsquos downtown has enjoyed a recent surge of private and public investment As Camdenrsquos mixed-use waterfront district continues to evolve and grow the Cityrsquos anchor institutions including Rutgers University-Camden Rowan University Cooper University Hospital and the Cooper Medical School at Rowan University collectively undertook a planning process for long-term downtown institutional development and in the past two years have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in construction
The implementation of the Connect the Lots project is occurring at a critical juncture in Camdenrsquos revitalization efforts With a new Camden County Metro police force and economic incentives provided by the Economic Opportunity Act a reduction in crime has led to increased investment community will and optimism Over the past year shootings in the city have decreased by almost 50 percent Camdenrsquos first new supermarket in 50 years opened over 5 miles of new multi-use trails that lead to parks and central destinations have been added to the cityrsquos Camden GreenWay trail network and the City has embarked on an ambitious plan to demolish 600 abandoned homes These hallmarks provided the support needed to successfully plan and implement open space projects that encourage residents to spend time outside in the city The continued activation of underused areas will ensure that neighborhood spaces in between direct investment are not overlooked in the redevelopment process It is hoped that the ephemeral nature of the Roosevelt Plaza Park Pop-Up Park will raise awareness of the importance of translating these reimagined spaces into permanent features of the city helping to improve access to safe vibrant and healthy communities
As a result of this development and recent state legislation that strongly incentivizes growth in Camden these trends are anticipated to continue and accelerate Roosevelt Plaza Park sits at the crossroads of this existing and planned development and is the only large public central open space in the downtown
27The Downtown Institutional Plan
DE
LA
WA
RE
R
IV
ER
CO
OP
ER
RIV
ER
PROPOSED BUILDINGS PHASE2Further development from Rutgers University-Camden and the
Campbell Soup Co will take place in a second ancillary phase of the institutional expansion Concurrent to the second phase of institutional development is development catalyzed by the Economic Opportunity Act (EOA) Highlighted below are the most viable parcels for investment in the Downtown
Proposed Buildings Phase 2 Existing Campuses Development Opportunities Phase 1 Development Opportunities Phase 2 Potential Development Parcels unlocked by Economic Opportunity Act
Above A map from the recent Downtown Institutional Plan identifies high priority development opportunities that neighbor on Roosevelt Plaza Park
RPP
6
ldquoThe plazarsquos urban-architectural design lays out a master plan for the surrounding streets and building blocks to create an ldquourban roomrdquo that framed by dense mixed-use redevelopment will plant the seed for the downtownrsquos return to relevance and vitalityrdquo
-2012 Roosevelt Plaza Park Plan from WRT
BIG PLANS FOR RPP
Prior to the demolition of the Parkade parking garage in 2012 the Camden Redevelopment Agency commissioned a plan to conceptualize the new plaza The plan (which is pictured to the left) included visionary capital elements like a new landmark headhouse to invite PATCO riders into the station bio-infiltration gardens and green stormwater management and amenities to activate the public space Using this vision as a framework the first phase towards reclaiming Roosevelt Plaza as a public park included adding basic improvements and amenities to make the space more welcoming
7
Above The existing park has ample green lawns several young trees fixed benches trash receptacles bike racks pedestrian scale lighting pedestrian safety features like bollards and open flat paved areas to accommodate events The park also lacks a sense of scale and a memorable image
RPP TODAY
As a safe well-lit and well-maintained park Roosevelt Plaza Park is a beautiful but largely underused civic space in the city Prior to the pop-up park the space lacked the elements that attracted people and created a unique identity
Given the parkrsquos location approximately 27000 people walk by each day This critical mass of people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds has the potential if engaged to stimulate Roosevelt Plaza Park with the vital social capital needed to revitalize Camdenrsquos urban core
8
pop-up improvements
PROJECT BRIEF PROGRAM AND BUDGET
The design team was commissioned to provide design and planning services for temporary placemaking efforts at Roosevelt Plaza Park The project required first identifying the needs of park users and then designing temporary and movable elements for the park These elements were also utilized to inform the creation of this comprehensive document which will help guide future improvements for the central public space
While the infrastructure of Roosevelt Plaza Park had been recently upgraded the park was underused and lacked a strong sense of place Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnershiprsquos vision for the development of the park was inspired by examples of new active public spaces in other post-industrial centers that developed by taking small iterative and temporary steps To provide an informative pop-up the design team sought to implement low cost high impact amenities to make Roosevelt Plaza Park a central destination for bikers pedestrians residents and employees
POP-UP IMPROVEMENTS
A pop-up calls for elements that are easy to deploy
10
Above Corona Plaza in Queens theuniprojectorg
Left A temporary holiday light art installation at Discovery Green in Houston discoverygreencom
Pop-Up cafe at the Battersea in London londontheinsidecom PHS Pop-Up beer garden in Philadelphia phillycom Sunset Triangle in LA pricetagswordpress
Food Trucks at The Porch at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia uwishunucom
11
PIANO HOUSE
PLANTER GROVE
QUAD LAWN
PICNIC DINING
TOTES VERANDA
PATIO GLIDER lsquoVERANDArsquo
ADIRONDACK LAWN SEATING
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
TO CAMDEN CITY HALL
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING
INFO TOTE
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS
CUSTOM PLANTERS
TOTE PLANTERS
INTERACTIVE GATEWAY
INTERACTIVE LIGHT TOWERS
SHADE STRUCTURE
PICNIC TABLES WITH UMBRELLAS
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS40 FEET20100 5 N
The site plan above shows a variety of diverse spaces meant to test user preferences
12
PIANO HOUSE
PLANTER GROVE
QUAD LAWN
PICNIC DINING
TOTES VERANDA
PATIO GLIDER lsquoVERANDArsquo
ADIRONDACK LAWN SEATING
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
TO CAMDEN CITY HALL
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING
INFO TOTE
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS
CUSTOM PLANTERS
TOTE PLANTERS
INTERACTIVE GATEWAY
INTERACTIVE LIGHT TOWERS
SHADE STRUCTURE
PICNIC TABLES WITH UMBRELLAS
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS40 FEET20100 5 N
P L A Z A P A R KROOSEVELT
DESIGN CONCEPT
The goal of the pop-up park was to create a lively unique and varied design to engage users in experimental improvements Chosen elements aimed to aid in the exploration of what might support and drive the Camden community to embrace the park
The design included amenities that were missing in the nearby public space a shade structure umbrellas trees and flowers a variety of comfortable seating tables and places to sit down and eat Interactive lighting movable furniture a feedback box with feedback postcards informational signage and a free-expression chalkboard were employed in the design to involve users in the experiment
An eye-catching central shade structure (the Totes Veranda) high design standard and bright modern color palette helped to define the pop-up image and attract people into the space To be successful the pop-up needed to feel inviting and distinguished
THE RIGHT FEEL
In the design phase mood boards helped identify the desired atmosphere of the pop-up optimistic urban sophisticated and approachable
RPP
13
Vintage postcards showing a shining Camden downtown provided inspiration for the pop-up
Motion sensors activate colored lights in an
early prototype of the interaction for ldquoBlue
Hourrdquo by New American Public Art
CAMDEN INSPIRATION
To achieve a design that spoke to present day Camden residents the design team searched for local inspiration The pop-up is aesthetically influenced by the wide array of buildings downtown many excellent examples of the architectural styles of the 19th and early 20th centuries and by the diverse downtown community of businesses residents and institutional uses In our approach we emulated the romantic optimism of the original New Deal-era park that once existed on the site And we were impressed to discover that industry is still alive and well in Camden which drove the team to explore locally sourced materials
The team visited several recycling businesses in Camden exploring what items might be creatively re-purposed from their intended uses and what might even be recovered from the waste-stream Several types of containers are collected cleaned processed refurbished recycled into component materials and resold nation-wide from these Camden businesses
For the purposes of the pop-up park the design team gravitated towards IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) totes which are roughly 4rsquo cubes that are used to transport liquids The galvanized-steel grid cages of the totes reflect the art deco architecture of City Hall and the plastic insert lsquobottlesrsquo diffuse light beautifully
14
BEING RESOURCEFUL
Through a little creative re-working different types of IBC totes became planters signage foundations and lighted towers Where creating a foundation suitable to support shade sails in very windy conditions would have been cost-prohibitive the totes provided opportunity to build a bespoke structure The 33-tote structure included an interactive lighting experience created by New American Public Art called ldquoBlue Hourrdquo The artists modified the totes with LED lighting and motion sensors
THE COMPONENTS OF THE EXPERIMENT
15
Triggered by people moving through the park the color change is reminiscent of the light the hour after sunset and the glow from a hearth It reminds visitors of the warmth that can be felt by being in the presence of others and feeling the glow of sharing in community
A KIT OF PARTS
Above from left to right and top to bottom IBC Tote from Camden (refurbished) $160 Patio Glider Set $1050 Patio Umbrella (with 70 lb steel base) $200 Plastic Adirondack Chair $15 Iconic Metal Folding Chair $75 Resin Side Chair $80 36rdquo Table $225 Unfinished Picnic Table $95 Locking Mailbox for Feedback Postcards $40
As a testing ground for ideas the pop-up needed to explore and push some boundaries The ephemeral nature of temporary improvements allowed for unconventional materials such as using IBC totes as building blocks for structures lighting and planters Furnishings were selected to provide variety and maximize seating type options This made it possible to observe what kinds of seating park users preferred
The team scoured local stores for furnishings and used several well-known online discount retailers to find items with the right look at the right price point With the exception of the Fermob folding bistro chair (which is widely used in public spaces internationally) many of the main park elements came from alternative sources some of which worked better than others
The durable orange chairs and gray cafe tables that were used in The Grove came from BizChaircom and they performed very well The popular blue Adirondacks were by far the best value and were bought directly from Adams Manufacturing The patio gliders came from theSimpleStorescom and had to be returned more than once because they arrived damaged Hayneedlecom was the easiest supplier to work with as the website provides special services for business accounts The residential umbrellas proved to not be durable enough for the windy site In future pop-ups commercial-grade umbrellas would be a worth-while investment We found that 70 lb steel umbrella bases were sufficient for the 8rsquo umbrellas
18
TEMPORARY GREENING
Planters provided the pop-up with color and movement The plants were installed at the end of the New Jersey growing season so the designers choose a variety of species that look just as good in the fall and winter as they do in the spring Perennials (flowering plants that will come back again in the spring) along with trees and shrubs lent the space additional structure and interest A handful of annuals added pops of seasonal color
Top Left The Weeping Willow Trees and Crape Myrtle Trees planted in The Grove both have nice fall color and decorative bark for winter interest Below Perennials like Cone Flower and Little Bunny Grass were interspersed between dwarf willows and evergreen shrubs
BUILDING BLOCKS
IBC totes from two Camden recycling businesses were delivered to a warehouse about two blocks away from Roosevelt Plaza Park where they were staged and modified prior to installation Artists installed lights motion sensors wiring and timers in 25 of the totes for the art piece ldquoBlue Hourrdquo To make planters out of 14 of the totes the plastic insert ldquobottlesrdquo were cut with a circular saw
To install the totes Camden Special Services District ambassadors moved the totes to the park using a truck with a lift-gate and a hand-operated pallet jack An all-metal ldquosardine-canrdquo style tote at the base of each tote tower was filled with sand to create a solid foundation for the structure Using a fork-lift the totes were stacked on top of one another then each stack was placed onto the metal foundation tote The towers were then leveled with shims of painted pressure-treated lumber The towers were fastened together with 8 chain-link fence clamps per level Using ladders Department of Public Works employees set up the electrical wiring between towers and fastened the shade sails to the structure
20
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
When options for planters and sheltering for the piano were found to be unavailable within budget the team commissioned some clever custom-built elements that were made from basic lumber and common corrugated metal sheeting An aluminum-core sign with an outdoor brochure box and wall-mounted mailbox was mounted to a tote in the center of the park This simple set-up was found to be an effective tool for collecting feedback in the park
21
22
POP OF COLOR
Site furniture provided the opportunity to bring color into the park The bright hues helped to give each space an identity and certainly contributed to a positive and optimistic image for the pop-up While speaking at the press conference for the pop-up opening Camden Mayor Dana L Redd noted that now the park ldquopops with colorrdquo
23
ELECTRIFY THE NIGHT
At night when the park is still the totes structure glows a cool blue but when people move through the space their motion activates the lighting causing the lights to warm into a soft orange tone
study findings
ITERATIVE PLACEMAKING
Roosevelt Plaza Park was unique in that its simple inexpensive amenities test-drove public space improvements to see what did and didnrsquot work before implementing either another round of pop-up interventions or more substantial capital improvements This strategy referred to as ldquoiterative placemakingrdquo has the benefit of producing a public space that is bold innovative and responds directly to the user as the ephemeral nature of the improvements takes the risk out of traditional capital-intensive park projects
To analyze the use of Roosevelt Plaza Park and to inform recommendations for future interventions the team of Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnership Group Melvin Design and Sikora Wells Appel devised a unique methodology that used both qualitative and quantitative data to analyze the site The initial methodology was inspired by noted urbanist and public space researcher William Whytersquos seminal ldquoThe Social Life of Small Urban Spacesrdquo relying primarily on time-lapse photography and observations to analyze the site from above and at a distance Yet after the pop-up interventions were constructed the team realized that the initial methodology treated the park more like a petri dish than a public space This conclusion led to the refinement of the methodology to ensure not just the quantitative but the qualitative human story of the park was captured
STUDY METHODOLOGY
in 5 months the team collected
500+hours of timelapse
footage
124visitor surveys amp
feedback postcards submitted
121mapping surveys
completed
3818park users and
activities mapped
26
Data collection methoDology
For the teamrsquos analysis of Roosevelt Plaza Park the team recognized that the study had to tell a story through both quantitative data and qualitative observations and user feedback To accomplish this a multi-pronged strategy was devised that used several different tools to analyze the site
time-lapse photography
The initial methodology relied primarily on time-lapse photography to capture user movement activities and interactions in the space The team quickly found that William Whytersquos primary disclaimer of this technique that recording the film is easy and that evaluation is the hard part was as true using modern equipment in the 21st century as it was for Whyte in the 1970rsquos However while there were limitations to what could be observed using time-lapse photography it was a valuable tool for seeing that which is invisible to the human eye in real-time The ability to capture imagery of the entire site all-at-once and play back video of park users at hyper-speed allowed the team to observe patterns of movement usage throughout the day and patterns influenced by environmental conditions that would have otherwise been invisible And while the time-lapse photography was limited when mounted from a site-wide vantage point in the windows of City Hall our team recorded additional video with cameras mounted directly in the park in order to make more direct activity-focused area-specific observations Throughout this process both the Mayorrsquos Office and the Camden County Administration Offices were incredibly generous with their window-space by allowing the team to mount our cameras from their offices
To watch timelapse footage visit httptinyurlcomRPPtimelapse
27
Mapping Surveys
Roosevelt Plaza Park is cleaned and maintained by the Camden Special Services District (CSSD) who staffed the pop-up with an employee throughout the week with more limited hours on weekends Time-lapse photography is limited in its ability to see the close-up and personal and so the design team met with CSSD staff to get their help in filling out on-the-ground mapping surveys of user activity at the park While the survey was limited by the hours during the day that CSSD staff worked the CSSD did an exceptional job of capturing data that recorded the type of user location and what they were doing at the park This data was coded in digital maps produced by the design team that allowed for the exploration of a number of different variables and conditions observed in more than 50 mapping surveys
Visitor Surveys
In addition to the mapping surveys CSSD staff also helped to complete visitor surveys that recorded additional information about users that would have not been obtained through observation Initially the survey was only provided through an online survey platform but the team realized that an online survey was not the right platform for effectively reaching the constituency that uses the park Revising the strategy a paper copy of the survey was produced that CSSD staff helped distribute to more than 50 park visitors
28
Feedback Postcards
One of the most successful tools for obtaining user feedback was the custom feedback postcard tool developed by the design team Mounted on a central planted tote within the park this tool consisted of four simple elements a set of colorful pop-up park postcards with two questions on the back pens a mailbox and explanatory signage The postcard sought to find out what people liked most about the pop-up interventions and what they would like to see in the future The team received more than 70 postcards and with several more hopefully taken as souvenirs by park users - a covert way for the design team to spread the word about the park
29
PUBLIC CHALKBOARDSTo collect feedback on park usersrsquo hopes and dreams for the space two community chalkboards were installed at the pop-up The first was mounted to the back of the piano and the second chalkboard was installed in front of the park and served as a place for people to contribute their drawings hopes and names to the space
30
POP-UP STORIESPerhaps the most powerful qualitative feedback the design team collected was through a series of testimonial interviews conducted with park users which the design team turned into mini-documentaries dubbed ldquoPop-Up Storiesrdquo Speaking one-on-one with park users the design team was inspired to record and create mini-documentaries detailing the stories of several different park users This work most accurately captured the human impact of Roosevelt Plaza Park which the team found to be extremely powerful given the many decades of decline and disinvestment experienced by the City of Camden and its residents
31
the tote veranda the grove
the lawn
picnic tables
32
The park interventions while interrelated created a variety of different spaces in order to test user preferences and patterns at the pop-up What follows is a discussion and analysis of the teamrsquos observations of each of the ldquooutdoor roomsrdquo
THE GROVEPerhaps the most defined of the lsquooutdoor roomsrsquo the Grove was bordered by custom-design corrugated planter boxes the outdoor piano and sprinkled with IBC tote planters Our mapping survey showed that this area was a popular draw for a lunch-time crowd and the wider tables were successful in accommodating and encouraging groups of up to four people per table with visitors spending anywhere between 10-45 minutes on average at a table
A review of timelapse photography mounted on a nearby IBC Tote reveals some of the rhythms of the Grove Groups of people congregate at all times of the day but itrsquos shortly after noon when this area is at its peak and when lunch-time crowds fill nearly all the available tables with takeout food purchased from local restaurants Also notable is the diversity of this group consisting of professionals students and everyday residents
INTERVENTION AREAS
picnic tables
33
THE PIANOOne of the most loved features of the Grove was undoubtedly the outdoor piano which immediately attracted pianists dancers and conversation from the moment it was installed The addition of the piano was inspired jointly by the rich musical history of the City and the diverse population that occupied the park and its surroundings We thought ndash ldquowhat interactive design element could transcend social class race even languagerdquo The answer we came up with was to do something with music We hoped that the addition of an outdoor piano would encourage the diverse group of park users (eg the homeless clinic patients students professionals judges etc) to stop play a tune and interact In this sense the piano was a major success
Consider one mid-September afternoon at the piano Over the course of these four hours on a sunny September day we observed two primary pianists one a clinic patient and one a local minister who played for extended periods of 1-2 hours Both talented musicians their playing attracted over 20 other individuals which included a mix of professionals people eating lunch local residents other clinic patients and several other curious pianists to the site The most common sight to see were groups of 2-4 individuals spontaneously interacting with each other and the pianist A resident remarked to us that the piano allowed people of any stripe to step outside of their normal element and to be looked at not by how they dressed or talked but by what they could do and what they were capable of
34
ldquoEste parque me trae alegriacutea y amor hellip para mostrarle a estas personas aquiacute que estaacuten con cosas difiacutecilesmdashcomo las drogas Para mi con mi instrumento un piano les ensentildeoacute amorhellip Yo veo como ellos buscan el amor y el apoyo de otras personas El privilegio para mi vida es llenar con voces muacutesica la ciudad de aquiacute Camden helliprdquo- Junior Osvaldo Cruz
english translationldquoThis park brings me joy and love to show these people here who are going through difficult things-like drugs For me with my instrument the piano I can show them love I see how they seek love and support from others My lifersquos privilege is to fill this city Camden with music and voices ldquo
If viewing on a PDF click here to hear a sample of the outdoor piano being played
Junior Osvaldo Cruz brought music and joy to the pop-up park no matter the season
35
4276221
THE LAWNWhile not a lsquodesignedrsquo space our analysis found that the lawn is an area with potential for future interventions with a very light touch At 75000 square feet most of which is well-maintained largely unobstructed lawn Roosevelt Plaza Park is one of the largest usable green spaces in the City and arguably its most accessible sitting at the nexus of several commercial corridors transit lines and easily accessed on foot or by bicycle
Our team observed that the pop-up helped spur unplanned organic use of the lawn spaces which had not been occurring prior to the interventions Basking in the sun on an Adirondack chair a game of Frisbee outdoor Tai Chi and a gentleman called ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo who regularly showed up teach children and spread the joy of flying kites were some of the most notable people and activities that took advantage of the lawnrsquos uniquely wide open spaces and expansive views of City Hall
Though the design focused on the north west portion of the lawn by defining that space with the pop-up elements observation showed that the open lawn spaces south of the Tote Veranda was popular for active uses such as kite-flying and Frisbee The small strip of lawn defined by trees at the north east was the most popular area for lounging on the lawn
ldquoKites is what really brings me here because this brings families together - children to the old they all fly they all have fun This builds your self-esteem because when you flying it you feel so good about your accomplishments this is something yoursquore doing A kid two years old was just flying a kite Donrsquot say you canrsquot do it you can do anything you put your mind tordquo- Kevin the Kiteman
36
To watch Kevin the Kitemanrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPkevin
ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo shows a group of Camden youth how to fly a kite
37
THE PICNIC TABLESThe Picnic Tables were popular for sitting chatting and for having a meal at lunchtime Set up as a communal table along Market Street the location was intended to engage passersby and customers of the restaurants along Market Street In designing this space we wanted to test the viability of outdoor dining along this burgeoning restaurant corridor The consistent use of the tables proved this amenity is in-demand among daily park users While the picnic tables did provide a comfortable place to sit and while people did eat meals there the space could have been enhanced through the principle of triangulation further detailed later in this report As an arrangement of elements this space was not multi-dimensional in nature and could be enlivened in future iterations through the addition of other complementary elements (a food vendor for example) to create a better sense of place Intensive improvements here will interface with an existing demand making investment at the Market Street edge of the park a high-impact improvement
38
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
CONTENTSIntroductIon
PoP-uP ImProvements
study FIndIngs
Lessons Learned
2
9
25
52
PROJECT SUMMARY
In 2014 Roosevelt Plaza Park in downtown Camden was the site of a new Pop-Up Park From August to December 2014 the pop-up brought flexible seating shade flowers public art and conversation starters to the doorstep of Camden City Hall Camdenrsquos central civic space Roosevelt Plaza Park was reopened in 2012 for public use after the demolition of a parking garage The pop-up sought to enliven the existing park and encourage residents employees students and visitors to spend time outside in Camden
Pop-up parks use simple inexpensive elements to enhance public spaces This strategy allows the public to test-drive public space improvements to see what works and what doesnrsquot before implementing either another round of pop-up interventions or more substantial capital improvements This strategy referred to commonly as ldquoiterative placemakingrdquo has the benefit of producing a public space that is bold innovative and responds directly to the user as the ephemeral nature of the improvements takes the risk out of traditional capital-intensive park projects
Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnership initiated the temporary improvement project in May 2014 to explore possibilities for the new but underutilized public space The design team was tasked with creating an impactful statement in the short term then using information gathered from the temporary improvements to identify guiding principles and make recommendations for future design interventions The project was designed and installed over a period of three months Funded by a grant from the William Penn Foundation
Key building blocks of the design were IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) totes These 4 foot plastic and metal cubes are reusable industrial containers utilized for the transport and storage of liquids Many businesses throughout Camden work with them either cleaning and reselling them or using them as shipping containers The totes at RPP all from Camden were transformed into a shade structure planters an info kiosk and a piano house as well as a display for public art
New American Public Art was contracted to create an interactive lighting installation for the pop-up The piece called lsquoBlue Hourrsquo used RGB LED lighting and infrared sensors to detect movement within the park triggering the lights to fade from cool blue to soft orange when people passed close by After dark the totes became a colorful interactive experience
Using time-lapse photography the design team recorded how users interact with the space Data collection continued for the remainder of the year to see which elements of the park worked best and which could be improved Findings were analyzed summarized and packaged into this report which will go on to guide future park improvements
Through December visitors to the RPP pop-up grew accustomed to a host of popular amenities a roof of bright yellow umbrellas familiar rhythms plucked out on the piano bright blue Adirondack chairs dotting the lawn and the constant sway of patio gliders For downtown Camden the pop-up was an entirely new type of public space meant as an experiment to guide future public space investment To date the pop-up is having notable impacts on improving the quality of life needed to build a more vibrant and beautiful downtown Camden
ROOSEVELT PLAZA POP-UP PARK
ldquoThis pocket park stands as a testament to what all Camden parks can look like and what the future holds for Camdenrsquos public spacesrdquo- Mayor Dana L Redd
PURPOSE OF THIS REPORT
The purpose of this report is to summarize the project and research findings of the pop-up park to suggest other future short-term and long-term improvements The information gleaned from the initial pop-up improvements will serve as the foundation for building a programming and capital upgrades plan to improve the aesthetic and brand of RPP while also improving the image of and quality of life in Downtown Camden
Above As seen from the windows of City Hall the 2014 Pop-Up provided shade and a pop of color for the downtown community
Amenities like this werenrsquot previously available in the area
3
THE EXISTING PARKPARK HISTORY
Roosevelt Plaza Park is a central open space in downtown Camden located at the crossroads of three major business corridors and at the doorstep of City Hall The historic 75000 square foot park originally constructed during the New Dealreopened in June 2012 after the demolition of the Parkade Building a mixed-use parking garage suffering from severe structural deterioration Owned by the City of Camden the planning and redesign of the park was overseen by the Camden Redevelopment Agency In 2012 the CRA awarded the Camden Special Services District (CSSD) Camdenrsquos business improvement district a lease of the property which included responsibility to maintain improve and program the park
While the restored Roosevelt Plaza Park reintroduced a central open space to Camdenrsquos downtown a lack of park amenities has resulted in a public space that people walk ldquothroughrdquo rather than ldquotordquo Inspired by examples of successful ldquopop-uprdquo interventions in other public spaces including the Porch at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia Corona Plaza in Queens NY and Discovery Green in Houston TX Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnership and the CSSD sought to implement low-cost high-impact amenities to make Roosevelt Plaza Park a unique destination for residents employees bikers and pedestrians in the City of Camden
Above Roosevelt Plaza Park was histori-cally the most significant public space in Camden
Left The Parkade Parking Garage demolished in 2012 once occupied the Roosevelt Plaza Park site
4
Above Roosevelt Plaza Park was re-opened to the public in 2012 but lacked the amenities that would make it a destination
5
ADJACENT DEVELOPMENT
Strategic investment in Camdenrsquos public realm could not come at a more opportune time After decades of decline the Cityrsquos downtown has enjoyed a recent surge of private and public investment As Camdenrsquos mixed-use waterfront district continues to evolve and grow the Cityrsquos anchor institutions including Rutgers University-Camden Rowan University Cooper University Hospital and the Cooper Medical School at Rowan University collectively undertook a planning process for long-term downtown institutional development and in the past two years have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in construction
The implementation of the Connect the Lots project is occurring at a critical juncture in Camdenrsquos revitalization efforts With a new Camden County Metro police force and economic incentives provided by the Economic Opportunity Act a reduction in crime has led to increased investment community will and optimism Over the past year shootings in the city have decreased by almost 50 percent Camdenrsquos first new supermarket in 50 years opened over 5 miles of new multi-use trails that lead to parks and central destinations have been added to the cityrsquos Camden GreenWay trail network and the City has embarked on an ambitious plan to demolish 600 abandoned homes These hallmarks provided the support needed to successfully plan and implement open space projects that encourage residents to spend time outside in the city The continued activation of underused areas will ensure that neighborhood spaces in between direct investment are not overlooked in the redevelopment process It is hoped that the ephemeral nature of the Roosevelt Plaza Park Pop-Up Park will raise awareness of the importance of translating these reimagined spaces into permanent features of the city helping to improve access to safe vibrant and healthy communities
As a result of this development and recent state legislation that strongly incentivizes growth in Camden these trends are anticipated to continue and accelerate Roosevelt Plaza Park sits at the crossroads of this existing and planned development and is the only large public central open space in the downtown
27The Downtown Institutional Plan
DE
LA
WA
RE
R
IV
ER
CO
OP
ER
RIV
ER
PROPOSED BUILDINGS PHASE2Further development from Rutgers University-Camden and the
Campbell Soup Co will take place in a second ancillary phase of the institutional expansion Concurrent to the second phase of institutional development is development catalyzed by the Economic Opportunity Act (EOA) Highlighted below are the most viable parcels for investment in the Downtown
Proposed Buildings Phase 2 Existing Campuses Development Opportunities Phase 1 Development Opportunities Phase 2 Potential Development Parcels unlocked by Economic Opportunity Act
Above A map from the recent Downtown Institutional Plan identifies high priority development opportunities that neighbor on Roosevelt Plaza Park
RPP
6
ldquoThe plazarsquos urban-architectural design lays out a master plan for the surrounding streets and building blocks to create an ldquourban roomrdquo that framed by dense mixed-use redevelopment will plant the seed for the downtownrsquos return to relevance and vitalityrdquo
-2012 Roosevelt Plaza Park Plan from WRT
BIG PLANS FOR RPP
Prior to the demolition of the Parkade parking garage in 2012 the Camden Redevelopment Agency commissioned a plan to conceptualize the new plaza The plan (which is pictured to the left) included visionary capital elements like a new landmark headhouse to invite PATCO riders into the station bio-infiltration gardens and green stormwater management and amenities to activate the public space Using this vision as a framework the first phase towards reclaiming Roosevelt Plaza as a public park included adding basic improvements and amenities to make the space more welcoming
7
Above The existing park has ample green lawns several young trees fixed benches trash receptacles bike racks pedestrian scale lighting pedestrian safety features like bollards and open flat paved areas to accommodate events The park also lacks a sense of scale and a memorable image
RPP TODAY
As a safe well-lit and well-maintained park Roosevelt Plaza Park is a beautiful but largely underused civic space in the city Prior to the pop-up park the space lacked the elements that attracted people and created a unique identity
Given the parkrsquos location approximately 27000 people walk by each day This critical mass of people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds has the potential if engaged to stimulate Roosevelt Plaza Park with the vital social capital needed to revitalize Camdenrsquos urban core
8
pop-up improvements
PROJECT BRIEF PROGRAM AND BUDGET
The design team was commissioned to provide design and planning services for temporary placemaking efforts at Roosevelt Plaza Park The project required first identifying the needs of park users and then designing temporary and movable elements for the park These elements were also utilized to inform the creation of this comprehensive document which will help guide future improvements for the central public space
While the infrastructure of Roosevelt Plaza Park had been recently upgraded the park was underused and lacked a strong sense of place Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnershiprsquos vision for the development of the park was inspired by examples of new active public spaces in other post-industrial centers that developed by taking small iterative and temporary steps To provide an informative pop-up the design team sought to implement low cost high impact amenities to make Roosevelt Plaza Park a central destination for bikers pedestrians residents and employees
POP-UP IMPROVEMENTS
A pop-up calls for elements that are easy to deploy
10
Above Corona Plaza in Queens theuniprojectorg
Left A temporary holiday light art installation at Discovery Green in Houston discoverygreencom
Pop-Up cafe at the Battersea in London londontheinsidecom PHS Pop-Up beer garden in Philadelphia phillycom Sunset Triangle in LA pricetagswordpress
Food Trucks at The Porch at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia uwishunucom
11
PIANO HOUSE
PLANTER GROVE
QUAD LAWN
PICNIC DINING
TOTES VERANDA
PATIO GLIDER lsquoVERANDArsquo
ADIRONDACK LAWN SEATING
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
TO CAMDEN CITY HALL
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING
INFO TOTE
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS
CUSTOM PLANTERS
TOTE PLANTERS
INTERACTIVE GATEWAY
INTERACTIVE LIGHT TOWERS
SHADE STRUCTURE
PICNIC TABLES WITH UMBRELLAS
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS40 FEET20100 5 N
The site plan above shows a variety of diverse spaces meant to test user preferences
12
PIANO HOUSE
PLANTER GROVE
QUAD LAWN
PICNIC DINING
TOTES VERANDA
PATIO GLIDER lsquoVERANDArsquo
ADIRONDACK LAWN SEATING
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
TO CAMDEN CITY HALL
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING
INFO TOTE
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS
CUSTOM PLANTERS
TOTE PLANTERS
INTERACTIVE GATEWAY
INTERACTIVE LIGHT TOWERS
SHADE STRUCTURE
PICNIC TABLES WITH UMBRELLAS
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS40 FEET20100 5 N
P L A Z A P A R KROOSEVELT
DESIGN CONCEPT
The goal of the pop-up park was to create a lively unique and varied design to engage users in experimental improvements Chosen elements aimed to aid in the exploration of what might support and drive the Camden community to embrace the park
The design included amenities that were missing in the nearby public space a shade structure umbrellas trees and flowers a variety of comfortable seating tables and places to sit down and eat Interactive lighting movable furniture a feedback box with feedback postcards informational signage and a free-expression chalkboard were employed in the design to involve users in the experiment
An eye-catching central shade structure (the Totes Veranda) high design standard and bright modern color palette helped to define the pop-up image and attract people into the space To be successful the pop-up needed to feel inviting and distinguished
THE RIGHT FEEL
In the design phase mood boards helped identify the desired atmosphere of the pop-up optimistic urban sophisticated and approachable
RPP
13
Vintage postcards showing a shining Camden downtown provided inspiration for the pop-up
Motion sensors activate colored lights in an
early prototype of the interaction for ldquoBlue
Hourrdquo by New American Public Art
CAMDEN INSPIRATION
To achieve a design that spoke to present day Camden residents the design team searched for local inspiration The pop-up is aesthetically influenced by the wide array of buildings downtown many excellent examples of the architectural styles of the 19th and early 20th centuries and by the diverse downtown community of businesses residents and institutional uses In our approach we emulated the romantic optimism of the original New Deal-era park that once existed on the site And we were impressed to discover that industry is still alive and well in Camden which drove the team to explore locally sourced materials
The team visited several recycling businesses in Camden exploring what items might be creatively re-purposed from their intended uses and what might even be recovered from the waste-stream Several types of containers are collected cleaned processed refurbished recycled into component materials and resold nation-wide from these Camden businesses
For the purposes of the pop-up park the design team gravitated towards IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) totes which are roughly 4rsquo cubes that are used to transport liquids The galvanized-steel grid cages of the totes reflect the art deco architecture of City Hall and the plastic insert lsquobottlesrsquo diffuse light beautifully
14
BEING RESOURCEFUL
Through a little creative re-working different types of IBC totes became planters signage foundations and lighted towers Where creating a foundation suitable to support shade sails in very windy conditions would have been cost-prohibitive the totes provided opportunity to build a bespoke structure The 33-tote structure included an interactive lighting experience created by New American Public Art called ldquoBlue Hourrdquo The artists modified the totes with LED lighting and motion sensors
THE COMPONENTS OF THE EXPERIMENT
15
Triggered by people moving through the park the color change is reminiscent of the light the hour after sunset and the glow from a hearth It reminds visitors of the warmth that can be felt by being in the presence of others and feeling the glow of sharing in community
A KIT OF PARTS
Above from left to right and top to bottom IBC Tote from Camden (refurbished) $160 Patio Glider Set $1050 Patio Umbrella (with 70 lb steel base) $200 Plastic Adirondack Chair $15 Iconic Metal Folding Chair $75 Resin Side Chair $80 36rdquo Table $225 Unfinished Picnic Table $95 Locking Mailbox for Feedback Postcards $40
As a testing ground for ideas the pop-up needed to explore and push some boundaries The ephemeral nature of temporary improvements allowed for unconventional materials such as using IBC totes as building blocks for structures lighting and planters Furnishings were selected to provide variety and maximize seating type options This made it possible to observe what kinds of seating park users preferred
The team scoured local stores for furnishings and used several well-known online discount retailers to find items with the right look at the right price point With the exception of the Fermob folding bistro chair (which is widely used in public spaces internationally) many of the main park elements came from alternative sources some of which worked better than others
The durable orange chairs and gray cafe tables that were used in The Grove came from BizChaircom and they performed very well The popular blue Adirondacks were by far the best value and were bought directly from Adams Manufacturing The patio gliders came from theSimpleStorescom and had to be returned more than once because they arrived damaged Hayneedlecom was the easiest supplier to work with as the website provides special services for business accounts The residential umbrellas proved to not be durable enough for the windy site In future pop-ups commercial-grade umbrellas would be a worth-while investment We found that 70 lb steel umbrella bases were sufficient for the 8rsquo umbrellas
18
TEMPORARY GREENING
Planters provided the pop-up with color and movement The plants were installed at the end of the New Jersey growing season so the designers choose a variety of species that look just as good in the fall and winter as they do in the spring Perennials (flowering plants that will come back again in the spring) along with trees and shrubs lent the space additional structure and interest A handful of annuals added pops of seasonal color
Top Left The Weeping Willow Trees and Crape Myrtle Trees planted in The Grove both have nice fall color and decorative bark for winter interest Below Perennials like Cone Flower and Little Bunny Grass were interspersed between dwarf willows and evergreen shrubs
BUILDING BLOCKS
IBC totes from two Camden recycling businesses were delivered to a warehouse about two blocks away from Roosevelt Plaza Park where they were staged and modified prior to installation Artists installed lights motion sensors wiring and timers in 25 of the totes for the art piece ldquoBlue Hourrdquo To make planters out of 14 of the totes the plastic insert ldquobottlesrdquo were cut with a circular saw
To install the totes Camden Special Services District ambassadors moved the totes to the park using a truck with a lift-gate and a hand-operated pallet jack An all-metal ldquosardine-canrdquo style tote at the base of each tote tower was filled with sand to create a solid foundation for the structure Using a fork-lift the totes were stacked on top of one another then each stack was placed onto the metal foundation tote The towers were then leveled with shims of painted pressure-treated lumber The towers were fastened together with 8 chain-link fence clamps per level Using ladders Department of Public Works employees set up the electrical wiring between towers and fastened the shade sails to the structure
20
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
When options for planters and sheltering for the piano were found to be unavailable within budget the team commissioned some clever custom-built elements that were made from basic lumber and common corrugated metal sheeting An aluminum-core sign with an outdoor brochure box and wall-mounted mailbox was mounted to a tote in the center of the park This simple set-up was found to be an effective tool for collecting feedback in the park
21
22
POP OF COLOR
Site furniture provided the opportunity to bring color into the park The bright hues helped to give each space an identity and certainly contributed to a positive and optimistic image for the pop-up While speaking at the press conference for the pop-up opening Camden Mayor Dana L Redd noted that now the park ldquopops with colorrdquo
23
ELECTRIFY THE NIGHT
At night when the park is still the totes structure glows a cool blue but when people move through the space their motion activates the lighting causing the lights to warm into a soft orange tone
study findings
ITERATIVE PLACEMAKING
Roosevelt Plaza Park was unique in that its simple inexpensive amenities test-drove public space improvements to see what did and didnrsquot work before implementing either another round of pop-up interventions or more substantial capital improvements This strategy referred to as ldquoiterative placemakingrdquo has the benefit of producing a public space that is bold innovative and responds directly to the user as the ephemeral nature of the improvements takes the risk out of traditional capital-intensive park projects
To analyze the use of Roosevelt Plaza Park and to inform recommendations for future interventions the team of Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnership Group Melvin Design and Sikora Wells Appel devised a unique methodology that used both qualitative and quantitative data to analyze the site The initial methodology was inspired by noted urbanist and public space researcher William Whytersquos seminal ldquoThe Social Life of Small Urban Spacesrdquo relying primarily on time-lapse photography and observations to analyze the site from above and at a distance Yet after the pop-up interventions were constructed the team realized that the initial methodology treated the park more like a petri dish than a public space This conclusion led to the refinement of the methodology to ensure not just the quantitative but the qualitative human story of the park was captured
STUDY METHODOLOGY
in 5 months the team collected
500+hours of timelapse
footage
124visitor surveys amp
feedback postcards submitted
121mapping surveys
completed
3818park users and
activities mapped
26
Data collection methoDology
For the teamrsquos analysis of Roosevelt Plaza Park the team recognized that the study had to tell a story through both quantitative data and qualitative observations and user feedback To accomplish this a multi-pronged strategy was devised that used several different tools to analyze the site
time-lapse photography
The initial methodology relied primarily on time-lapse photography to capture user movement activities and interactions in the space The team quickly found that William Whytersquos primary disclaimer of this technique that recording the film is easy and that evaluation is the hard part was as true using modern equipment in the 21st century as it was for Whyte in the 1970rsquos However while there were limitations to what could be observed using time-lapse photography it was a valuable tool for seeing that which is invisible to the human eye in real-time The ability to capture imagery of the entire site all-at-once and play back video of park users at hyper-speed allowed the team to observe patterns of movement usage throughout the day and patterns influenced by environmental conditions that would have otherwise been invisible And while the time-lapse photography was limited when mounted from a site-wide vantage point in the windows of City Hall our team recorded additional video with cameras mounted directly in the park in order to make more direct activity-focused area-specific observations Throughout this process both the Mayorrsquos Office and the Camden County Administration Offices were incredibly generous with their window-space by allowing the team to mount our cameras from their offices
To watch timelapse footage visit httptinyurlcomRPPtimelapse
27
Mapping Surveys
Roosevelt Plaza Park is cleaned and maintained by the Camden Special Services District (CSSD) who staffed the pop-up with an employee throughout the week with more limited hours on weekends Time-lapse photography is limited in its ability to see the close-up and personal and so the design team met with CSSD staff to get their help in filling out on-the-ground mapping surveys of user activity at the park While the survey was limited by the hours during the day that CSSD staff worked the CSSD did an exceptional job of capturing data that recorded the type of user location and what they were doing at the park This data was coded in digital maps produced by the design team that allowed for the exploration of a number of different variables and conditions observed in more than 50 mapping surveys
Visitor Surveys
In addition to the mapping surveys CSSD staff also helped to complete visitor surveys that recorded additional information about users that would have not been obtained through observation Initially the survey was only provided through an online survey platform but the team realized that an online survey was not the right platform for effectively reaching the constituency that uses the park Revising the strategy a paper copy of the survey was produced that CSSD staff helped distribute to more than 50 park visitors
28
Feedback Postcards
One of the most successful tools for obtaining user feedback was the custom feedback postcard tool developed by the design team Mounted on a central planted tote within the park this tool consisted of four simple elements a set of colorful pop-up park postcards with two questions on the back pens a mailbox and explanatory signage The postcard sought to find out what people liked most about the pop-up interventions and what they would like to see in the future The team received more than 70 postcards and with several more hopefully taken as souvenirs by park users - a covert way for the design team to spread the word about the park
29
PUBLIC CHALKBOARDSTo collect feedback on park usersrsquo hopes and dreams for the space two community chalkboards were installed at the pop-up The first was mounted to the back of the piano and the second chalkboard was installed in front of the park and served as a place for people to contribute their drawings hopes and names to the space
30
POP-UP STORIESPerhaps the most powerful qualitative feedback the design team collected was through a series of testimonial interviews conducted with park users which the design team turned into mini-documentaries dubbed ldquoPop-Up Storiesrdquo Speaking one-on-one with park users the design team was inspired to record and create mini-documentaries detailing the stories of several different park users This work most accurately captured the human impact of Roosevelt Plaza Park which the team found to be extremely powerful given the many decades of decline and disinvestment experienced by the City of Camden and its residents
31
the tote veranda the grove
the lawn
picnic tables
32
The park interventions while interrelated created a variety of different spaces in order to test user preferences and patterns at the pop-up What follows is a discussion and analysis of the teamrsquos observations of each of the ldquooutdoor roomsrdquo
THE GROVEPerhaps the most defined of the lsquooutdoor roomsrsquo the Grove was bordered by custom-design corrugated planter boxes the outdoor piano and sprinkled with IBC tote planters Our mapping survey showed that this area was a popular draw for a lunch-time crowd and the wider tables were successful in accommodating and encouraging groups of up to four people per table with visitors spending anywhere between 10-45 minutes on average at a table
A review of timelapse photography mounted on a nearby IBC Tote reveals some of the rhythms of the Grove Groups of people congregate at all times of the day but itrsquos shortly after noon when this area is at its peak and when lunch-time crowds fill nearly all the available tables with takeout food purchased from local restaurants Also notable is the diversity of this group consisting of professionals students and everyday residents
INTERVENTION AREAS
picnic tables
33
THE PIANOOne of the most loved features of the Grove was undoubtedly the outdoor piano which immediately attracted pianists dancers and conversation from the moment it was installed The addition of the piano was inspired jointly by the rich musical history of the City and the diverse population that occupied the park and its surroundings We thought ndash ldquowhat interactive design element could transcend social class race even languagerdquo The answer we came up with was to do something with music We hoped that the addition of an outdoor piano would encourage the diverse group of park users (eg the homeless clinic patients students professionals judges etc) to stop play a tune and interact In this sense the piano was a major success
Consider one mid-September afternoon at the piano Over the course of these four hours on a sunny September day we observed two primary pianists one a clinic patient and one a local minister who played for extended periods of 1-2 hours Both talented musicians their playing attracted over 20 other individuals which included a mix of professionals people eating lunch local residents other clinic patients and several other curious pianists to the site The most common sight to see were groups of 2-4 individuals spontaneously interacting with each other and the pianist A resident remarked to us that the piano allowed people of any stripe to step outside of their normal element and to be looked at not by how they dressed or talked but by what they could do and what they were capable of
34
ldquoEste parque me trae alegriacutea y amor hellip para mostrarle a estas personas aquiacute que estaacuten con cosas difiacutecilesmdashcomo las drogas Para mi con mi instrumento un piano les ensentildeoacute amorhellip Yo veo como ellos buscan el amor y el apoyo de otras personas El privilegio para mi vida es llenar con voces muacutesica la ciudad de aquiacute Camden helliprdquo- Junior Osvaldo Cruz
english translationldquoThis park brings me joy and love to show these people here who are going through difficult things-like drugs For me with my instrument the piano I can show them love I see how they seek love and support from others My lifersquos privilege is to fill this city Camden with music and voices ldquo
If viewing on a PDF click here to hear a sample of the outdoor piano being played
Junior Osvaldo Cruz brought music and joy to the pop-up park no matter the season
35
4276221
THE LAWNWhile not a lsquodesignedrsquo space our analysis found that the lawn is an area with potential for future interventions with a very light touch At 75000 square feet most of which is well-maintained largely unobstructed lawn Roosevelt Plaza Park is one of the largest usable green spaces in the City and arguably its most accessible sitting at the nexus of several commercial corridors transit lines and easily accessed on foot or by bicycle
Our team observed that the pop-up helped spur unplanned organic use of the lawn spaces which had not been occurring prior to the interventions Basking in the sun on an Adirondack chair a game of Frisbee outdoor Tai Chi and a gentleman called ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo who regularly showed up teach children and spread the joy of flying kites were some of the most notable people and activities that took advantage of the lawnrsquos uniquely wide open spaces and expansive views of City Hall
Though the design focused on the north west portion of the lawn by defining that space with the pop-up elements observation showed that the open lawn spaces south of the Tote Veranda was popular for active uses such as kite-flying and Frisbee The small strip of lawn defined by trees at the north east was the most popular area for lounging on the lawn
ldquoKites is what really brings me here because this brings families together - children to the old they all fly they all have fun This builds your self-esteem because when you flying it you feel so good about your accomplishments this is something yoursquore doing A kid two years old was just flying a kite Donrsquot say you canrsquot do it you can do anything you put your mind tordquo- Kevin the Kiteman
36
To watch Kevin the Kitemanrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPkevin
ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo shows a group of Camden youth how to fly a kite
37
THE PICNIC TABLESThe Picnic Tables were popular for sitting chatting and for having a meal at lunchtime Set up as a communal table along Market Street the location was intended to engage passersby and customers of the restaurants along Market Street In designing this space we wanted to test the viability of outdoor dining along this burgeoning restaurant corridor The consistent use of the tables proved this amenity is in-demand among daily park users While the picnic tables did provide a comfortable place to sit and while people did eat meals there the space could have been enhanced through the principle of triangulation further detailed later in this report As an arrangement of elements this space was not multi-dimensional in nature and could be enlivened in future iterations through the addition of other complementary elements (a food vendor for example) to create a better sense of place Intensive improvements here will interface with an existing demand making investment at the Market Street edge of the park a high-impact improvement
38
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
PROJECT SUMMARY
In 2014 Roosevelt Plaza Park in downtown Camden was the site of a new Pop-Up Park From August to December 2014 the pop-up brought flexible seating shade flowers public art and conversation starters to the doorstep of Camden City Hall Camdenrsquos central civic space Roosevelt Plaza Park was reopened in 2012 for public use after the demolition of a parking garage The pop-up sought to enliven the existing park and encourage residents employees students and visitors to spend time outside in Camden
Pop-up parks use simple inexpensive elements to enhance public spaces This strategy allows the public to test-drive public space improvements to see what works and what doesnrsquot before implementing either another round of pop-up interventions or more substantial capital improvements This strategy referred to commonly as ldquoiterative placemakingrdquo has the benefit of producing a public space that is bold innovative and responds directly to the user as the ephemeral nature of the improvements takes the risk out of traditional capital-intensive park projects
Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnership initiated the temporary improvement project in May 2014 to explore possibilities for the new but underutilized public space The design team was tasked with creating an impactful statement in the short term then using information gathered from the temporary improvements to identify guiding principles and make recommendations for future design interventions The project was designed and installed over a period of three months Funded by a grant from the William Penn Foundation
Key building blocks of the design were IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) totes These 4 foot plastic and metal cubes are reusable industrial containers utilized for the transport and storage of liquids Many businesses throughout Camden work with them either cleaning and reselling them or using them as shipping containers The totes at RPP all from Camden were transformed into a shade structure planters an info kiosk and a piano house as well as a display for public art
New American Public Art was contracted to create an interactive lighting installation for the pop-up The piece called lsquoBlue Hourrsquo used RGB LED lighting and infrared sensors to detect movement within the park triggering the lights to fade from cool blue to soft orange when people passed close by After dark the totes became a colorful interactive experience
Using time-lapse photography the design team recorded how users interact with the space Data collection continued for the remainder of the year to see which elements of the park worked best and which could be improved Findings were analyzed summarized and packaged into this report which will go on to guide future park improvements
Through December visitors to the RPP pop-up grew accustomed to a host of popular amenities a roof of bright yellow umbrellas familiar rhythms plucked out on the piano bright blue Adirondack chairs dotting the lawn and the constant sway of patio gliders For downtown Camden the pop-up was an entirely new type of public space meant as an experiment to guide future public space investment To date the pop-up is having notable impacts on improving the quality of life needed to build a more vibrant and beautiful downtown Camden
ROOSEVELT PLAZA POP-UP PARK
ldquoThis pocket park stands as a testament to what all Camden parks can look like and what the future holds for Camdenrsquos public spacesrdquo- Mayor Dana L Redd
PURPOSE OF THIS REPORT
The purpose of this report is to summarize the project and research findings of the pop-up park to suggest other future short-term and long-term improvements The information gleaned from the initial pop-up improvements will serve as the foundation for building a programming and capital upgrades plan to improve the aesthetic and brand of RPP while also improving the image of and quality of life in Downtown Camden
Above As seen from the windows of City Hall the 2014 Pop-Up provided shade and a pop of color for the downtown community
Amenities like this werenrsquot previously available in the area
3
THE EXISTING PARKPARK HISTORY
Roosevelt Plaza Park is a central open space in downtown Camden located at the crossroads of three major business corridors and at the doorstep of City Hall The historic 75000 square foot park originally constructed during the New Dealreopened in June 2012 after the demolition of the Parkade Building a mixed-use parking garage suffering from severe structural deterioration Owned by the City of Camden the planning and redesign of the park was overseen by the Camden Redevelopment Agency In 2012 the CRA awarded the Camden Special Services District (CSSD) Camdenrsquos business improvement district a lease of the property which included responsibility to maintain improve and program the park
While the restored Roosevelt Plaza Park reintroduced a central open space to Camdenrsquos downtown a lack of park amenities has resulted in a public space that people walk ldquothroughrdquo rather than ldquotordquo Inspired by examples of successful ldquopop-uprdquo interventions in other public spaces including the Porch at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia Corona Plaza in Queens NY and Discovery Green in Houston TX Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnership and the CSSD sought to implement low-cost high-impact amenities to make Roosevelt Plaza Park a unique destination for residents employees bikers and pedestrians in the City of Camden
Above Roosevelt Plaza Park was histori-cally the most significant public space in Camden
Left The Parkade Parking Garage demolished in 2012 once occupied the Roosevelt Plaza Park site
4
Above Roosevelt Plaza Park was re-opened to the public in 2012 but lacked the amenities that would make it a destination
5
ADJACENT DEVELOPMENT
Strategic investment in Camdenrsquos public realm could not come at a more opportune time After decades of decline the Cityrsquos downtown has enjoyed a recent surge of private and public investment As Camdenrsquos mixed-use waterfront district continues to evolve and grow the Cityrsquos anchor institutions including Rutgers University-Camden Rowan University Cooper University Hospital and the Cooper Medical School at Rowan University collectively undertook a planning process for long-term downtown institutional development and in the past two years have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in construction
The implementation of the Connect the Lots project is occurring at a critical juncture in Camdenrsquos revitalization efforts With a new Camden County Metro police force and economic incentives provided by the Economic Opportunity Act a reduction in crime has led to increased investment community will and optimism Over the past year shootings in the city have decreased by almost 50 percent Camdenrsquos first new supermarket in 50 years opened over 5 miles of new multi-use trails that lead to parks and central destinations have been added to the cityrsquos Camden GreenWay trail network and the City has embarked on an ambitious plan to demolish 600 abandoned homes These hallmarks provided the support needed to successfully plan and implement open space projects that encourage residents to spend time outside in the city The continued activation of underused areas will ensure that neighborhood spaces in between direct investment are not overlooked in the redevelopment process It is hoped that the ephemeral nature of the Roosevelt Plaza Park Pop-Up Park will raise awareness of the importance of translating these reimagined spaces into permanent features of the city helping to improve access to safe vibrant and healthy communities
As a result of this development and recent state legislation that strongly incentivizes growth in Camden these trends are anticipated to continue and accelerate Roosevelt Plaza Park sits at the crossroads of this existing and planned development and is the only large public central open space in the downtown
27The Downtown Institutional Plan
DE
LA
WA
RE
R
IV
ER
CO
OP
ER
RIV
ER
PROPOSED BUILDINGS PHASE2Further development from Rutgers University-Camden and the
Campbell Soup Co will take place in a second ancillary phase of the institutional expansion Concurrent to the second phase of institutional development is development catalyzed by the Economic Opportunity Act (EOA) Highlighted below are the most viable parcels for investment in the Downtown
Proposed Buildings Phase 2 Existing Campuses Development Opportunities Phase 1 Development Opportunities Phase 2 Potential Development Parcels unlocked by Economic Opportunity Act
Above A map from the recent Downtown Institutional Plan identifies high priority development opportunities that neighbor on Roosevelt Plaza Park
RPP
6
ldquoThe plazarsquos urban-architectural design lays out a master plan for the surrounding streets and building blocks to create an ldquourban roomrdquo that framed by dense mixed-use redevelopment will plant the seed for the downtownrsquos return to relevance and vitalityrdquo
-2012 Roosevelt Plaza Park Plan from WRT
BIG PLANS FOR RPP
Prior to the demolition of the Parkade parking garage in 2012 the Camden Redevelopment Agency commissioned a plan to conceptualize the new plaza The plan (which is pictured to the left) included visionary capital elements like a new landmark headhouse to invite PATCO riders into the station bio-infiltration gardens and green stormwater management and amenities to activate the public space Using this vision as a framework the first phase towards reclaiming Roosevelt Plaza as a public park included adding basic improvements and amenities to make the space more welcoming
7
Above The existing park has ample green lawns several young trees fixed benches trash receptacles bike racks pedestrian scale lighting pedestrian safety features like bollards and open flat paved areas to accommodate events The park also lacks a sense of scale and a memorable image
RPP TODAY
As a safe well-lit and well-maintained park Roosevelt Plaza Park is a beautiful but largely underused civic space in the city Prior to the pop-up park the space lacked the elements that attracted people and created a unique identity
Given the parkrsquos location approximately 27000 people walk by each day This critical mass of people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds has the potential if engaged to stimulate Roosevelt Plaza Park with the vital social capital needed to revitalize Camdenrsquos urban core
8
pop-up improvements
PROJECT BRIEF PROGRAM AND BUDGET
The design team was commissioned to provide design and planning services for temporary placemaking efforts at Roosevelt Plaza Park The project required first identifying the needs of park users and then designing temporary and movable elements for the park These elements were also utilized to inform the creation of this comprehensive document which will help guide future improvements for the central public space
While the infrastructure of Roosevelt Plaza Park had been recently upgraded the park was underused and lacked a strong sense of place Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnershiprsquos vision for the development of the park was inspired by examples of new active public spaces in other post-industrial centers that developed by taking small iterative and temporary steps To provide an informative pop-up the design team sought to implement low cost high impact amenities to make Roosevelt Plaza Park a central destination for bikers pedestrians residents and employees
POP-UP IMPROVEMENTS
A pop-up calls for elements that are easy to deploy
10
Above Corona Plaza in Queens theuniprojectorg
Left A temporary holiday light art installation at Discovery Green in Houston discoverygreencom
Pop-Up cafe at the Battersea in London londontheinsidecom PHS Pop-Up beer garden in Philadelphia phillycom Sunset Triangle in LA pricetagswordpress
Food Trucks at The Porch at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia uwishunucom
11
PIANO HOUSE
PLANTER GROVE
QUAD LAWN
PICNIC DINING
TOTES VERANDA
PATIO GLIDER lsquoVERANDArsquo
ADIRONDACK LAWN SEATING
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
TO CAMDEN CITY HALL
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING
INFO TOTE
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS
CUSTOM PLANTERS
TOTE PLANTERS
INTERACTIVE GATEWAY
INTERACTIVE LIGHT TOWERS
SHADE STRUCTURE
PICNIC TABLES WITH UMBRELLAS
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS40 FEET20100 5 N
The site plan above shows a variety of diverse spaces meant to test user preferences
12
PIANO HOUSE
PLANTER GROVE
QUAD LAWN
PICNIC DINING
TOTES VERANDA
PATIO GLIDER lsquoVERANDArsquo
ADIRONDACK LAWN SEATING
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
TO CAMDEN CITY HALL
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING
INFO TOTE
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS
CUSTOM PLANTERS
TOTE PLANTERS
INTERACTIVE GATEWAY
INTERACTIVE LIGHT TOWERS
SHADE STRUCTURE
PICNIC TABLES WITH UMBRELLAS
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS40 FEET20100 5 N
P L A Z A P A R KROOSEVELT
DESIGN CONCEPT
The goal of the pop-up park was to create a lively unique and varied design to engage users in experimental improvements Chosen elements aimed to aid in the exploration of what might support and drive the Camden community to embrace the park
The design included amenities that were missing in the nearby public space a shade structure umbrellas trees and flowers a variety of comfortable seating tables and places to sit down and eat Interactive lighting movable furniture a feedback box with feedback postcards informational signage and a free-expression chalkboard were employed in the design to involve users in the experiment
An eye-catching central shade structure (the Totes Veranda) high design standard and bright modern color palette helped to define the pop-up image and attract people into the space To be successful the pop-up needed to feel inviting and distinguished
THE RIGHT FEEL
In the design phase mood boards helped identify the desired atmosphere of the pop-up optimistic urban sophisticated and approachable
RPP
13
Vintage postcards showing a shining Camden downtown provided inspiration for the pop-up
Motion sensors activate colored lights in an
early prototype of the interaction for ldquoBlue
Hourrdquo by New American Public Art
CAMDEN INSPIRATION
To achieve a design that spoke to present day Camden residents the design team searched for local inspiration The pop-up is aesthetically influenced by the wide array of buildings downtown many excellent examples of the architectural styles of the 19th and early 20th centuries and by the diverse downtown community of businesses residents and institutional uses In our approach we emulated the romantic optimism of the original New Deal-era park that once existed on the site And we were impressed to discover that industry is still alive and well in Camden which drove the team to explore locally sourced materials
The team visited several recycling businesses in Camden exploring what items might be creatively re-purposed from their intended uses and what might even be recovered from the waste-stream Several types of containers are collected cleaned processed refurbished recycled into component materials and resold nation-wide from these Camden businesses
For the purposes of the pop-up park the design team gravitated towards IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) totes which are roughly 4rsquo cubes that are used to transport liquids The galvanized-steel grid cages of the totes reflect the art deco architecture of City Hall and the plastic insert lsquobottlesrsquo diffuse light beautifully
14
BEING RESOURCEFUL
Through a little creative re-working different types of IBC totes became planters signage foundations and lighted towers Where creating a foundation suitable to support shade sails in very windy conditions would have been cost-prohibitive the totes provided opportunity to build a bespoke structure The 33-tote structure included an interactive lighting experience created by New American Public Art called ldquoBlue Hourrdquo The artists modified the totes with LED lighting and motion sensors
THE COMPONENTS OF THE EXPERIMENT
15
Triggered by people moving through the park the color change is reminiscent of the light the hour after sunset and the glow from a hearth It reminds visitors of the warmth that can be felt by being in the presence of others and feeling the glow of sharing in community
A KIT OF PARTS
Above from left to right and top to bottom IBC Tote from Camden (refurbished) $160 Patio Glider Set $1050 Patio Umbrella (with 70 lb steel base) $200 Plastic Adirondack Chair $15 Iconic Metal Folding Chair $75 Resin Side Chair $80 36rdquo Table $225 Unfinished Picnic Table $95 Locking Mailbox for Feedback Postcards $40
As a testing ground for ideas the pop-up needed to explore and push some boundaries The ephemeral nature of temporary improvements allowed for unconventional materials such as using IBC totes as building blocks for structures lighting and planters Furnishings were selected to provide variety and maximize seating type options This made it possible to observe what kinds of seating park users preferred
The team scoured local stores for furnishings and used several well-known online discount retailers to find items with the right look at the right price point With the exception of the Fermob folding bistro chair (which is widely used in public spaces internationally) many of the main park elements came from alternative sources some of which worked better than others
The durable orange chairs and gray cafe tables that were used in The Grove came from BizChaircom and they performed very well The popular blue Adirondacks were by far the best value and were bought directly from Adams Manufacturing The patio gliders came from theSimpleStorescom and had to be returned more than once because they arrived damaged Hayneedlecom was the easiest supplier to work with as the website provides special services for business accounts The residential umbrellas proved to not be durable enough for the windy site In future pop-ups commercial-grade umbrellas would be a worth-while investment We found that 70 lb steel umbrella bases were sufficient for the 8rsquo umbrellas
18
TEMPORARY GREENING
Planters provided the pop-up with color and movement The plants were installed at the end of the New Jersey growing season so the designers choose a variety of species that look just as good in the fall and winter as they do in the spring Perennials (flowering plants that will come back again in the spring) along with trees and shrubs lent the space additional structure and interest A handful of annuals added pops of seasonal color
Top Left The Weeping Willow Trees and Crape Myrtle Trees planted in The Grove both have nice fall color and decorative bark for winter interest Below Perennials like Cone Flower and Little Bunny Grass were interspersed between dwarf willows and evergreen shrubs
BUILDING BLOCKS
IBC totes from two Camden recycling businesses were delivered to a warehouse about two blocks away from Roosevelt Plaza Park where they were staged and modified prior to installation Artists installed lights motion sensors wiring and timers in 25 of the totes for the art piece ldquoBlue Hourrdquo To make planters out of 14 of the totes the plastic insert ldquobottlesrdquo were cut with a circular saw
To install the totes Camden Special Services District ambassadors moved the totes to the park using a truck with a lift-gate and a hand-operated pallet jack An all-metal ldquosardine-canrdquo style tote at the base of each tote tower was filled with sand to create a solid foundation for the structure Using a fork-lift the totes were stacked on top of one another then each stack was placed onto the metal foundation tote The towers were then leveled with shims of painted pressure-treated lumber The towers were fastened together with 8 chain-link fence clamps per level Using ladders Department of Public Works employees set up the electrical wiring between towers and fastened the shade sails to the structure
20
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
When options for planters and sheltering for the piano were found to be unavailable within budget the team commissioned some clever custom-built elements that were made from basic lumber and common corrugated metal sheeting An aluminum-core sign with an outdoor brochure box and wall-mounted mailbox was mounted to a tote in the center of the park This simple set-up was found to be an effective tool for collecting feedback in the park
21
22
POP OF COLOR
Site furniture provided the opportunity to bring color into the park The bright hues helped to give each space an identity and certainly contributed to a positive and optimistic image for the pop-up While speaking at the press conference for the pop-up opening Camden Mayor Dana L Redd noted that now the park ldquopops with colorrdquo
23
ELECTRIFY THE NIGHT
At night when the park is still the totes structure glows a cool blue but when people move through the space their motion activates the lighting causing the lights to warm into a soft orange tone
study findings
ITERATIVE PLACEMAKING
Roosevelt Plaza Park was unique in that its simple inexpensive amenities test-drove public space improvements to see what did and didnrsquot work before implementing either another round of pop-up interventions or more substantial capital improvements This strategy referred to as ldquoiterative placemakingrdquo has the benefit of producing a public space that is bold innovative and responds directly to the user as the ephemeral nature of the improvements takes the risk out of traditional capital-intensive park projects
To analyze the use of Roosevelt Plaza Park and to inform recommendations for future interventions the team of Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnership Group Melvin Design and Sikora Wells Appel devised a unique methodology that used both qualitative and quantitative data to analyze the site The initial methodology was inspired by noted urbanist and public space researcher William Whytersquos seminal ldquoThe Social Life of Small Urban Spacesrdquo relying primarily on time-lapse photography and observations to analyze the site from above and at a distance Yet after the pop-up interventions were constructed the team realized that the initial methodology treated the park more like a petri dish than a public space This conclusion led to the refinement of the methodology to ensure not just the quantitative but the qualitative human story of the park was captured
STUDY METHODOLOGY
in 5 months the team collected
500+hours of timelapse
footage
124visitor surveys amp
feedback postcards submitted
121mapping surveys
completed
3818park users and
activities mapped
26
Data collection methoDology
For the teamrsquos analysis of Roosevelt Plaza Park the team recognized that the study had to tell a story through both quantitative data and qualitative observations and user feedback To accomplish this a multi-pronged strategy was devised that used several different tools to analyze the site
time-lapse photography
The initial methodology relied primarily on time-lapse photography to capture user movement activities and interactions in the space The team quickly found that William Whytersquos primary disclaimer of this technique that recording the film is easy and that evaluation is the hard part was as true using modern equipment in the 21st century as it was for Whyte in the 1970rsquos However while there were limitations to what could be observed using time-lapse photography it was a valuable tool for seeing that which is invisible to the human eye in real-time The ability to capture imagery of the entire site all-at-once and play back video of park users at hyper-speed allowed the team to observe patterns of movement usage throughout the day and patterns influenced by environmental conditions that would have otherwise been invisible And while the time-lapse photography was limited when mounted from a site-wide vantage point in the windows of City Hall our team recorded additional video with cameras mounted directly in the park in order to make more direct activity-focused area-specific observations Throughout this process both the Mayorrsquos Office and the Camden County Administration Offices were incredibly generous with their window-space by allowing the team to mount our cameras from their offices
To watch timelapse footage visit httptinyurlcomRPPtimelapse
27
Mapping Surveys
Roosevelt Plaza Park is cleaned and maintained by the Camden Special Services District (CSSD) who staffed the pop-up with an employee throughout the week with more limited hours on weekends Time-lapse photography is limited in its ability to see the close-up and personal and so the design team met with CSSD staff to get their help in filling out on-the-ground mapping surveys of user activity at the park While the survey was limited by the hours during the day that CSSD staff worked the CSSD did an exceptional job of capturing data that recorded the type of user location and what they were doing at the park This data was coded in digital maps produced by the design team that allowed for the exploration of a number of different variables and conditions observed in more than 50 mapping surveys
Visitor Surveys
In addition to the mapping surveys CSSD staff also helped to complete visitor surveys that recorded additional information about users that would have not been obtained through observation Initially the survey was only provided through an online survey platform but the team realized that an online survey was not the right platform for effectively reaching the constituency that uses the park Revising the strategy a paper copy of the survey was produced that CSSD staff helped distribute to more than 50 park visitors
28
Feedback Postcards
One of the most successful tools for obtaining user feedback was the custom feedback postcard tool developed by the design team Mounted on a central planted tote within the park this tool consisted of four simple elements a set of colorful pop-up park postcards with two questions on the back pens a mailbox and explanatory signage The postcard sought to find out what people liked most about the pop-up interventions and what they would like to see in the future The team received more than 70 postcards and with several more hopefully taken as souvenirs by park users - a covert way for the design team to spread the word about the park
29
PUBLIC CHALKBOARDSTo collect feedback on park usersrsquo hopes and dreams for the space two community chalkboards were installed at the pop-up The first was mounted to the back of the piano and the second chalkboard was installed in front of the park and served as a place for people to contribute their drawings hopes and names to the space
30
POP-UP STORIESPerhaps the most powerful qualitative feedback the design team collected was through a series of testimonial interviews conducted with park users which the design team turned into mini-documentaries dubbed ldquoPop-Up Storiesrdquo Speaking one-on-one with park users the design team was inspired to record and create mini-documentaries detailing the stories of several different park users This work most accurately captured the human impact of Roosevelt Plaza Park which the team found to be extremely powerful given the many decades of decline and disinvestment experienced by the City of Camden and its residents
31
the tote veranda the grove
the lawn
picnic tables
32
The park interventions while interrelated created a variety of different spaces in order to test user preferences and patterns at the pop-up What follows is a discussion and analysis of the teamrsquos observations of each of the ldquooutdoor roomsrdquo
THE GROVEPerhaps the most defined of the lsquooutdoor roomsrsquo the Grove was bordered by custom-design corrugated planter boxes the outdoor piano and sprinkled with IBC tote planters Our mapping survey showed that this area was a popular draw for a lunch-time crowd and the wider tables were successful in accommodating and encouraging groups of up to four people per table with visitors spending anywhere between 10-45 minutes on average at a table
A review of timelapse photography mounted on a nearby IBC Tote reveals some of the rhythms of the Grove Groups of people congregate at all times of the day but itrsquos shortly after noon when this area is at its peak and when lunch-time crowds fill nearly all the available tables with takeout food purchased from local restaurants Also notable is the diversity of this group consisting of professionals students and everyday residents
INTERVENTION AREAS
picnic tables
33
THE PIANOOne of the most loved features of the Grove was undoubtedly the outdoor piano which immediately attracted pianists dancers and conversation from the moment it was installed The addition of the piano was inspired jointly by the rich musical history of the City and the diverse population that occupied the park and its surroundings We thought ndash ldquowhat interactive design element could transcend social class race even languagerdquo The answer we came up with was to do something with music We hoped that the addition of an outdoor piano would encourage the diverse group of park users (eg the homeless clinic patients students professionals judges etc) to stop play a tune and interact In this sense the piano was a major success
Consider one mid-September afternoon at the piano Over the course of these four hours on a sunny September day we observed two primary pianists one a clinic patient and one a local minister who played for extended periods of 1-2 hours Both talented musicians their playing attracted over 20 other individuals which included a mix of professionals people eating lunch local residents other clinic patients and several other curious pianists to the site The most common sight to see were groups of 2-4 individuals spontaneously interacting with each other and the pianist A resident remarked to us that the piano allowed people of any stripe to step outside of their normal element and to be looked at not by how they dressed or talked but by what they could do and what they were capable of
34
ldquoEste parque me trae alegriacutea y amor hellip para mostrarle a estas personas aquiacute que estaacuten con cosas difiacutecilesmdashcomo las drogas Para mi con mi instrumento un piano les ensentildeoacute amorhellip Yo veo como ellos buscan el amor y el apoyo de otras personas El privilegio para mi vida es llenar con voces muacutesica la ciudad de aquiacute Camden helliprdquo- Junior Osvaldo Cruz
english translationldquoThis park brings me joy and love to show these people here who are going through difficult things-like drugs For me with my instrument the piano I can show them love I see how they seek love and support from others My lifersquos privilege is to fill this city Camden with music and voices ldquo
If viewing on a PDF click here to hear a sample of the outdoor piano being played
Junior Osvaldo Cruz brought music and joy to the pop-up park no matter the season
35
4276221
THE LAWNWhile not a lsquodesignedrsquo space our analysis found that the lawn is an area with potential for future interventions with a very light touch At 75000 square feet most of which is well-maintained largely unobstructed lawn Roosevelt Plaza Park is one of the largest usable green spaces in the City and arguably its most accessible sitting at the nexus of several commercial corridors transit lines and easily accessed on foot or by bicycle
Our team observed that the pop-up helped spur unplanned organic use of the lawn spaces which had not been occurring prior to the interventions Basking in the sun on an Adirondack chair a game of Frisbee outdoor Tai Chi and a gentleman called ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo who regularly showed up teach children and spread the joy of flying kites were some of the most notable people and activities that took advantage of the lawnrsquos uniquely wide open spaces and expansive views of City Hall
Though the design focused on the north west portion of the lawn by defining that space with the pop-up elements observation showed that the open lawn spaces south of the Tote Veranda was popular for active uses such as kite-flying and Frisbee The small strip of lawn defined by trees at the north east was the most popular area for lounging on the lawn
ldquoKites is what really brings me here because this brings families together - children to the old they all fly they all have fun This builds your self-esteem because when you flying it you feel so good about your accomplishments this is something yoursquore doing A kid two years old was just flying a kite Donrsquot say you canrsquot do it you can do anything you put your mind tordquo- Kevin the Kiteman
36
To watch Kevin the Kitemanrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPkevin
ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo shows a group of Camden youth how to fly a kite
37
THE PICNIC TABLESThe Picnic Tables were popular for sitting chatting and for having a meal at lunchtime Set up as a communal table along Market Street the location was intended to engage passersby and customers of the restaurants along Market Street In designing this space we wanted to test the viability of outdoor dining along this burgeoning restaurant corridor The consistent use of the tables proved this amenity is in-demand among daily park users While the picnic tables did provide a comfortable place to sit and while people did eat meals there the space could have been enhanced through the principle of triangulation further detailed later in this report As an arrangement of elements this space was not multi-dimensional in nature and could be enlivened in future iterations through the addition of other complementary elements (a food vendor for example) to create a better sense of place Intensive improvements here will interface with an existing demand making investment at the Market Street edge of the park a high-impact improvement
38
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
PURPOSE OF THIS REPORT
The purpose of this report is to summarize the project and research findings of the pop-up park to suggest other future short-term and long-term improvements The information gleaned from the initial pop-up improvements will serve as the foundation for building a programming and capital upgrades plan to improve the aesthetic and brand of RPP while also improving the image of and quality of life in Downtown Camden
Above As seen from the windows of City Hall the 2014 Pop-Up provided shade and a pop of color for the downtown community
Amenities like this werenrsquot previously available in the area
3
THE EXISTING PARKPARK HISTORY
Roosevelt Plaza Park is a central open space in downtown Camden located at the crossroads of three major business corridors and at the doorstep of City Hall The historic 75000 square foot park originally constructed during the New Dealreopened in June 2012 after the demolition of the Parkade Building a mixed-use parking garage suffering from severe structural deterioration Owned by the City of Camden the planning and redesign of the park was overseen by the Camden Redevelopment Agency In 2012 the CRA awarded the Camden Special Services District (CSSD) Camdenrsquos business improvement district a lease of the property which included responsibility to maintain improve and program the park
While the restored Roosevelt Plaza Park reintroduced a central open space to Camdenrsquos downtown a lack of park amenities has resulted in a public space that people walk ldquothroughrdquo rather than ldquotordquo Inspired by examples of successful ldquopop-uprdquo interventions in other public spaces including the Porch at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia Corona Plaza in Queens NY and Discovery Green in Houston TX Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnership and the CSSD sought to implement low-cost high-impact amenities to make Roosevelt Plaza Park a unique destination for residents employees bikers and pedestrians in the City of Camden
Above Roosevelt Plaza Park was histori-cally the most significant public space in Camden
Left The Parkade Parking Garage demolished in 2012 once occupied the Roosevelt Plaza Park site
4
Above Roosevelt Plaza Park was re-opened to the public in 2012 but lacked the amenities that would make it a destination
5
ADJACENT DEVELOPMENT
Strategic investment in Camdenrsquos public realm could not come at a more opportune time After decades of decline the Cityrsquos downtown has enjoyed a recent surge of private and public investment As Camdenrsquos mixed-use waterfront district continues to evolve and grow the Cityrsquos anchor institutions including Rutgers University-Camden Rowan University Cooper University Hospital and the Cooper Medical School at Rowan University collectively undertook a planning process for long-term downtown institutional development and in the past two years have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in construction
The implementation of the Connect the Lots project is occurring at a critical juncture in Camdenrsquos revitalization efforts With a new Camden County Metro police force and economic incentives provided by the Economic Opportunity Act a reduction in crime has led to increased investment community will and optimism Over the past year shootings in the city have decreased by almost 50 percent Camdenrsquos first new supermarket in 50 years opened over 5 miles of new multi-use trails that lead to parks and central destinations have been added to the cityrsquos Camden GreenWay trail network and the City has embarked on an ambitious plan to demolish 600 abandoned homes These hallmarks provided the support needed to successfully plan and implement open space projects that encourage residents to spend time outside in the city The continued activation of underused areas will ensure that neighborhood spaces in between direct investment are not overlooked in the redevelopment process It is hoped that the ephemeral nature of the Roosevelt Plaza Park Pop-Up Park will raise awareness of the importance of translating these reimagined spaces into permanent features of the city helping to improve access to safe vibrant and healthy communities
As a result of this development and recent state legislation that strongly incentivizes growth in Camden these trends are anticipated to continue and accelerate Roosevelt Plaza Park sits at the crossroads of this existing and planned development and is the only large public central open space in the downtown
27The Downtown Institutional Plan
DE
LA
WA
RE
R
IV
ER
CO
OP
ER
RIV
ER
PROPOSED BUILDINGS PHASE2Further development from Rutgers University-Camden and the
Campbell Soup Co will take place in a second ancillary phase of the institutional expansion Concurrent to the second phase of institutional development is development catalyzed by the Economic Opportunity Act (EOA) Highlighted below are the most viable parcels for investment in the Downtown
Proposed Buildings Phase 2 Existing Campuses Development Opportunities Phase 1 Development Opportunities Phase 2 Potential Development Parcels unlocked by Economic Opportunity Act
Above A map from the recent Downtown Institutional Plan identifies high priority development opportunities that neighbor on Roosevelt Plaza Park
RPP
6
ldquoThe plazarsquos urban-architectural design lays out a master plan for the surrounding streets and building blocks to create an ldquourban roomrdquo that framed by dense mixed-use redevelopment will plant the seed for the downtownrsquos return to relevance and vitalityrdquo
-2012 Roosevelt Plaza Park Plan from WRT
BIG PLANS FOR RPP
Prior to the demolition of the Parkade parking garage in 2012 the Camden Redevelopment Agency commissioned a plan to conceptualize the new plaza The plan (which is pictured to the left) included visionary capital elements like a new landmark headhouse to invite PATCO riders into the station bio-infiltration gardens and green stormwater management and amenities to activate the public space Using this vision as a framework the first phase towards reclaiming Roosevelt Plaza as a public park included adding basic improvements and amenities to make the space more welcoming
7
Above The existing park has ample green lawns several young trees fixed benches trash receptacles bike racks pedestrian scale lighting pedestrian safety features like bollards and open flat paved areas to accommodate events The park also lacks a sense of scale and a memorable image
RPP TODAY
As a safe well-lit and well-maintained park Roosevelt Plaza Park is a beautiful but largely underused civic space in the city Prior to the pop-up park the space lacked the elements that attracted people and created a unique identity
Given the parkrsquos location approximately 27000 people walk by each day This critical mass of people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds has the potential if engaged to stimulate Roosevelt Plaza Park with the vital social capital needed to revitalize Camdenrsquos urban core
8
pop-up improvements
PROJECT BRIEF PROGRAM AND BUDGET
The design team was commissioned to provide design and planning services for temporary placemaking efforts at Roosevelt Plaza Park The project required first identifying the needs of park users and then designing temporary and movable elements for the park These elements were also utilized to inform the creation of this comprehensive document which will help guide future improvements for the central public space
While the infrastructure of Roosevelt Plaza Park had been recently upgraded the park was underused and lacked a strong sense of place Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnershiprsquos vision for the development of the park was inspired by examples of new active public spaces in other post-industrial centers that developed by taking small iterative and temporary steps To provide an informative pop-up the design team sought to implement low cost high impact amenities to make Roosevelt Plaza Park a central destination for bikers pedestrians residents and employees
POP-UP IMPROVEMENTS
A pop-up calls for elements that are easy to deploy
10
Above Corona Plaza in Queens theuniprojectorg
Left A temporary holiday light art installation at Discovery Green in Houston discoverygreencom
Pop-Up cafe at the Battersea in London londontheinsidecom PHS Pop-Up beer garden in Philadelphia phillycom Sunset Triangle in LA pricetagswordpress
Food Trucks at The Porch at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia uwishunucom
11
PIANO HOUSE
PLANTER GROVE
QUAD LAWN
PICNIC DINING
TOTES VERANDA
PATIO GLIDER lsquoVERANDArsquo
ADIRONDACK LAWN SEATING
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
TO CAMDEN CITY HALL
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING
INFO TOTE
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS
CUSTOM PLANTERS
TOTE PLANTERS
INTERACTIVE GATEWAY
INTERACTIVE LIGHT TOWERS
SHADE STRUCTURE
PICNIC TABLES WITH UMBRELLAS
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS40 FEET20100 5 N
The site plan above shows a variety of diverse spaces meant to test user preferences
12
PIANO HOUSE
PLANTER GROVE
QUAD LAWN
PICNIC DINING
TOTES VERANDA
PATIO GLIDER lsquoVERANDArsquo
ADIRONDACK LAWN SEATING
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
TO CAMDEN CITY HALL
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING
INFO TOTE
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS
CUSTOM PLANTERS
TOTE PLANTERS
INTERACTIVE GATEWAY
INTERACTIVE LIGHT TOWERS
SHADE STRUCTURE
PICNIC TABLES WITH UMBRELLAS
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS40 FEET20100 5 N
P L A Z A P A R KROOSEVELT
DESIGN CONCEPT
The goal of the pop-up park was to create a lively unique and varied design to engage users in experimental improvements Chosen elements aimed to aid in the exploration of what might support and drive the Camden community to embrace the park
The design included amenities that were missing in the nearby public space a shade structure umbrellas trees and flowers a variety of comfortable seating tables and places to sit down and eat Interactive lighting movable furniture a feedback box with feedback postcards informational signage and a free-expression chalkboard were employed in the design to involve users in the experiment
An eye-catching central shade structure (the Totes Veranda) high design standard and bright modern color palette helped to define the pop-up image and attract people into the space To be successful the pop-up needed to feel inviting and distinguished
THE RIGHT FEEL
In the design phase mood boards helped identify the desired atmosphere of the pop-up optimistic urban sophisticated and approachable
RPP
13
Vintage postcards showing a shining Camden downtown provided inspiration for the pop-up
Motion sensors activate colored lights in an
early prototype of the interaction for ldquoBlue
Hourrdquo by New American Public Art
CAMDEN INSPIRATION
To achieve a design that spoke to present day Camden residents the design team searched for local inspiration The pop-up is aesthetically influenced by the wide array of buildings downtown many excellent examples of the architectural styles of the 19th and early 20th centuries and by the diverse downtown community of businesses residents and institutional uses In our approach we emulated the romantic optimism of the original New Deal-era park that once existed on the site And we were impressed to discover that industry is still alive and well in Camden which drove the team to explore locally sourced materials
The team visited several recycling businesses in Camden exploring what items might be creatively re-purposed from their intended uses and what might even be recovered from the waste-stream Several types of containers are collected cleaned processed refurbished recycled into component materials and resold nation-wide from these Camden businesses
For the purposes of the pop-up park the design team gravitated towards IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) totes which are roughly 4rsquo cubes that are used to transport liquids The galvanized-steel grid cages of the totes reflect the art deco architecture of City Hall and the plastic insert lsquobottlesrsquo diffuse light beautifully
14
BEING RESOURCEFUL
Through a little creative re-working different types of IBC totes became planters signage foundations and lighted towers Where creating a foundation suitable to support shade sails in very windy conditions would have been cost-prohibitive the totes provided opportunity to build a bespoke structure The 33-tote structure included an interactive lighting experience created by New American Public Art called ldquoBlue Hourrdquo The artists modified the totes with LED lighting and motion sensors
THE COMPONENTS OF THE EXPERIMENT
15
Triggered by people moving through the park the color change is reminiscent of the light the hour after sunset and the glow from a hearth It reminds visitors of the warmth that can be felt by being in the presence of others and feeling the glow of sharing in community
A KIT OF PARTS
Above from left to right and top to bottom IBC Tote from Camden (refurbished) $160 Patio Glider Set $1050 Patio Umbrella (with 70 lb steel base) $200 Plastic Adirondack Chair $15 Iconic Metal Folding Chair $75 Resin Side Chair $80 36rdquo Table $225 Unfinished Picnic Table $95 Locking Mailbox for Feedback Postcards $40
As a testing ground for ideas the pop-up needed to explore and push some boundaries The ephemeral nature of temporary improvements allowed for unconventional materials such as using IBC totes as building blocks for structures lighting and planters Furnishings were selected to provide variety and maximize seating type options This made it possible to observe what kinds of seating park users preferred
The team scoured local stores for furnishings and used several well-known online discount retailers to find items with the right look at the right price point With the exception of the Fermob folding bistro chair (which is widely used in public spaces internationally) many of the main park elements came from alternative sources some of which worked better than others
The durable orange chairs and gray cafe tables that were used in The Grove came from BizChaircom and they performed very well The popular blue Adirondacks were by far the best value and were bought directly from Adams Manufacturing The patio gliders came from theSimpleStorescom and had to be returned more than once because they arrived damaged Hayneedlecom was the easiest supplier to work with as the website provides special services for business accounts The residential umbrellas proved to not be durable enough for the windy site In future pop-ups commercial-grade umbrellas would be a worth-while investment We found that 70 lb steel umbrella bases were sufficient for the 8rsquo umbrellas
18
TEMPORARY GREENING
Planters provided the pop-up with color and movement The plants were installed at the end of the New Jersey growing season so the designers choose a variety of species that look just as good in the fall and winter as they do in the spring Perennials (flowering plants that will come back again in the spring) along with trees and shrubs lent the space additional structure and interest A handful of annuals added pops of seasonal color
Top Left The Weeping Willow Trees and Crape Myrtle Trees planted in The Grove both have nice fall color and decorative bark for winter interest Below Perennials like Cone Flower and Little Bunny Grass were interspersed between dwarf willows and evergreen shrubs
BUILDING BLOCKS
IBC totes from two Camden recycling businesses were delivered to a warehouse about two blocks away from Roosevelt Plaza Park where they were staged and modified prior to installation Artists installed lights motion sensors wiring and timers in 25 of the totes for the art piece ldquoBlue Hourrdquo To make planters out of 14 of the totes the plastic insert ldquobottlesrdquo were cut with a circular saw
To install the totes Camden Special Services District ambassadors moved the totes to the park using a truck with a lift-gate and a hand-operated pallet jack An all-metal ldquosardine-canrdquo style tote at the base of each tote tower was filled with sand to create a solid foundation for the structure Using a fork-lift the totes were stacked on top of one another then each stack was placed onto the metal foundation tote The towers were then leveled with shims of painted pressure-treated lumber The towers were fastened together with 8 chain-link fence clamps per level Using ladders Department of Public Works employees set up the electrical wiring between towers and fastened the shade sails to the structure
20
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
When options for planters and sheltering for the piano were found to be unavailable within budget the team commissioned some clever custom-built elements that were made from basic lumber and common corrugated metal sheeting An aluminum-core sign with an outdoor brochure box and wall-mounted mailbox was mounted to a tote in the center of the park This simple set-up was found to be an effective tool for collecting feedback in the park
21
22
POP OF COLOR
Site furniture provided the opportunity to bring color into the park The bright hues helped to give each space an identity and certainly contributed to a positive and optimistic image for the pop-up While speaking at the press conference for the pop-up opening Camden Mayor Dana L Redd noted that now the park ldquopops with colorrdquo
23
ELECTRIFY THE NIGHT
At night when the park is still the totes structure glows a cool blue but when people move through the space their motion activates the lighting causing the lights to warm into a soft orange tone
study findings
ITERATIVE PLACEMAKING
Roosevelt Plaza Park was unique in that its simple inexpensive amenities test-drove public space improvements to see what did and didnrsquot work before implementing either another round of pop-up interventions or more substantial capital improvements This strategy referred to as ldquoiterative placemakingrdquo has the benefit of producing a public space that is bold innovative and responds directly to the user as the ephemeral nature of the improvements takes the risk out of traditional capital-intensive park projects
To analyze the use of Roosevelt Plaza Park and to inform recommendations for future interventions the team of Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnership Group Melvin Design and Sikora Wells Appel devised a unique methodology that used both qualitative and quantitative data to analyze the site The initial methodology was inspired by noted urbanist and public space researcher William Whytersquos seminal ldquoThe Social Life of Small Urban Spacesrdquo relying primarily on time-lapse photography and observations to analyze the site from above and at a distance Yet after the pop-up interventions were constructed the team realized that the initial methodology treated the park more like a petri dish than a public space This conclusion led to the refinement of the methodology to ensure not just the quantitative but the qualitative human story of the park was captured
STUDY METHODOLOGY
in 5 months the team collected
500+hours of timelapse
footage
124visitor surveys amp
feedback postcards submitted
121mapping surveys
completed
3818park users and
activities mapped
26
Data collection methoDology
For the teamrsquos analysis of Roosevelt Plaza Park the team recognized that the study had to tell a story through both quantitative data and qualitative observations and user feedback To accomplish this a multi-pronged strategy was devised that used several different tools to analyze the site
time-lapse photography
The initial methodology relied primarily on time-lapse photography to capture user movement activities and interactions in the space The team quickly found that William Whytersquos primary disclaimer of this technique that recording the film is easy and that evaluation is the hard part was as true using modern equipment in the 21st century as it was for Whyte in the 1970rsquos However while there were limitations to what could be observed using time-lapse photography it was a valuable tool for seeing that which is invisible to the human eye in real-time The ability to capture imagery of the entire site all-at-once and play back video of park users at hyper-speed allowed the team to observe patterns of movement usage throughout the day and patterns influenced by environmental conditions that would have otherwise been invisible And while the time-lapse photography was limited when mounted from a site-wide vantage point in the windows of City Hall our team recorded additional video with cameras mounted directly in the park in order to make more direct activity-focused area-specific observations Throughout this process both the Mayorrsquos Office and the Camden County Administration Offices were incredibly generous with their window-space by allowing the team to mount our cameras from their offices
To watch timelapse footage visit httptinyurlcomRPPtimelapse
27
Mapping Surveys
Roosevelt Plaza Park is cleaned and maintained by the Camden Special Services District (CSSD) who staffed the pop-up with an employee throughout the week with more limited hours on weekends Time-lapse photography is limited in its ability to see the close-up and personal and so the design team met with CSSD staff to get their help in filling out on-the-ground mapping surveys of user activity at the park While the survey was limited by the hours during the day that CSSD staff worked the CSSD did an exceptional job of capturing data that recorded the type of user location and what they were doing at the park This data was coded in digital maps produced by the design team that allowed for the exploration of a number of different variables and conditions observed in more than 50 mapping surveys
Visitor Surveys
In addition to the mapping surveys CSSD staff also helped to complete visitor surveys that recorded additional information about users that would have not been obtained through observation Initially the survey was only provided through an online survey platform but the team realized that an online survey was not the right platform for effectively reaching the constituency that uses the park Revising the strategy a paper copy of the survey was produced that CSSD staff helped distribute to more than 50 park visitors
28
Feedback Postcards
One of the most successful tools for obtaining user feedback was the custom feedback postcard tool developed by the design team Mounted on a central planted tote within the park this tool consisted of four simple elements a set of colorful pop-up park postcards with two questions on the back pens a mailbox and explanatory signage The postcard sought to find out what people liked most about the pop-up interventions and what they would like to see in the future The team received more than 70 postcards and with several more hopefully taken as souvenirs by park users - a covert way for the design team to spread the word about the park
29
PUBLIC CHALKBOARDSTo collect feedback on park usersrsquo hopes and dreams for the space two community chalkboards were installed at the pop-up The first was mounted to the back of the piano and the second chalkboard was installed in front of the park and served as a place for people to contribute their drawings hopes and names to the space
30
POP-UP STORIESPerhaps the most powerful qualitative feedback the design team collected was through a series of testimonial interviews conducted with park users which the design team turned into mini-documentaries dubbed ldquoPop-Up Storiesrdquo Speaking one-on-one with park users the design team was inspired to record and create mini-documentaries detailing the stories of several different park users This work most accurately captured the human impact of Roosevelt Plaza Park which the team found to be extremely powerful given the many decades of decline and disinvestment experienced by the City of Camden and its residents
31
the tote veranda the grove
the lawn
picnic tables
32
The park interventions while interrelated created a variety of different spaces in order to test user preferences and patterns at the pop-up What follows is a discussion and analysis of the teamrsquos observations of each of the ldquooutdoor roomsrdquo
THE GROVEPerhaps the most defined of the lsquooutdoor roomsrsquo the Grove was bordered by custom-design corrugated planter boxes the outdoor piano and sprinkled with IBC tote planters Our mapping survey showed that this area was a popular draw for a lunch-time crowd and the wider tables were successful in accommodating and encouraging groups of up to four people per table with visitors spending anywhere between 10-45 minutes on average at a table
A review of timelapse photography mounted on a nearby IBC Tote reveals some of the rhythms of the Grove Groups of people congregate at all times of the day but itrsquos shortly after noon when this area is at its peak and when lunch-time crowds fill nearly all the available tables with takeout food purchased from local restaurants Also notable is the diversity of this group consisting of professionals students and everyday residents
INTERVENTION AREAS
picnic tables
33
THE PIANOOne of the most loved features of the Grove was undoubtedly the outdoor piano which immediately attracted pianists dancers and conversation from the moment it was installed The addition of the piano was inspired jointly by the rich musical history of the City and the diverse population that occupied the park and its surroundings We thought ndash ldquowhat interactive design element could transcend social class race even languagerdquo The answer we came up with was to do something with music We hoped that the addition of an outdoor piano would encourage the diverse group of park users (eg the homeless clinic patients students professionals judges etc) to stop play a tune and interact In this sense the piano was a major success
Consider one mid-September afternoon at the piano Over the course of these four hours on a sunny September day we observed two primary pianists one a clinic patient and one a local minister who played for extended periods of 1-2 hours Both talented musicians their playing attracted over 20 other individuals which included a mix of professionals people eating lunch local residents other clinic patients and several other curious pianists to the site The most common sight to see were groups of 2-4 individuals spontaneously interacting with each other and the pianist A resident remarked to us that the piano allowed people of any stripe to step outside of their normal element and to be looked at not by how they dressed or talked but by what they could do and what they were capable of
34
ldquoEste parque me trae alegriacutea y amor hellip para mostrarle a estas personas aquiacute que estaacuten con cosas difiacutecilesmdashcomo las drogas Para mi con mi instrumento un piano les ensentildeoacute amorhellip Yo veo como ellos buscan el amor y el apoyo de otras personas El privilegio para mi vida es llenar con voces muacutesica la ciudad de aquiacute Camden helliprdquo- Junior Osvaldo Cruz
english translationldquoThis park brings me joy and love to show these people here who are going through difficult things-like drugs For me with my instrument the piano I can show them love I see how they seek love and support from others My lifersquos privilege is to fill this city Camden with music and voices ldquo
If viewing on a PDF click here to hear a sample of the outdoor piano being played
Junior Osvaldo Cruz brought music and joy to the pop-up park no matter the season
35
4276221
THE LAWNWhile not a lsquodesignedrsquo space our analysis found that the lawn is an area with potential for future interventions with a very light touch At 75000 square feet most of which is well-maintained largely unobstructed lawn Roosevelt Plaza Park is one of the largest usable green spaces in the City and arguably its most accessible sitting at the nexus of several commercial corridors transit lines and easily accessed on foot or by bicycle
Our team observed that the pop-up helped spur unplanned organic use of the lawn spaces which had not been occurring prior to the interventions Basking in the sun on an Adirondack chair a game of Frisbee outdoor Tai Chi and a gentleman called ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo who regularly showed up teach children and spread the joy of flying kites were some of the most notable people and activities that took advantage of the lawnrsquos uniquely wide open spaces and expansive views of City Hall
Though the design focused on the north west portion of the lawn by defining that space with the pop-up elements observation showed that the open lawn spaces south of the Tote Veranda was popular for active uses such as kite-flying and Frisbee The small strip of lawn defined by trees at the north east was the most popular area for lounging on the lawn
ldquoKites is what really brings me here because this brings families together - children to the old they all fly they all have fun This builds your self-esteem because when you flying it you feel so good about your accomplishments this is something yoursquore doing A kid two years old was just flying a kite Donrsquot say you canrsquot do it you can do anything you put your mind tordquo- Kevin the Kiteman
36
To watch Kevin the Kitemanrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPkevin
ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo shows a group of Camden youth how to fly a kite
37
THE PICNIC TABLESThe Picnic Tables were popular for sitting chatting and for having a meal at lunchtime Set up as a communal table along Market Street the location was intended to engage passersby and customers of the restaurants along Market Street In designing this space we wanted to test the viability of outdoor dining along this burgeoning restaurant corridor The consistent use of the tables proved this amenity is in-demand among daily park users While the picnic tables did provide a comfortable place to sit and while people did eat meals there the space could have been enhanced through the principle of triangulation further detailed later in this report As an arrangement of elements this space was not multi-dimensional in nature and could be enlivened in future iterations through the addition of other complementary elements (a food vendor for example) to create a better sense of place Intensive improvements here will interface with an existing demand making investment at the Market Street edge of the park a high-impact improvement
38
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
THE EXISTING PARKPARK HISTORY
Roosevelt Plaza Park is a central open space in downtown Camden located at the crossroads of three major business corridors and at the doorstep of City Hall The historic 75000 square foot park originally constructed during the New Dealreopened in June 2012 after the demolition of the Parkade Building a mixed-use parking garage suffering from severe structural deterioration Owned by the City of Camden the planning and redesign of the park was overseen by the Camden Redevelopment Agency In 2012 the CRA awarded the Camden Special Services District (CSSD) Camdenrsquos business improvement district a lease of the property which included responsibility to maintain improve and program the park
While the restored Roosevelt Plaza Park reintroduced a central open space to Camdenrsquos downtown a lack of park amenities has resulted in a public space that people walk ldquothroughrdquo rather than ldquotordquo Inspired by examples of successful ldquopop-uprdquo interventions in other public spaces including the Porch at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia Corona Plaza in Queens NY and Discovery Green in Houston TX Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnership and the CSSD sought to implement low-cost high-impact amenities to make Roosevelt Plaza Park a unique destination for residents employees bikers and pedestrians in the City of Camden
Above Roosevelt Plaza Park was histori-cally the most significant public space in Camden
Left The Parkade Parking Garage demolished in 2012 once occupied the Roosevelt Plaza Park site
4
Above Roosevelt Plaza Park was re-opened to the public in 2012 but lacked the amenities that would make it a destination
5
ADJACENT DEVELOPMENT
Strategic investment in Camdenrsquos public realm could not come at a more opportune time After decades of decline the Cityrsquos downtown has enjoyed a recent surge of private and public investment As Camdenrsquos mixed-use waterfront district continues to evolve and grow the Cityrsquos anchor institutions including Rutgers University-Camden Rowan University Cooper University Hospital and the Cooper Medical School at Rowan University collectively undertook a planning process for long-term downtown institutional development and in the past two years have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in construction
The implementation of the Connect the Lots project is occurring at a critical juncture in Camdenrsquos revitalization efforts With a new Camden County Metro police force and economic incentives provided by the Economic Opportunity Act a reduction in crime has led to increased investment community will and optimism Over the past year shootings in the city have decreased by almost 50 percent Camdenrsquos first new supermarket in 50 years opened over 5 miles of new multi-use trails that lead to parks and central destinations have been added to the cityrsquos Camden GreenWay trail network and the City has embarked on an ambitious plan to demolish 600 abandoned homes These hallmarks provided the support needed to successfully plan and implement open space projects that encourage residents to spend time outside in the city The continued activation of underused areas will ensure that neighborhood spaces in between direct investment are not overlooked in the redevelopment process It is hoped that the ephemeral nature of the Roosevelt Plaza Park Pop-Up Park will raise awareness of the importance of translating these reimagined spaces into permanent features of the city helping to improve access to safe vibrant and healthy communities
As a result of this development and recent state legislation that strongly incentivizes growth in Camden these trends are anticipated to continue and accelerate Roosevelt Plaza Park sits at the crossroads of this existing and planned development and is the only large public central open space in the downtown
27The Downtown Institutional Plan
DE
LA
WA
RE
R
IV
ER
CO
OP
ER
RIV
ER
PROPOSED BUILDINGS PHASE2Further development from Rutgers University-Camden and the
Campbell Soup Co will take place in a second ancillary phase of the institutional expansion Concurrent to the second phase of institutional development is development catalyzed by the Economic Opportunity Act (EOA) Highlighted below are the most viable parcels for investment in the Downtown
Proposed Buildings Phase 2 Existing Campuses Development Opportunities Phase 1 Development Opportunities Phase 2 Potential Development Parcels unlocked by Economic Opportunity Act
Above A map from the recent Downtown Institutional Plan identifies high priority development opportunities that neighbor on Roosevelt Plaza Park
RPP
6
ldquoThe plazarsquos urban-architectural design lays out a master plan for the surrounding streets and building blocks to create an ldquourban roomrdquo that framed by dense mixed-use redevelopment will plant the seed for the downtownrsquos return to relevance and vitalityrdquo
-2012 Roosevelt Plaza Park Plan from WRT
BIG PLANS FOR RPP
Prior to the demolition of the Parkade parking garage in 2012 the Camden Redevelopment Agency commissioned a plan to conceptualize the new plaza The plan (which is pictured to the left) included visionary capital elements like a new landmark headhouse to invite PATCO riders into the station bio-infiltration gardens and green stormwater management and amenities to activate the public space Using this vision as a framework the first phase towards reclaiming Roosevelt Plaza as a public park included adding basic improvements and amenities to make the space more welcoming
7
Above The existing park has ample green lawns several young trees fixed benches trash receptacles bike racks pedestrian scale lighting pedestrian safety features like bollards and open flat paved areas to accommodate events The park also lacks a sense of scale and a memorable image
RPP TODAY
As a safe well-lit and well-maintained park Roosevelt Plaza Park is a beautiful but largely underused civic space in the city Prior to the pop-up park the space lacked the elements that attracted people and created a unique identity
Given the parkrsquos location approximately 27000 people walk by each day This critical mass of people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds has the potential if engaged to stimulate Roosevelt Plaza Park with the vital social capital needed to revitalize Camdenrsquos urban core
8
pop-up improvements
PROJECT BRIEF PROGRAM AND BUDGET
The design team was commissioned to provide design and planning services for temporary placemaking efforts at Roosevelt Plaza Park The project required first identifying the needs of park users and then designing temporary and movable elements for the park These elements were also utilized to inform the creation of this comprehensive document which will help guide future improvements for the central public space
While the infrastructure of Roosevelt Plaza Park had been recently upgraded the park was underused and lacked a strong sense of place Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnershiprsquos vision for the development of the park was inspired by examples of new active public spaces in other post-industrial centers that developed by taking small iterative and temporary steps To provide an informative pop-up the design team sought to implement low cost high impact amenities to make Roosevelt Plaza Park a central destination for bikers pedestrians residents and employees
POP-UP IMPROVEMENTS
A pop-up calls for elements that are easy to deploy
10
Above Corona Plaza in Queens theuniprojectorg
Left A temporary holiday light art installation at Discovery Green in Houston discoverygreencom
Pop-Up cafe at the Battersea in London londontheinsidecom PHS Pop-Up beer garden in Philadelphia phillycom Sunset Triangle in LA pricetagswordpress
Food Trucks at The Porch at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia uwishunucom
11
PIANO HOUSE
PLANTER GROVE
QUAD LAWN
PICNIC DINING
TOTES VERANDA
PATIO GLIDER lsquoVERANDArsquo
ADIRONDACK LAWN SEATING
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
TO CAMDEN CITY HALL
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING
INFO TOTE
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS
CUSTOM PLANTERS
TOTE PLANTERS
INTERACTIVE GATEWAY
INTERACTIVE LIGHT TOWERS
SHADE STRUCTURE
PICNIC TABLES WITH UMBRELLAS
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS40 FEET20100 5 N
The site plan above shows a variety of diverse spaces meant to test user preferences
12
PIANO HOUSE
PLANTER GROVE
QUAD LAWN
PICNIC DINING
TOTES VERANDA
PATIO GLIDER lsquoVERANDArsquo
ADIRONDACK LAWN SEATING
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
TO CAMDEN CITY HALL
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING
INFO TOTE
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS
CUSTOM PLANTERS
TOTE PLANTERS
INTERACTIVE GATEWAY
INTERACTIVE LIGHT TOWERS
SHADE STRUCTURE
PICNIC TABLES WITH UMBRELLAS
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS40 FEET20100 5 N
P L A Z A P A R KROOSEVELT
DESIGN CONCEPT
The goal of the pop-up park was to create a lively unique and varied design to engage users in experimental improvements Chosen elements aimed to aid in the exploration of what might support and drive the Camden community to embrace the park
The design included amenities that were missing in the nearby public space a shade structure umbrellas trees and flowers a variety of comfortable seating tables and places to sit down and eat Interactive lighting movable furniture a feedback box with feedback postcards informational signage and a free-expression chalkboard were employed in the design to involve users in the experiment
An eye-catching central shade structure (the Totes Veranda) high design standard and bright modern color palette helped to define the pop-up image and attract people into the space To be successful the pop-up needed to feel inviting and distinguished
THE RIGHT FEEL
In the design phase mood boards helped identify the desired atmosphere of the pop-up optimistic urban sophisticated and approachable
RPP
13
Vintage postcards showing a shining Camden downtown provided inspiration for the pop-up
Motion sensors activate colored lights in an
early prototype of the interaction for ldquoBlue
Hourrdquo by New American Public Art
CAMDEN INSPIRATION
To achieve a design that spoke to present day Camden residents the design team searched for local inspiration The pop-up is aesthetically influenced by the wide array of buildings downtown many excellent examples of the architectural styles of the 19th and early 20th centuries and by the diverse downtown community of businesses residents and institutional uses In our approach we emulated the romantic optimism of the original New Deal-era park that once existed on the site And we were impressed to discover that industry is still alive and well in Camden which drove the team to explore locally sourced materials
The team visited several recycling businesses in Camden exploring what items might be creatively re-purposed from their intended uses and what might even be recovered from the waste-stream Several types of containers are collected cleaned processed refurbished recycled into component materials and resold nation-wide from these Camden businesses
For the purposes of the pop-up park the design team gravitated towards IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) totes which are roughly 4rsquo cubes that are used to transport liquids The galvanized-steel grid cages of the totes reflect the art deco architecture of City Hall and the plastic insert lsquobottlesrsquo diffuse light beautifully
14
BEING RESOURCEFUL
Through a little creative re-working different types of IBC totes became planters signage foundations and lighted towers Where creating a foundation suitable to support shade sails in very windy conditions would have been cost-prohibitive the totes provided opportunity to build a bespoke structure The 33-tote structure included an interactive lighting experience created by New American Public Art called ldquoBlue Hourrdquo The artists modified the totes with LED lighting and motion sensors
THE COMPONENTS OF THE EXPERIMENT
15
Triggered by people moving through the park the color change is reminiscent of the light the hour after sunset and the glow from a hearth It reminds visitors of the warmth that can be felt by being in the presence of others and feeling the glow of sharing in community
A KIT OF PARTS
Above from left to right and top to bottom IBC Tote from Camden (refurbished) $160 Patio Glider Set $1050 Patio Umbrella (with 70 lb steel base) $200 Plastic Adirondack Chair $15 Iconic Metal Folding Chair $75 Resin Side Chair $80 36rdquo Table $225 Unfinished Picnic Table $95 Locking Mailbox for Feedback Postcards $40
As a testing ground for ideas the pop-up needed to explore and push some boundaries The ephemeral nature of temporary improvements allowed for unconventional materials such as using IBC totes as building blocks for structures lighting and planters Furnishings were selected to provide variety and maximize seating type options This made it possible to observe what kinds of seating park users preferred
The team scoured local stores for furnishings and used several well-known online discount retailers to find items with the right look at the right price point With the exception of the Fermob folding bistro chair (which is widely used in public spaces internationally) many of the main park elements came from alternative sources some of which worked better than others
The durable orange chairs and gray cafe tables that were used in The Grove came from BizChaircom and they performed very well The popular blue Adirondacks were by far the best value and were bought directly from Adams Manufacturing The patio gliders came from theSimpleStorescom and had to be returned more than once because they arrived damaged Hayneedlecom was the easiest supplier to work with as the website provides special services for business accounts The residential umbrellas proved to not be durable enough for the windy site In future pop-ups commercial-grade umbrellas would be a worth-while investment We found that 70 lb steel umbrella bases were sufficient for the 8rsquo umbrellas
18
TEMPORARY GREENING
Planters provided the pop-up with color and movement The plants were installed at the end of the New Jersey growing season so the designers choose a variety of species that look just as good in the fall and winter as they do in the spring Perennials (flowering plants that will come back again in the spring) along with trees and shrubs lent the space additional structure and interest A handful of annuals added pops of seasonal color
Top Left The Weeping Willow Trees and Crape Myrtle Trees planted in The Grove both have nice fall color and decorative bark for winter interest Below Perennials like Cone Flower and Little Bunny Grass were interspersed between dwarf willows and evergreen shrubs
BUILDING BLOCKS
IBC totes from two Camden recycling businesses were delivered to a warehouse about two blocks away from Roosevelt Plaza Park where they were staged and modified prior to installation Artists installed lights motion sensors wiring and timers in 25 of the totes for the art piece ldquoBlue Hourrdquo To make planters out of 14 of the totes the plastic insert ldquobottlesrdquo were cut with a circular saw
To install the totes Camden Special Services District ambassadors moved the totes to the park using a truck with a lift-gate and a hand-operated pallet jack An all-metal ldquosardine-canrdquo style tote at the base of each tote tower was filled with sand to create a solid foundation for the structure Using a fork-lift the totes were stacked on top of one another then each stack was placed onto the metal foundation tote The towers were then leveled with shims of painted pressure-treated lumber The towers were fastened together with 8 chain-link fence clamps per level Using ladders Department of Public Works employees set up the electrical wiring between towers and fastened the shade sails to the structure
20
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
When options for planters and sheltering for the piano were found to be unavailable within budget the team commissioned some clever custom-built elements that were made from basic lumber and common corrugated metal sheeting An aluminum-core sign with an outdoor brochure box and wall-mounted mailbox was mounted to a tote in the center of the park This simple set-up was found to be an effective tool for collecting feedback in the park
21
22
POP OF COLOR
Site furniture provided the opportunity to bring color into the park The bright hues helped to give each space an identity and certainly contributed to a positive and optimistic image for the pop-up While speaking at the press conference for the pop-up opening Camden Mayor Dana L Redd noted that now the park ldquopops with colorrdquo
23
ELECTRIFY THE NIGHT
At night when the park is still the totes structure glows a cool blue but when people move through the space their motion activates the lighting causing the lights to warm into a soft orange tone
study findings
ITERATIVE PLACEMAKING
Roosevelt Plaza Park was unique in that its simple inexpensive amenities test-drove public space improvements to see what did and didnrsquot work before implementing either another round of pop-up interventions or more substantial capital improvements This strategy referred to as ldquoiterative placemakingrdquo has the benefit of producing a public space that is bold innovative and responds directly to the user as the ephemeral nature of the improvements takes the risk out of traditional capital-intensive park projects
To analyze the use of Roosevelt Plaza Park and to inform recommendations for future interventions the team of Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnership Group Melvin Design and Sikora Wells Appel devised a unique methodology that used both qualitative and quantitative data to analyze the site The initial methodology was inspired by noted urbanist and public space researcher William Whytersquos seminal ldquoThe Social Life of Small Urban Spacesrdquo relying primarily on time-lapse photography and observations to analyze the site from above and at a distance Yet after the pop-up interventions were constructed the team realized that the initial methodology treated the park more like a petri dish than a public space This conclusion led to the refinement of the methodology to ensure not just the quantitative but the qualitative human story of the park was captured
STUDY METHODOLOGY
in 5 months the team collected
500+hours of timelapse
footage
124visitor surveys amp
feedback postcards submitted
121mapping surveys
completed
3818park users and
activities mapped
26
Data collection methoDology
For the teamrsquos analysis of Roosevelt Plaza Park the team recognized that the study had to tell a story through both quantitative data and qualitative observations and user feedback To accomplish this a multi-pronged strategy was devised that used several different tools to analyze the site
time-lapse photography
The initial methodology relied primarily on time-lapse photography to capture user movement activities and interactions in the space The team quickly found that William Whytersquos primary disclaimer of this technique that recording the film is easy and that evaluation is the hard part was as true using modern equipment in the 21st century as it was for Whyte in the 1970rsquos However while there were limitations to what could be observed using time-lapse photography it was a valuable tool for seeing that which is invisible to the human eye in real-time The ability to capture imagery of the entire site all-at-once and play back video of park users at hyper-speed allowed the team to observe patterns of movement usage throughout the day and patterns influenced by environmental conditions that would have otherwise been invisible And while the time-lapse photography was limited when mounted from a site-wide vantage point in the windows of City Hall our team recorded additional video with cameras mounted directly in the park in order to make more direct activity-focused area-specific observations Throughout this process both the Mayorrsquos Office and the Camden County Administration Offices were incredibly generous with their window-space by allowing the team to mount our cameras from their offices
To watch timelapse footage visit httptinyurlcomRPPtimelapse
27
Mapping Surveys
Roosevelt Plaza Park is cleaned and maintained by the Camden Special Services District (CSSD) who staffed the pop-up with an employee throughout the week with more limited hours on weekends Time-lapse photography is limited in its ability to see the close-up and personal and so the design team met with CSSD staff to get their help in filling out on-the-ground mapping surveys of user activity at the park While the survey was limited by the hours during the day that CSSD staff worked the CSSD did an exceptional job of capturing data that recorded the type of user location and what they were doing at the park This data was coded in digital maps produced by the design team that allowed for the exploration of a number of different variables and conditions observed in more than 50 mapping surveys
Visitor Surveys
In addition to the mapping surveys CSSD staff also helped to complete visitor surveys that recorded additional information about users that would have not been obtained through observation Initially the survey was only provided through an online survey platform but the team realized that an online survey was not the right platform for effectively reaching the constituency that uses the park Revising the strategy a paper copy of the survey was produced that CSSD staff helped distribute to more than 50 park visitors
28
Feedback Postcards
One of the most successful tools for obtaining user feedback was the custom feedback postcard tool developed by the design team Mounted on a central planted tote within the park this tool consisted of four simple elements a set of colorful pop-up park postcards with two questions on the back pens a mailbox and explanatory signage The postcard sought to find out what people liked most about the pop-up interventions and what they would like to see in the future The team received more than 70 postcards and with several more hopefully taken as souvenirs by park users - a covert way for the design team to spread the word about the park
29
PUBLIC CHALKBOARDSTo collect feedback on park usersrsquo hopes and dreams for the space two community chalkboards were installed at the pop-up The first was mounted to the back of the piano and the second chalkboard was installed in front of the park and served as a place for people to contribute their drawings hopes and names to the space
30
POP-UP STORIESPerhaps the most powerful qualitative feedback the design team collected was through a series of testimonial interviews conducted with park users which the design team turned into mini-documentaries dubbed ldquoPop-Up Storiesrdquo Speaking one-on-one with park users the design team was inspired to record and create mini-documentaries detailing the stories of several different park users This work most accurately captured the human impact of Roosevelt Plaza Park which the team found to be extremely powerful given the many decades of decline and disinvestment experienced by the City of Camden and its residents
31
the tote veranda the grove
the lawn
picnic tables
32
The park interventions while interrelated created a variety of different spaces in order to test user preferences and patterns at the pop-up What follows is a discussion and analysis of the teamrsquos observations of each of the ldquooutdoor roomsrdquo
THE GROVEPerhaps the most defined of the lsquooutdoor roomsrsquo the Grove was bordered by custom-design corrugated planter boxes the outdoor piano and sprinkled with IBC tote planters Our mapping survey showed that this area was a popular draw for a lunch-time crowd and the wider tables were successful in accommodating and encouraging groups of up to four people per table with visitors spending anywhere between 10-45 minutes on average at a table
A review of timelapse photography mounted on a nearby IBC Tote reveals some of the rhythms of the Grove Groups of people congregate at all times of the day but itrsquos shortly after noon when this area is at its peak and when lunch-time crowds fill nearly all the available tables with takeout food purchased from local restaurants Also notable is the diversity of this group consisting of professionals students and everyday residents
INTERVENTION AREAS
picnic tables
33
THE PIANOOne of the most loved features of the Grove was undoubtedly the outdoor piano which immediately attracted pianists dancers and conversation from the moment it was installed The addition of the piano was inspired jointly by the rich musical history of the City and the diverse population that occupied the park and its surroundings We thought ndash ldquowhat interactive design element could transcend social class race even languagerdquo The answer we came up with was to do something with music We hoped that the addition of an outdoor piano would encourage the diverse group of park users (eg the homeless clinic patients students professionals judges etc) to stop play a tune and interact In this sense the piano was a major success
Consider one mid-September afternoon at the piano Over the course of these four hours on a sunny September day we observed two primary pianists one a clinic patient and one a local minister who played for extended periods of 1-2 hours Both talented musicians their playing attracted over 20 other individuals which included a mix of professionals people eating lunch local residents other clinic patients and several other curious pianists to the site The most common sight to see were groups of 2-4 individuals spontaneously interacting with each other and the pianist A resident remarked to us that the piano allowed people of any stripe to step outside of their normal element and to be looked at not by how they dressed or talked but by what they could do and what they were capable of
34
ldquoEste parque me trae alegriacutea y amor hellip para mostrarle a estas personas aquiacute que estaacuten con cosas difiacutecilesmdashcomo las drogas Para mi con mi instrumento un piano les ensentildeoacute amorhellip Yo veo como ellos buscan el amor y el apoyo de otras personas El privilegio para mi vida es llenar con voces muacutesica la ciudad de aquiacute Camden helliprdquo- Junior Osvaldo Cruz
english translationldquoThis park brings me joy and love to show these people here who are going through difficult things-like drugs For me with my instrument the piano I can show them love I see how they seek love and support from others My lifersquos privilege is to fill this city Camden with music and voices ldquo
If viewing on a PDF click here to hear a sample of the outdoor piano being played
Junior Osvaldo Cruz brought music and joy to the pop-up park no matter the season
35
4276221
THE LAWNWhile not a lsquodesignedrsquo space our analysis found that the lawn is an area with potential for future interventions with a very light touch At 75000 square feet most of which is well-maintained largely unobstructed lawn Roosevelt Plaza Park is one of the largest usable green spaces in the City and arguably its most accessible sitting at the nexus of several commercial corridors transit lines and easily accessed on foot or by bicycle
Our team observed that the pop-up helped spur unplanned organic use of the lawn spaces which had not been occurring prior to the interventions Basking in the sun on an Adirondack chair a game of Frisbee outdoor Tai Chi and a gentleman called ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo who regularly showed up teach children and spread the joy of flying kites were some of the most notable people and activities that took advantage of the lawnrsquos uniquely wide open spaces and expansive views of City Hall
Though the design focused on the north west portion of the lawn by defining that space with the pop-up elements observation showed that the open lawn spaces south of the Tote Veranda was popular for active uses such as kite-flying and Frisbee The small strip of lawn defined by trees at the north east was the most popular area for lounging on the lawn
ldquoKites is what really brings me here because this brings families together - children to the old they all fly they all have fun This builds your self-esteem because when you flying it you feel so good about your accomplishments this is something yoursquore doing A kid two years old was just flying a kite Donrsquot say you canrsquot do it you can do anything you put your mind tordquo- Kevin the Kiteman
36
To watch Kevin the Kitemanrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPkevin
ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo shows a group of Camden youth how to fly a kite
37
THE PICNIC TABLESThe Picnic Tables were popular for sitting chatting and for having a meal at lunchtime Set up as a communal table along Market Street the location was intended to engage passersby and customers of the restaurants along Market Street In designing this space we wanted to test the viability of outdoor dining along this burgeoning restaurant corridor The consistent use of the tables proved this amenity is in-demand among daily park users While the picnic tables did provide a comfortable place to sit and while people did eat meals there the space could have been enhanced through the principle of triangulation further detailed later in this report As an arrangement of elements this space was not multi-dimensional in nature and could be enlivened in future iterations through the addition of other complementary elements (a food vendor for example) to create a better sense of place Intensive improvements here will interface with an existing demand making investment at the Market Street edge of the park a high-impact improvement
38
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
Above Roosevelt Plaza Park was re-opened to the public in 2012 but lacked the amenities that would make it a destination
5
ADJACENT DEVELOPMENT
Strategic investment in Camdenrsquos public realm could not come at a more opportune time After decades of decline the Cityrsquos downtown has enjoyed a recent surge of private and public investment As Camdenrsquos mixed-use waterfront district continues to evolve and grow the Cityrsquos anchor institutions including Rutgers University-Camden Rowan University Cooper University Hospital and the Cooper Medical School at Rowan University collectively undertook a planning process for long-term downtown institutional development and in the past two years have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in construction
The implementation of the Connect the Lots project is occurring at a critical juncture in Camdenrsquos revitalization efforts With a new Camden County Metro police force and economic incentives provided by the Economic Opportunity Act a reduction in crime has led to increased investment community will and optimism Over the past year shootings in the city have decreased by almost 50 percent Camdenrsquos first new supermarket in 50 years opened over 5 miles of new multi-use trails that lead to parks and central destinations have been added to the cityrsquos Camden GreenWay trail network and the City has embarked on an ambitious plan to demolish 600 abandoned homes These hallmarks provided the support needed to successfully plan and implement open space projects that encourage residents to spend time outside in the city The continued activation of underused areas will ensure that neighborhood spaces in between direct investment are not overlooked in the redevelopment process It is hoped that the ephemeral nature of the Roosevelt Plaza Park Pop-Up Park will raise awareness of the importance of translating these reimagined spaces into permanent features of the city helping to improve access to safe vibrant and healthy communities
As a result of this development and recent state legislation that strongly incentivizes growth in Camden these trends are anticipated to continue and accelerate Roosevelt Plaza Park sits at the crossroads of this existing and planned development and is the only large public central open space in the downtown
27The Downtown Institutional Plan
DE
LA
WA
RE
R
IV
ER
CO
OP
ER
RIV
ER
PROPOSED BUILDINGS PHASE2Further development from Rutgers University-Camden and the
Campbell Soup Co will take place in a second ancillary phase of the institutional expansion Concurrent to the second phase of institutional development is development catalyzed by the Economic Opportunity Act (EOA) Highlighted below are the most viable parcels for investment in the Downtown
Proposed Buildings Phase 2 Existing Campuses Development Opportunities Phase 1 Development Opportunities Phase 2 Potential Development Parcels unlocked by Economic Opportunity Act
Above A map from the recent Downtown Institutional Plan identifies high priority development opportunities that neighbor on Roosevelt Plaza Park
RPP
6
ldquoThe plazarsquos urban-architectural design lays out a master plan for the surrounding streets and building blocks to create an ldquourban roomrdquo that framed by dense mixed-use redevelopment will plant the seed for the downtownrsquos return to relevance and vitalityrdquo
-2012 Roosevelt Plaza Park Plan from WRT
BIG PLANS FOR RPP
Prior to the demolition of the Parkade parking garage in 2012 the Camden Redevelopment Agency commissioned a plan to conceptualize the new plaza The plan (which is pictured to the left) included visionary capital elements like a new landmark headhouse to invite PATCO riders into the station bio-infiltration gardens and green stormwater management and amenities to activate the public space Using this vision as a framework the first phase towards reclaiming Roosevelt Plaza as a public park included adding basic improvements and amenities to make the space more welcoming
7
Above The existing park has ample green lawns several young trees fixed benches trash receptacles bike racks pedestrian scale lighting pedestrian safety features like bollards and open flat paved areas to accommodate events The park also lacks a sense of scale and a memorable image
RPP TODAY
As a safe well-lit and well-maintained park Roosevelt Plaza Park is a beautiful but largely underused civic space in the city Prior to the pop-up park the space lacked the elements that attracted people and created a unique identity
Given the parkrsquos location approximately 27000 people walk by each day This critical mass of people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds has the potential if engaged to stimulate Roosevelt Plaza Park with the vital social capital needed to revitalize Camdenrsquos urban core
8
pop-up improvements
PROJECT BRIEF PROGRAM AND BUDGET
The design team was commissioned to provide design and planning services for temporary placemaking efforts at Roosevelt Plaza Park The project required first identifying the needs of park users and then designing temporary and movable elements for the park These elements were also utilized to inform the creation of this comprehensive document which will help guide future improvements for the central public space
While the infrastructure of Roosevelt Plaza Park had been recently upgraded the park was underused and lacked a strong sense of place Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnershiprsquos vision for the development of the park was inspired by examples of new active public spaces in other post-industrial centers that developed by taking small iterative and temporary steps To provide an informative pop-up the design team sought to implement low cost high impact amenities to make Roosevelt Plaza Park a central destination for bikers pedestrians residents and employees
POP-UP IMPROVEMENTS
A pop-up calls for elements that are easy to deploy
10
Above Corona Plaza in Queens theuniprojectorg
Left A temporary holiday light art installation at Discovery Green in Houston discoverygreencom
Pop-Up cafe at the Battersea in London londontheinsidecom PHS Pop-Up beer garden in Philadelphia phillycom Sunset Triangle in LA pricetagswordpress
Food Trucks at The Porch at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia uwishunucom
11
PIANO HOUSE
PLANTER GROVE
QUAD LAWN
PICNIC DINING
TOTES VERANDA
PATIO GLIDER lsquoVERANDArsquo
ADIRONDACK LAWN SEATING
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
TO CAMDEN CITY HALL
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING
INFO TOTE
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS
CUSTOM PLANTERS
TOTE PLANTERS
INTERACTIVE GATEWAY
INTERACTIVE LIGHT TOWERS
SHADE STRUCTURE
PICNIC TABLES WITH UMBRELLAS
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS40 FEET20100 5 N
The site plan above shows a variety of diverse spaces meant to test user preferences
12
PIANO HOUSE
PLANTER GROVE
QUAD LAWN
PICNIC DINING
TOTES VERANDA
PATIO GLIDER lsquoVERANDArsquo
ADIRONDACK LAWN SEATING
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
TO CAMDEN CITY HALL
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING
INFO TOTE
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS
CUSTOM PLANTERS
TOTE PLANTERS
INTERACTIVE GATEWAY
INTERACTIVE LIGHT TOWERS
SHADE STRUCTURE
PICNIC TABLES WITH UMBRELLAS
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS40 FEET20100 5 N
P L A Z A P A R KROOSEVELT
DESIGN CONCEPT
The goal of the pop-up park was to create a lively unique and varied design to engage users in experimental improvements Chosen elements aimed to aid in the exploration of what might support and drive the Camden community to embrace the park
The design included amenities that were missing in the nearby public space a shade structure umbrellas trees and flowers a variety of comfortable seating tables and places to sit down and eat Interactive lighting movable furniture a feedback box with feedback postcards informational signage and a free-expression chalkboard were employed in the design to involve users in the experiment
An eye-catching central shade structure (the Totes Veranda) high design standard and bright modern color palette helped to define the pop-up image and attract people into the space To be successful the pop-up needed to feel inviting and distinguished
THE RIGHT FEEL
In the design phase mood boards helped identify the desired atmosphere of the pop-up optimistic urban sophisticated and approachable
RPP
13
Vintage postcards showing a shining Camden downtown provided inspiration for the pop-up
Motion sensors activate colored lights in an
early prototype of the interaction for ldquoBlue
Hourrdquo by New American Public Art
CAMDEN INSPIRATION
To achieve a design that spoke to present day Camden residents the design team searched for local inspiration The pop-up is aesthetically influenced by the wide array of buildings downtown many excellent examples of the architectural styles of the 19th and early 20th centuries and by the diverse downtown community of businesses residents and institutional uses In our approach we emulated the romantic optimism of the original New Deal-era park that once existed on the site And we were impressed to discover that industry is still alive and well in Camden which drove the team to explore locally sourced materials
The team visited several recycling businesses in Camden exploring what items might be creatively re-purposed from their intended uses and what might even be recovered from the waste-stream Several types of containers are collected cleaned processed refurbished recycled into component materials and resold nation-wide from these Camden businesses
For the purposes of the pop-up park the design team gravitated towards IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) totes which are roughly 4rsquo cubes that are used to transport liquids The galvanized-steel grid cages of the totes reflect the art deco architecture of City Hall and the plastic insert lsquobottlesrsquo diffuse light beautifully
14
BEING RESOURCEFUL
Through a little creative re-working different types of IBC totes became planters signage foundations and lighted towers Where creating a foundation suitable to support shade sails in very windy conditions would have been cost-prohibitive the totes provided opportunity to build a bespoke structure The 33-tote structure included an interactive lighting experience created by New American Public Art called ldquoBlue Hourrdquo The artists modified the totes with LED lighting and motion sensors
THE COMPONENTS OF THE EXPERIMENT
15
Triggered by people moving through the park the color change is reminiscent of the light the hour after sunset and the glow from a hearth It reminds visitors of the warmth that can be felt by being in the presence of others and feeling the glow of sharing in community
A KIT OF PARTS
Above from left to right and top to bottom IBC Tote from Camden (refurbished) $160 Patio Glider Set $1050 Patio Umbrella (with 70 lb steel base) $200 Plastic Adirondack Chair $15 Iconic Metal Folding Chair $75 Resin Side Chair $80 36rdquo Table $225 Unfinished Picnic Table $95 Locking Mailbox for Feedback Postcards $40
As a testing ground for ideas the pop-up needed to explore and push some boundaries The ephemeral nature of temporary improvements allowed for unconventional materials such as using IBC totes as building blocks for structures lighting and planters Furnishings were selected to provide variety and maximize seating type options This made it possible to observe what kinds of seating park users preferred
The team scoured local stores for furnishings and used several well-known online discount retailers to find items with the right look at the right price point With the exception of the Fermob folding bistro chair (which is widely used in public spaces internationally) many of the main park elements came from alternative sources some of which worked better than others
The durable orange chairs and gray cafe tables that were used in The Grove came from BizChaircom and they performed very well The popular blue Adirondacks were by far the best value and were bought directly from Adams Manufacturing The patio gliders came from theSimpleStorescom and had to be returned more than once because they arrived damaged Hayneedlecom was the easiest supplier to work with as the website provides special services for business accounts The residential umbrellas proved to not be durable enough for the windy site In future pop-ups commercial-grade umbrellas would be a worth-while investment We found that 70 lb steel umbrella bases were sufficient for the 8rsquo umbrellas
18
TEMPORARY GREENING
Planters provided the pop-up with color and movement The plants were installed at the end of the New Jersey growing season so the designers choose a variety of species that look just as good in the fall and winter as they do in the spring Perennials (flowering plants that will come back again in the spring) along with trees and shrubs lent the space additional structure and interest A handful of annuals added pops of seasonal color
Top Left The Weeping Willow Trees and Crape Myrtle Trees planted in The Grove both have nice fall color and decorative bark for winter interest Below Perennials like Cone Flower and Little Bunny Grass were interspersed between dwarf willows and evergreen shrubs
BUILDING BLOCKS
IBC totes from two Camden recycling businesses were delivered to a warehouse about two blocks away from Roosevelt Plaza Park where they were staged and modified prior to installation Artists installed lights motion sensors wiring and timers in 25 of the totes for the art piece ldquoBlue Hourrdquo To make planters out of 14 of the totes the plastic insert ldquobottlesrdquo were cut with a circular saw
To install the totes Camden Special Services District ambassadors moved the totes to the park using a truck with a lift-gate and a hand-operated pallet jack An all-metal ldquosardine-canrdquo style tote at the base of each tote tower was filled with sand to create a solid foundation for the structure Using a fork-lift the totes were stacked on top of one another then each stack was placed onto the metal foundation tote The towers were then leveled with shims of painted pressure-treated lumber The towers were fastened together with 8 chain-link fence clamps per level Using ladders Department of Public Works employees set up the electrical wiring between towers and fastened the shade sails to the structure
20
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
When options for planters and sheltering for the piano were found to be unavailable within budget the team commissioned some clever custom-built elements that were made from basic lumber and common corrugated metal sheeting An aluminum-core sign with an outdoor brochure box and wall-mounted mailbox was mounted to a tote in the center of the park This simple set-up was found to be an effective tool for collecting feedback in the park
21
22
POP OF COLOR
Site furniture provided the opportunity to bring color into the park The bright hues helped to give each space an identity and certainly contributed to a positive and optimistic image for the pop-up While speaking at the press conference for the pop-up opening Camden Mayor Dana L Redd noted that now the park ldquopops with colorrdquo
23
ELECTRIFY THE NIGHT
At night when the park is still the totes structure glows a cool blue but when people move through the space their motion activates the lighting causing the lights to warm into a soft orange tone
study findings
ITERATIVE PLACEMAKING
Roosevelt Plaza Park was unique in that its simple inexpensive amenities test-drove public space improvements to see what did and didnrsquot work before implementing either another round of pop-up interventions or more substantial capital improvements This strategy referred to as ldquoiterative placemakingrdquo has the benefit of producing a public space that is bold innovative and responds directly to the user as the ephemeral nature of the improvements takes the risk out of traditional capital-intensive park projects
To analyze the use of Roosevelt Plaza Park and to inform recommendations for future interventions the team of Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnership Group Melvin Design and Sikora Wells Appel devised a unique methodology that used both qualitative and quantitative data to analyze the site The initial methodology was inspired by noted urbanist and public space researcher William Whytersquos seminal ldquoThe Social Life of Small Urban Spacesrdquo relying primarily on time-lapse photography and observations to analyze the site from above and at a distance Yet after the pop-up interventions were constructed the team realized that the initial methodology treated the park more like a petri dish than a public space This conclusion led to the refinement of the methodology to ensure not just the quantitative but the qualitative human story of the park was captured
STUDY METHODOLOGY
in 5 months the team collected
500+hours of timelapse
footage
124visitor surveys amp
feedback postcards submitted
121mapping surveys
completed
3818park users and
activities mapped
26
Data collection methoDology
For the teamrsquos analysis of Roosevelt Plaza Park the team recognized that the study had to tell a story through both quantitative data and qualitative observations and user feedback To accomplish this a multi-pronged strategy was devised that used several different tools to analyze the site
time-lapse photography
The initial methodology relied primarily on time-lapse photography to capture user movement activities and interactions in the space The team quickly found that William Whytersquos primary disclaimer of this technique that recording the film is easy and that evaluation is the hard part was as true using modern equipment in the 21st century as it was for Whyte in the 1970rsquos However while there were limitations to what could be observed using time-lapse photography it was a valuable tool for seeing that which is invisible to the human eye in real-time The ability to capture imagery of the entire site all-at-once and play back video of park users at hyper-speed allowed the team to observe patterns of movement usage throughout the day and patterns influenced by environmental conditions that would have otherwise been invisible And while the time-lapse photography was limited when mounted from a site-wide vantage point in the windows of City Hall our team recorded additional video with cameras mounted directly in the park in order to make more direct activity-focused area-specific observations Throughout this process both the Mayorrsquos Office and the Camden County Administration Offices were incredibly generous with their window-space by allowing the team to mount our cameras from their offices
To watch timelapse footage visit httptinyurlcomRPPtimelapse
27
Mapping Surveys
Roosevelt Plaza Park is cleaned and maintained by the Camden Special Services District (CSSD) who staffed the pop-up with an employee throughout the week with more limited hours on weekends Time-lapse photography is limited in its ability to see the close-up and personal and so the design team met with CSSD staff to get their help in filling out on-the-ground mapping surveys of user activity at the park While the survey was limited by the hours during the day that CSSD staff worked the CSSD did an exceptional job of capturing data that recorded the type of user location and what they were doing at the park This data was coded in digital maps produced by the design team that allowed for the exploration of a number of different variables and conditions observed in more than 50 mapping surveys
Visitor Surveys
In addition to the mapping surveys CSSD staff also helped to complete visitor surveys that recorded additional information about users that would have not been obtained through observation Initially the survey was only provided through an online survey platform but the team realized that an online survey was not the right platform for effectively reaching the constituency that uses the park Revising the strategy a paper copy of the survey was produced that CSSD staff helped distribute to more than 50 park visitors
28
Feedback Postcards
One of the most successful tools for obtaining user feedback was the custom feedback postcard tool developed by the design team Mounted on a central planted tote within the park this tool consisted of four simple elements a set of colorful pop-up park postcards with two questions on the back pens a mailbox and explanatory signage The postcard sought to find out what people liked most about the pop-up interventions and what they would like to see in the future The team received more than 70 postcards and with several more hopefully taken as souvenirs by park users - a covert way for the design team to spread the word about the park
29
PUBLIC CHALKBOARDSTo collect feedback on park usersrsquo hopes and dreams for the space two community chalkboards were installed at the pop-up The first was mounted to the back of the piano and the second chalkboard was installed in front of the park and served as a place for people to contribute their drawings hopes and names to the space
30
POP-UP STORIESPerhaps the most powerful qualitative feedback the design team collected was through a series of testimonial interviews conducted with park users which the design team turned into mini-documentaries dubbed ldquoPop-Up Storiesrdquo Speaking one-on-one with park users the design team was inspired to record and create mini-documentaries detailing the stories of several different park users This work most accurately captured the human impact of Roosevelt Plaza Park which the team found to be extremely powerful given the many decades of decline and disinvestment experienced by the City of Camden and its residents
31
the tote veranda the grove
the lawn
picnic tables
32
The park interventions while interrelated created a variety of different spaces in order to test user preferences and patterns at the pop-up What follows is a discussion and analysis of the teamrsquos observations of each of the ldquooutdoor roomsrdquo
THE GROVEPerhaps the most defined of the lsquooutdoor roomsrsquo the Grove was bordered by custom-design corrugated planter boxes the outdoor piano and sprinkled with IBC tote planters Our mapping survey showed that this area was a popular draw for a lunch-time crowd and the wider tables were successful in accommodating and encouraging groups of up to four people per table with visitors spending anywhere between 10-45 minutes on average at a table
A review of timelapse photography mounted on a nearby IBC Tote reveals some of the rhythms of the Grove Groups of people congregate at all times of the day but itrsquos shortly after noon when this area is at its peak and when lunch-time crowds fill nearly all the available tables with takeout food purchased from local restaurants Also notable is the diversity of this group consisting of professionals students and everyday residents
INTERVENTION AREAS
picnic tables
33
THE PIANOOne of the most loved features of the Grove was undoubtedly the outdoor piano which immediately attracted pianists dancers and conversation from the moment it was installed The addition of the piano was inspired jointly by the rich musical history of the City and the diverse population that occupied the park and its surroundings We thought ndash ldquowhat interactive design element could transcend social class race even languagerdquo The answer we came up with was to do something with music We hoped that the addition of an outdoor piano would encourage the diverse group of park users (eg the homeless clinic patients students professionals judges etc) to stop play a tune and interact In this sense the piano was a major success
Consider one mid-September afternoon at the piano Over the course of these four hours on a sunny September day we observed two primary pianists one a clinic patient and one a local minister who played for extended periods of 1-2 hours Both talented musicians their playing attracted over 20 other individuals which included a mix of professionals people eating lunch local residents other clinic patients and several other curious pianists to the site The most common sight to see were groups of 2-4 individuals spontaneously interacting with each other and the pianist A resident remarked to us that the piano allowed people of any stripe to step outside of their normal element and to be looked at not by how they dressed or talked but by what they could do and what they were capable of
34
ldquoEste parque me trae alegriacutea y amor hellip para mostrarle a estas personas aquiacute que estaacuten con cosas difiacutecilesmdashcomo las drogas Para mi con mi instrumento un piano les ensentildeoacute amorhellip Yo veo como ellos buscan el amor y el apoyo de otras personas El privilegio para mi vida es llenar con voces muacutesica la ciudad de aquiacute Camden helliprdquo- Junior Osvaldo Cruz
english translationldquoThis park brings me joy and love to show these people here who are going through difficult things-like drugs For me with my instrument the piano I can show them love I see how they seek love and support from others My lifersquos privilege is to fill this city Camden with music and voices ldquo
If viewing on a PDF click here to hear a sample of the outdoor piano being played
Junior Osvaldo Cruz brought music and joy to the pop-up park no matter the season
35
4276221
THE LAWNWhile not a lsquodesignedrsquo space our analysis found that the lawn is an area with potential for future interventions with a very light touch At 75000 square feet most of which is well-maintained largely unobstructed lawn Roosevelt Plaza Park is one of the largest usable green spaces in the City and arguably its most accessible sitting at the nexus of several commercial corridors transit lines and easily accessed on foot or by bicycle
Our team observed that the pop-up helped spur unplanned organic use of the lawn spaces which had not been occurring prior to the interventions Basking in the sun on an Adirondack chair a game of Frisbee outdoor Tai Chi and a gentleman called ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo who regularly showed up teach children and spread the joy of flying kites were some of the most notable people and activities that took advantage of the lawnrsquos uniquely wide open spaces and expansive views of City Hall
Though the design focused on the north west portion of the lawn by defining that space with the pop-up elements observation showed that the open lawn spaces south of the Tote Veranda was popular for active uses such as kite-flying and Frisbee The small strip of lawn defined by trees at the north east was the most popular area for lounging on the lawn
ldquoKites is what really brings me here because this brings families together - children to the old they all fly they all have fun This builds your self-esteem because when you flying it you feel so good about your accomplishments this is something yoursquore doing A kid two years old was just flying a kite Donrsquot say you canrsquot do it you can do anything you put your mind tordquo- Kevin the Kiteman
36
To watch Kevin the Kitemanrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPkevin
ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo shows a group of Camden youth how to fly a kite
37
THE PICNIC TABLESThe Picnic Tables were popular for sitting chatting and for having a meal at lunchtime Set up as a communal table along Market Street the location was intended to engage passersby and customers of the restaurants along Market Street In designing this space we wanted to test the viability of outdoor dining along this burgeoning restaurant corridor The consistent use of the tables proved this amenity is in-demand among daily park users While the picnic tables did provide a comfortable place to sit and while people did eat meals there the space could have been enhanced through the principle of triangulation further detailed later in this report As an arrangement of elements this space was not multi-dimensional in nature and could be enlivened in future iterations through the addition of other complementary elements (a food vendor for example) to create a better sense of place Intensive improvements here will interface with an existing demand making investment at the Market Street edge of the park a high-impact improvement
38
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
ADJACENT DEVELOPMENT
Strategic investment in Camdenrsquos public realm could not come at a more opportune time After decades of decline the Cityrsquos downtown has enjoyed a recent surge of private and public investment As Camdenrsquos mixed-use waterfront district continues to evolve and grow the Cityrsquos anchor institutions including Rutgers University-Camden Rowan University Cooper University Hospital and the Cooper Medical School at Rowan University collectively undertook a planning process for long-term downtown institutional development and in the past two years have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in construction
The implementation of the Connect the Lots project is occurring at a critical juncture in Camdenrsquos revitalization efforts With a new Camden County Metro police force and economic incentives provided by the Economic Opportunity Act a reduction in crime has led to increased investment community will and optimism Over the past year shootings in the city have decreased by almost 50 percent Camdenrsquos first new supermarket in 50 years opened over 5 miles of new multi-use trails that lead to parks and central destinations have been added to the cityrsquos Camden GreenWay trail network and the City has embarked on an ambitious plan to demolish 600 abandoned homes These hallmarks provided the support needed to successfully plan and implement open space projects that encourage residents to spend time outside in the city The continued activation of underused areas will ensure that neighborhood spaces in between direct investment are not overlooked in the redevelopment process It is hoped that the ephemeral nature of the Roosevelt Plaza Park Pop-Up Park will raise awareness of the importance of translating these reimagined spaces into permanent features of the city helping to improve access to safe vibrant and healthy communities
As a result of this development and recent state legislation that strongly incentivizes growth in Camden these trends are anticipated to continue and accelerate Roosevelt Plaza Park sits at the crossroads of this existing and planned development and is the only large public central open space in the downtown
27The Downtown Institutional Plan
DE
LA
WA
RE
R
IV
ER
CO
OP
ER
RIV
ER
PROPOSED BUILDINGS PHASE2Further development from Rutgers University-Camden and the
Campbell Soup Co will take place in a second ancillary phase of the institutional expansion Concurrent to the second phase of institutional development is development catalyzed by the Economic Opportunity Act (EOA) Highlighted below are the most viable parcels for investment in the Downtown
Proposed Buildings Phase 2 Existing Campuses Development Opportunities Phase 1 Development Opportunities Phase 2 Potential Development Parcels unlocked by Economic Opportunity Act
Above A map from the recent Downtown Institutional Plan identifies high priority development opportunities that neighbor on Roosevelt Plaza Park
RPP
6
ldquoThe plazarsquos urban-architectural design lays out a master plan for the surrounding streets and building blocks to create an ldquourban roomrdquo that framed by dense mixed-use redevelopment will plant the seed for the downtownrsquos return to relevance and vitalityrdquo
-2012 Roosevelt Plaza Park Plan from WRT
BIG PLANS FOR RPP
Prior to the demolition of the Parkade parking garage in 2012 the Camden Redevelopment Agency commissioned a plan to conceptualize the new plaza The plan (which is pictured to the left) included visionary capital elements like a new landmark headhouse to invite PATCO riders into the station bio-infiltration gardens and green stormwater management and amenities to activate the public space Using this vision as a framework the first phase towards reclaiming Roosevelt Plaza as a public park included adding basic improvements and amenities to make the space more welcoming
7
Above The existing park has ample green lawns several young trees fixed benches trash receptacles bike racks pedestrian scale lighting pedestrian safety features like bollards and open flat paved areas to accommodate events The park also lacks a sense of scale and a memorable image
RPP TODAY
As a safe well-lit and well-maintained park Roosevelt Plaza Park is a beautiful but largely underused civic space in the city Prior to the pop-up park the space lacked the elements that attracted people and created a unique identity
Given the parkrsquos location approximately 27000 people walk by each day This critical mass of people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds has the potential if engaged to stimulate Roosevelt Plaza Park with the vital social capital needed to revitalize Camdenrsquos urban core
8
pop-up improvements
PROJECT BRIEF PROGRAM AND BUDGET
The design team was commissioned to provide design and planning services for temporary placemaking efforts at Roosevelt Plaza Park The project required first identifying the needs of park users and then designing temporary and movable elements for the park These elements were also utilized to inform the creation of this comprehensive document which will help guide future improvements for the central public space
While the infrastructure of Roosevelt Plaza Park had been recently upgraded the park was underused and lacked a strong sense of place Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnershiprsquos vision for the development of the park was inspired by examples of new active public spaces in other post-industrial centers that developed by taking small iterative and temporary steps To provide an informative pop-up the design team sought to implement low cost high impact amenities to make Roosevelt Plaza Park a central destination for bikers pedestrians residents and employees
POP-UP IMPROVEMENTS
A pop-up calls for elements that are easy to deploy
10
Above Corona Plaza in Queens theuniprojectorg
Left A temporary holiday light art installation at Discovery Green in Houston discoverygreencom
Pop-Up cafe at the Battersea in London londontheinsidecom PHS Pop-Up beer garden in Philadelphia phillycom Sunset Triangle in LA pricetagswordpress
Food Trucks at The Porch at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia uwishunucom
11
PIANO HOUSE
PLANTER GROVE
QUAD LAWN
PICNIC DINING
TOTES VERANDA
PATIO GLIDER lsquoVERANDArsquo
ADIRONDACK LAWN SEATING
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
TO CAMDEN CITY HALL
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING
INFO TOTE
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS
CUSTOM PLANTERS
TOTE PLANTERS
INTERACTIVE GATEWAY
INTERACTIVE LIGHT TOWERS
SHADE STRUCTURE
PICNIC TABLES WITH UMBRELLAS
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS40 FEET20100 5 N
The site plan above shows a variety of diverse spaces meant to test user preferences
12
PIANO HOUSE
PLANTER GROVE
QUAD LAWN
PICNIC DINING
TOTES VERANDA
PATIO GLIDER lsquoVERANDArsquo
ADIRONDACK LAWN SEATING
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
TO CAMDEN CITY HALL
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING
INFO TOTE
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS
CUSTOM PLANTERS
TOTE PLANTERS
INTERACTIVE GATEWAY
INTERACTIVE LIGHT TOWERS
SHADE STRUCTURE
PICNIC TABLES WITH UMBRELLAS
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS40 FEET20100 5 N
P L A Z A P A R KROOSEVELT
DESIGN CONCEPT
The goal of the pop-up park was to create a lively unique and varied design to engage users in experimental improvements Chosen elements aimed to aid in the exploration of what might support and drive the Camden community to embrace the park
The design included amenities that were missing in the nearby public space a shade structure umbrellas trees and flowers a variety of comfortable seating tables and places to sit down and eat Interactive lighting movable furniture a feedback box with feedback postcards informational signage and a free-expression chalkboard were employed in the design to involve users in the experiment
An eye-catching central shade structure (the Totes Veranda) high design standard and bright modern color palette helped to define the pop-up image and attract people into the space To be successful the pop-up needed to feel inviting and distinguished
THE RIGHT FEEL
In the design phase mood boards helped identify the desired atmosphere of the pop-up optimistic urban sophisticated and approachable
RPP
13
Vintage postcards showing a shining Camden downtown provided inspiration for the pop-up
Motion sensors activate colored lights in an
early prototype of the interaction for ldquoBlue
Hourrdquo by New American Public Art
CAMDEN INSPIRATION
To achieve a design that spoke to present day Camden residents the design team searched for local inspiration The pop-up is aesthetically influenced by the wide array of buildings downtown many excellent examples of the architectural styles of the 19th and early 20th centuries and by the diverse downtown community of businesses residents and institutional uses In our approach we emulated the romantic optimism of the original New Deal-era park that once existed on the site And we were impressed to discover that industry is still alive and well in Camden which drove the team to explore locally sourced materials
The team visited several recycling businesses in Camden exploring what items might be creatively re-purposed from their intended uses and what might even be recovered from the waste-stream Several types of containers are collected cleaned processed refurbished recycled into component materials and resold nation-wide from these Camden businesses
For the purposes of the pop-up park the design team gravitated towards IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) totes which are roughly 4rsquo cubes that are used to transport liquids The galvanized-steel grid cages of the totes reflect the art deco architecture of City Hall and the plastic insert lsquobottlesrsquo diffuse light beautifully
14
BEING RESOURCEFUL
Through a little creative re-working different types of IBC totes became planters signage foundations and lighted towers Where creating a foundation suitable to support shade sails in very windy conditions would have been cost-prohibitive the totes provided opportunity to build a bespoke structure The 33-tote structure included an interactive lighting experience created by New American Public Art called ldquoBlue Hourrdquo The artists modified the totes with LED lighting and motion sensors
THE COMPONENTS OF THE EXPERIMENT
15
Triggered by people moving through the park the color change is reminiscent of the light the hour after sunset and the glow from a hearth It reminds visitors of the warmth that can be felt by being in the presence of others and feeling the glow of sharing in community
A KIT OF PARTS
Above from left to right and top to bottom IBC Tote from Camden (refurbished) $160 Patio Glider Set $1050 Patio Umbrella (with 70 lb steel base) $200 Plastic Adirondack Chair $15 Iconic Metal Folding Chair $75 Resin Side Chair $80 36rdquo Table $225 Unfinished Picnic Table $95 Locking Mailbox for Feedback Postcards $40
As a testing ground for ideas the pop-up needed to explore and push some boundaries The ephemeral nature of temporary improvements allowed for unconventional materials such as using IBC totes as building blocks for structures lighting and planters Furnishings were selected to provide variety and maximize seating type options This made it possible to observe what kinds of seating park users preferred
The team scoured local stores for furnishings and used several well-known online discount retailers to find items with the right look at the right price point With the exception of the Fermob folding bistro chair (which is widely used in public spaces internationally) many of the main park elements came from alternative sources some of which worked better than others
The durable orange chairs and gray cafe tables that were used in The Grove came from BizChaircom and they performed very well The popular blue Adirondacks were by far the best value and were bought directly from Adams Manufacturing The patio gliders came from theSimpleStorescom and had to be returned more than once because they arrived damaged Hayneedlecom was the easiest supplier to work with as the website provides special services for business accounts The residential umbrellas proved to not be durable enough for the windy site In future pop-ups commercial-grade umbrellas would be a worth-while investment We found that 70 lb steel umbrella bases were sufficient for the 8rsquo umbrellas
18
TEMPORARY GREENING
Planters provided the pop-up with color and movement The plants were installed at the end of the New Jersey growing season so the designers choose a variety of species that look just as good in the fall and winter as they do in the spring Perennials (flowering plants that will come back again in the spring) along with trees and shrubs lent the space additional structure and interest A handful of annuals added pops of seasonal color
Top Left The Weeping Willow Trees and Crape Myrtle Trees planted in The Grove both have nice fall color and decorative bark for winter interest Below Perennials like Cone Flower and Little Bunny Grass were interspersed between dwarf willows and evergreen shrubs
BUILDING BLOCKS
IBC totes from two Camden recycling businesses were delivered to a warehouse about two blocks away from Roosevelt Plaza Park where they were staged and modified prior to installation Artists installed lights motion sensors wiring and timers in 25 of the totes for the art piece ldquoBlue Hourrdquo To make planters out of 14 of the totes the plastic insert ldquobottlesrdquo were cut with a circular saw
To install the totes Camden Special Services District ambassadors moved the totes to the park using a truck with a lift-gate and a hand-operated pallet jack An all-metal ldquosardine-canrdquo style tote at the base of each tote tower was filled with sand to create a solid foundation for the structure Using a fork-lift the totes were stacked on top of one another then each stack was placed onto the metal foundation tote The towers were then leveled with shims of painted pressure-treated lumber The towers were fastened together with 8 chain-link fence clamps per level Using ladders Department of Public Works employees set up the electrical wiring between towers and fastened the shade sails to the structure
20
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
When options for planters and sheltering for the piano were found to be unavailable within budget the team commissioned some clever custom-built elements that were made from basic lumber and common corrugated metal sheeting An aluminum-core sign with an outdoor brochure box and wall-mounted mailbox was mounted to a tote in the center of the park This simple set-up was found to be an effective tool for collecting feedback in the park
21
22
POP OF COLOR
Site furniture provided the opportunity to bring color into the park The bright hues helped to give each space an identity and certainly contributed to a positive and optimistic image for the pop-up While speaking at the press conference for the pop-up opening Camden Mayor Dana L Redd noted that now the park ldquopops with colorrdquo
23
ELECTRIFY THE NIGHT
At night when the park is still the totes structure glows a cool blue but when people move through the space their motion activates the lighting causing the lights to warm into a soft orange tone
study findings
ITERATIVE PLACEMAKING
Roosevelt Plaza Park was unique in that its simple inexpensive amenities test-drove public space improvements to see what did and didnrsquot work before implementing either another round of pop-up interventions or more substantial capital improvements This strategy referred to as ldquoiterative placemakingrdquo has the benefit of producing a public space that is bold innovative and responds directly to the user as the ephemeral nature of the improvements takes the risk out of traditional capital-intensive park projects
To analyze the use of Roosevelt Plaza Park and to inform recommendations for future interventions the team of Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnership Group Melvin Design and Sikora Wells Appel devised a unique methodology that used both qualitative and quantitative data to analyze the site The initial methodology was inspired by noted urbanist and public space researcher William Whytersquos seminal ldquoThe Social Life of Small Urban Spacesrdquo relying primarily on time-lapse photography and observations to analyze the site from above and at a distance Yet after the pop-up interventions were constructed the team realized that the initial methodology treated the park more like a petri dish than a public space This conclusion led to the refinement of the methodology to ensure not just the quantitative but the qualitative human story of the park was captured
STUDY METHODOLOGY
in 5 months the team collected
500+hours of timelapse
footage
124visitor surveys amp
feedback postcards submitted
121mapping surveys
completed
3818park users and
activities mapped
26
Data collection methoDology
For the teamrsquos analysis of Roosevelt Plaza Park the team recognized that the study had to tell a story through both quantitative data and qualitative observations and user feedback To accomplish this a multi-pronged strategy was devised that used several different tools to analyze the site
time-lapse photography
The initial methodology relied primarily on time-lapse photography to capture user movement activities and interactions in the space The team quickly found that William Whytersquos primary disclaimer of this technique that recording the film is easy and that evaluation is the hard part was as true using modern equipment in the 21st century as it was for Whyte in the 1970rsquos However while there were limitations to what could be observed using time-lapse photography it was a valuable tool for seeing that which is invisible to the human eye in real-time The ability to capture imagery of the entire site all-at-once and play back video of park users at hyper-speed allowed the team to observe patterns of movement usage throughout the day and patterns influenced by environmental conditions that would have otherwise been invisible And while the time-lapse photography was limited when mounted from a site-wide vantage point in the windows of City Hall our team recorded additional video with cameras mounted directly in the park in order to make more direct activity-focused area-specific observations Throughout this process both the Mayorrsquos Office and the Camden County Administration Offices were incredibly generous with their window-space by allowing the team to mount our cameras from their offices
To watch timelapse footage visit httptinyurlcomRPPtimelapse
27
Mapping Surveys
Roosevelt Plaza Park is cleaned and maintained by the Camden Special Services District (CSSD) who staffed the pop-up with an employee throughout the week with more limited hours on weekends Time-lapse photography is limited in its ability to see the close-up and personal and so the design team met with CSSD staff to get their help in filling out on-the-ground mapping surveys of user activity at the park While the survey was limited by the hours during the day that CSSD staff worked the CSSD did an exceptional job of capturing data that recorded the type of user location and what they were doing at the park This data was coded in digital maps produced by the design team that allowed for the exploration of a number of different variables and conditions observed in more than 50 mapping surveys
Visitor Surveys
In addition to the mapping surveys CSSD staff also helped to complete visitor surveys that recorded additional information about users that would have not been obtained through observation Initially the survey was only provided through an online survey platform but the team realized that an online survey was not the right platform for effectively reaching the constituency that uses the park Revising the strategy a paper copy of the survey was produced that CSSD staff helped distribute to more than 50 park visitors
28
Feedback Postcards
One of the most successful tools for obtaining user feedback was the custom feedback postcard tool developed by the design team Mounted on a central planted tote within the park this tool consisted of four simple elements a set of colorful pop-up park postcards with two questions on the back pens a mailbox and explanatory signage The postcard sought to find out what people liked most about the pop-up interventions and what they would like to see in the future The team received more than 70 postcards and with several more hopefully taken as souvenirs by park users - a covert way for the design team to spread the word about the park
29
PUBLIC CHALKBOARDSTo collect feedback on park usersrsquo hopes and dreams for the space two community chalkboards were installed at the pop-up The first was mounted to the back of the piano and the second chalkboard was installed in front of the park and served as a place for people to contribute their drawings hopes and names to the space
30
POP-UP STORIESPerhaps the most powerful qualitative feedback the design team collected was through a series of testimonial interviews conducted with park users which the design team turned into mini-documentaries dubbed ldquoPop-Up Storiesrdquo Speaking one-on-one with park users the design team was inspired to record and create mini-documentaries detailing the stories of several different park users This work most accurately captured the human impact of Roosevelt Plaza Park which the team found to be extremely powerful given the many decades of decline and disinvestment experienced by the City of Camden and its residents
31
the tote veranda the grove
the lawn
picnic tables
32
The park interventions while interrelated created a variety of different spaces in order to test user preferences and patterns at the pop-up What follows is a discussion and analysis of the teamrsquos observations of each of the ldquooutdoor roomsrdquo
THE GROVEPerhaps the most defined of the lsquooutdoor roomsrsquo the Grove was bordered by custom-design corrugated planter boxes the outdoor piano and sprinkled with IBC tote planters Our mapping survey showed that this area was a popular draw for a lunch-time crowd and the wider tables were successful in accommodating and encouraging groups of up to four people per table with visitors spending anywhere between 10-45 minutes on average at a table
A review of timelapse photography mounted on a nearby IBC Tote reveals some of the rhythms of the Grove Groups of people congregate at all times of the day but itrsquos shortly after noon when this area is at its peak and when lunch-time crowds fill nearly all the available tables with takeout food purchased from local restaurants Also notable is the diversity of this group consisting of professionals students and everyday residents
INTERVENTION AREAS
picnic tables
33
THE PIANOOne of the most loved features of the Grove was undoubtedly the outdoor piano which immediately attracted pianists dancers and conversation from the moment it was installed The addition of the piano was inspired jointly by the rich musical history of the City and the diverse population that occupied the park and its surroundings We thought ndash ldquowhat interactive design element could transcend social class race even languagerdquo The answer we came up with was to do something with music We hoped that the addition of an outdoor piano would encourage the diverse group of park users (eg the homeless clinic patients students professionals judges etc) to stop play a tune and interact In this sense the piano was a major success
Consider one mid-September afternoon at the piano Over the course of these four hours on a sunny September day we observed two primary pianists one a clinic patient and one a local minister who played for extended periods of 1-2 hours Both talented musicians their playing attracted over 20 other individuals which included a mix of professionals people eating lunch local residents other clinic patients and several other curious pianists to the site The most common sight to see were groups of 2-4 individuals spontaneously interacting with each other and the pianist A resident remarked to us that the piano allowed people of any stripe to step outside of their normal element and to be looked at not by how they dressed or talked but by what they could do and what they were capable of
34
ldquoEste parque me trae alegriacutea y amor hellip para mostrarle a estas personas aquiacute que estaacuten con cosas difiacutecilesmdashcomo las drogas Para mi con mi instrumento un piano les ensentildeoacute amorhellip Yo veo como ellos buscan el amor y el apoyo de otras personas El privilegio para mi vida es llenar con voces muacutesica la ciudad de aquiacute Camden helliprdquo- Junior Osvaldo Cruz
english translationldquoThis park brings me joy and love to show these people here who are going through difficult things-like drugs For me with my instrument the piano I can show them love I see how they seek love and support from others My lifersquos privilege is to fill this city Camden with music and voices ldquo
If viewing on a PDF click here to hear a sample of the outdoor piano being played
Junior Osvaldo Cruz brought music and joy to the pop-up park no matter the season
35
4276221
THE LAWNWhile not a lsquodesignedrsquo space our analysis found that the lawn is an area with potential for future interventions with a very light touch At 75000 square feet most of which is well-maintained largely unobstructed lawn Roosevelt Plaza Park is one of the largest usable green spaces in the City and arguably its most accessible sitting at the nexus of several commercial corridors transit lines and easily accessed on foot or by bicycle
Our team observed that the pop-up helped spur unplanned organic use of the lawn spaces which had not been occurring prior to the interventions Basking in the sun on an Adirondack chair a game of Frisbee outdoor Tai Chi and a gentleman called ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo who regularly showed up teach children and spread the joy of flying kites were some of the most notable people and activities that took advantage of the lawnrsquos uniquely wide open spaces and expansive views of City Hall
Though the design focused on the north west portion of the lawn by defining that space with the pop-up elements observation showed that the open lawn spaces south of the Tote Veranda was popular for active uses such as kite-flying and Frisbee The small strip of lawn defined by trees at the north east was the most popular area for lounging on the lawn
ldquoKites is what really brings me here because this brings families together - children to the old they all fly they all have fun This builds your self-esteem because when you flying it you feel so good about your accomplishments this is something yoursquore doing A kid two years old was just flying a kite Donrsquot say you canrsquot do it you can do anything you put your mind tordquo- Kevin the Kiteman
36
To watch Kevin the Kitemanrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPkevin
ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo shows a group of Camden youth how to fly a kite
37
THE PICNIC TABLESThe Picnic Tables were popular for sitting chatting and for having a meal at lunchtime Set up as a communal table along Market Street the location was intended to engage passersby and customers of the restaurants along Market Street In designing this space we wanted to test the viability of outdoor dining along this burgeoning restaurant corridor The consistent use of the tables proved this amenity is in-demand among daily park users While the picnic tables did provide a comfortable place to sit and while people did eat meals there the space could have been enhanced through the principle of triangulation further detailed later in this report As an arrangement of elements this space was not multi-dimensional in nature and could be enlivened in future iterations through the addition of other complementary elements (a food vendor for example) to create a better sense of place Intensive improvements here will interface with an existing demand making investment at the Market Street edge of the park a high-impact improvement
38
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
ldquoThe plazarsquos urban-architectural design lays out a master plan for the surrounding streets and building blocks to create an ldquourban roomrdquo that framed by dense mixed-use redevelopment will plant the seed for the downtownrsquos return to relevance and vitalityrdquo
-2012 Roosevelt Plaza Park Plan from WRT
BIG PLANS FOR RPP
Prior to the demolition of the Parkade parking garage in 2012 the Camden Redevelopment Agency commissioned a plan to conceptualize the new plaza The plan (which is pictured to the left) included visionary capital elements like a new landmark headhouse to invite PATCO riders into the station bio-infiltration gardens and green stormwater management and amenities to activate the public space Using this vision as a framework the first phase towards reclaiming Roosevelt Plaza as a public park included adding basic improvements and amenities to make the space more welcoming
7
Above The existing park has ample green lawns several young trees fixed benches trash receptacles bike racks pedestrian scale lighting pedestrian safety features like bollards and open flat paved areas to accommodate events The park also lacks a sense of scale and a memorable image
RPP TODAY
As a safe well-lit and well-maintained park Roosevelt Plaza Park is a beautiful but largely underused civic space in the city Prior to the pop-up park the space lacked the elements that attracted people and created a unique identity
Given the parkrsquos location approximately 27000 people walk by each day This critical mass of people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds has the potential if engaged to stimulate Roosevelt Plaza Park with the vital social capital needed to revitalize Camdenrsquos urban core
8
pop-up improvements
PROJECT BRIEF PROGRAM AND BUDGET
The design team was commissioned to provide design and planning services for temporary placemaking efforts at Roosevelt Plaza Park The project required first identifying the needs of park users and then designing temporary and movable elements for the park These elements were also utilized to inform the creation of this comprehensive document which will help guide future improvements for the central public space
While the infrastructure of Roosevelt Plaza Park had been recently upgraded the park was underused and lacked a strong sense of place Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnershiprsquos vision for the development of the park was inspired by examples of new active public spaces in other post-industrial centers that developed by taking small iterative and temporary steps To provide an informative pop-up the design team sought to implement low cost high impact amenities to make Roosevelt Plaza Park a central destination for bikers pedestrians residents and employees
POP-UP IMPROVEMENTS
A pop-up calls for elements that are easy to deploy
10
Above Corona Plaza in Queens theuniprojectorg
Left A temporary holiday light art installation at Discovery Green in Houston discoverygreencom
Pop-Up cafe at the Battersea in London londontheinsidecom PHS Pop-Up beer garden in Philadelphia phillycom Sunset Triangle in LA pricetagswordpress
Food Trucks at The Porch at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia uwishunucom
11
PIANO HOUSE
PLANTER GROVE
QUAD LAWN
PICNIC DINING
TOTES VERANDA
PATIO GLIDER lsquoVERANDArsquo
ADIRONDACK LAWN SEATING
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
TO CAMDEN CITY HALL
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING
INFO TOTE
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS
CUSTOM PLANTERS
TOTE PLANTERS
INTERACTIVE GATEWAY
INTERACTIVE LIGHT TOWERS
SHADE STRUCTURE
PICNIC TABLES WITH UMBRELLAS
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS40 FEET20100 5 N
The site plan above shows a variety of diverse spaces meant to test user preferences
12
PIANO HOUSE
PLANTER GROVE
QUAD LAWN
PICNIC DINING
TOTES VERANDA
PATIO GLIDER lsquoVERANDArsquo
ADIRONDACK LAWN SEATING
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
TO CAMDEN CITY HALL
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING
INFO TOTE
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS
CUSTOM PLANTERS
TOTE PLANTERS
INTERACTIVE GATEWAY
INTERACTIVE LIGHT TOWERS
SHADE STRUCTURE
PICNIC TABLES WITH UMBRELLAS
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS40 FEET20100 5 N
P L A Z A P A R KROOSEVELT
DESIGN CONCEPT
The goal of the pop-up park was to create a lively unique and varied design to engage users in experimental improvements Chosen elements aimed to aid in the exploration of what might support and drive the Camden community to embrace the park
The design included amenities that were missing in the nearby public space a shade structure umbrellas trees and flowers a variety of comfortable seating tables and places to sit down and eat Interactive lighting movable furniture a feedback box with feedback postcards informational signage and a free-expression chalkboard were employed in the design to involve users in the experiment
An eye-catching central shade structure (the Totes Veranda) high design standard and bright modern color palette helped to define the pop-up image and attract people into the space To be successful the pop-up needed to feel inviting and distinguished
THE RIGHT FEEL
In the design phase mood boards helped identify the desired atmosphere of the pop-up optimistic urban sophisticated and approachable
RPP
13
Vintage postcards showing a shining Camden downtown provided inspiration for the pop-up
Motion sensors activate colored lights in an
early prototype of the interaction for ldquoBlue
Hourrdquo by New American Public Art
CAMDEN INSPIRATION
To achieve a design that spoke to present day Camden residents the design team searched for local inspiration The pop-up is aesthetically influenced by the wide array of buildings downtown many excellent examples of the architectural styles of the 19th and early 20th centuries and by the diverse downtown community of businesses residents and institutional uses In our approach we emulated the romantic optimism of the original New Deal-era park that once existed on the site And we were impressed to discover that industry is still alive and well in Camden which drove the team to explore locally sourced materials
The team visited several recycling businesses in Camden exploring what items might be creatively re-purposed from their intended uses and what might even be recovered from the waste-stream Several types of containers are collected cleaned processed refurbished recycled into component materials and resold nation-wide from these Camden businesses
For the purposes of the pop-up park the design team gravitated towards IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) totes which are roughly 4rsquo cubes that are used to transport liquids The galvanized-steel grid cages of the totes reflect the art deco architecture of City Hall and the plastic insert lsquobottlesrsquo diffuse light beautifully
14
BEING RESOURCEFUL
Through a little creative re-working different types of IBC totes became planters signage foundations and lighted towers Where creating a foundation suitable to support shade sails in very windy conditions would have been cost-prohibitive the totes provided opportunity to build a bespoke structure The 33-tote structure included an interactive lighting experience created by New American Public Art called ldquoBlue Hourrdquo The artists modified the totes with LED lighting and motion sensors
THE COMPONENTS OF THE EXPERIMENT
15
Triggered by people moving through the park the color change is reminiscent of the light the hour after sunset and the glow from a hearth It reminds visitors of the warmth that can be felt by being in the presence of others and feeling the glow of sharing in community
A KIT OF PARTS
Above from left to right and top to bottom IBC Tote from Camden (refurbished) $160 Patio Glider Set $1050 Patio Umbrella (with 70 lb steel base) $200 Plastic Adirondack Chair $15 Iconic Metal Folding Chair $75 Resin Side Chair $80 36rdquo Table $225 Unfinished Picnic Table $95 Locking Mailbox for Feedback Postcards $40
As a testing ground for ideas the pop-up needed to explore and push some boundaries The ephemeral nature of temporary improvements allowed for unconventional materials such as using IBC totes as building blocks for structures lighting and planters Furnishings were selected to provide variety and maximize seating type options This made it possible to observe what kinds of seating park users preferred
The team scoured local stores for furnishings and used several well-known online discount retailers to find items with the right look at the right price point With the exception of the Fermob folding bistro chair (which is widely used in public spaces internationally) many of the main park elements came from alternative sources some of which worked better than others
The durable orange chairs and gray cafe tables that were used in The Grove came from BizChaircom and they performed very well The popular blue Adirondacks were by far the best value and were bought directly from Adams Manufacturing The patio gliders came from theSimpleStorescom and had to be returned more than once because they arrived damaged Hayneedlecom was the easiest supplier to work with as the website provides special services for business accounts The residential umbrellas proved to not be durable enough for the windy site In future pop-ups commercial-grade umbrellas would be a worth-while investment We found that 70 lb steel umbrella bases were sufficient for the 8rsquo umbrellas
18
TEMPORARY GREENING
Planters provided the pop-up with color and movement The plants were installed at the end of the New Jersey growing season so the designers choose a variety of species that look just as good in the fall and winter as they do in the spring Perennials (flowering plants that will come back again in the spring) along with trees and shrubs lent the space additional structure and interest A handful of annuals added pops of seasonal color
Top Left The Weeping Willow Trees and Crape Myrtle Trees planted in The Grove both have nice fall color and decorative bark for winter interest Below Perennials like Cone Flower and Little Bunny Grass were interspersed between dwarf willows and evergreen shrubs
BUILDING BLOCKS
IBC totes from two Camden recycling businesses were delivered to a warehouse about two blocks away from Roosevelt Plaza Park where they were staged and modified prior to installation Artists installed lights motion sensors wiring and timers in 25 of the totes for the art piece ldquoBlue Hourrdquo To make planters out of 14 of the totes the plastic insert ldquobottlesrdquo were cut with a circular saw
To install the totes Camden Special Services District ambassadors moved the totes to the park using a truck with a lift-gate and a hand-operated pallet jack An all-metal ldquosardine-canrdquo style tote at the base of each tote tower was filled with sand to create a solid foundation for the structure Using a fork-lift the totes were stacked on top of one another then each stack was placed onto the metal foundation tote The towers were then leveled with shims of painted pressure-treated lumber The towers were fastened together with 8 chain-link fence clamps per level Using ladders Department of Public Works employees set up the electrical wiring between towers and fastened the shade sails to the structure
20
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
When options for planters and sheltering for the piano were found to be unavailable within budget the team commissioned some clever custom-built elements that were made from basic lumber and common corrugated metal sheeting An aluminum-core sign with an outdoor brochure box and wall-mounted mailbox was mounted to a tote in the center of the park This simple set-up was found to be an effective tool for collecting feedback in the park
21
22
POP OF COLOR
Site furniture provided the opportunity to bring color into the park The bright hues helped to give each space an identity and certainly contributed to a positive and optimistic image for the pop-up While speaking at the press conference for the pop-up opening Camden Mayor Dana L Redd noted that now the park ldquopops with colorrdquo
23
ELECTRIFY THE NIGHT
At night when the park is still the totes structure glows a cool blue but when people move through the space their motion activates the lighting causing the lights to warm into a soft orange tone
study findings
ITERATIVE PLACEMAKING
Roosevelt Plaza Park was unique in that its simple inexpensive amenities test-drove public space improvements to see what did and didnrsquot work before implementing either another round of pop-up interventions or more substantial capital improvements This strategy referred to as ldquoiterative placemakingrdquo has the benefit of producing a public space that is bold innovative and responds directly to the user as the ephemeral nature of the improvements takes the risk out of traditional capital-intensive park projects
To analyze the use of Roosevelt Plaza Park and to inform recommendations for future interventions the team of Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnership Group Melvin Design and Sikora Wells Appel devised a unique methodology that used both qualitative and quantitative data to analyze the site The initial methodology was inspired by noted urbanist and public space researcher William Whytersquos seminal ldquoThe Social Life of Small Urban Spacesrdquo relying primarily on time-lapse photography and observations to analyze the site from above and at a distance Yet after the pop-up interventions were constructed the team realized that the initial methodology treated the park more like a petri dish than a public space This conclusion led to the refinement of the methodology to ensure not just the quantitative but the qualitative human story of the park was captured
STUDY METHODOLOGY
in 5 months the team collected
500+hours of timelapse
footage
124visitor surveys amp
feedback postcards submitted
121mapping surveys
completed
3818park users and
activities mapped
26
Data collection methoDology
For the teamrsquos analysis of Roosevelt Plaza Park the team recognized that the study had to tell a story through both quantitative data and qualitative observations and user feedback To accomplish this a multi-pronged strategy was devised that used several different tools to analyze the site
time-lapse photography
The initial methodology relied primarily on time-lapse photography to capture user movement activities and interactions in the space The team quickly found that William Whytersquos primary disclaimer of this technique that recording the film is easy and that evaluation is the hard part was as true using modern equipment in the 21st century as it was for Whyte in the 1970rsquos However while there were limitations to what could be observed using time-lapse photography it was a valuable tool for seeing that which is invisible to the human eye in real-time The ability to capture imagery of the entire site all-at-once and play back video of park users at hyper-speed allowed the team to observe patterns of movement usage throughout the day and patterns influenced by environmental conditions that would have otherwise been invisible And while the time-lapse photography was limited when mounted from a site-wide vantage point in the windows of City Hall our team recorded additional video with cameras mounted directly in the park in order to make more direct activity-focused area-specific observations Throughout this process both the Mayorrsquos Office and the Camden County Administration Offices were incredibly generous with their window-space by allowing the team to mount our cameras from their offices
To watch timelapse footage visit httptinyurlcomRPPtimelapse
27
Mapping Surveys
Roosevelt Plaza Park is cleaned and maintained by the Camden Special Services District (CSSD) who staffed the pop-up with an employee throughout the week with more limited hours on weekends Time-lapse photography is limited in its ability to see the close-up and personal and so the design team met with CSSD staff to get their help in filling out on-the-ground mapping surveys of user activity at the park While the survey was limited by the hours during the day that CSSD staff worked the CSSD did an exceptional job of capturing data that recorded the type of user location and what they were doing at the park This data was coded in digital maps produced by the design team that allowed for the exploration of a number of different variables and conditions observed in more than 50 mapping surveys
Visitor Surveys
In addition to the mapping surveys CSSD staff also helped to complete visitor surveys that recorded additional information about users that would have not been obtained through observation Initially the survey was only provided through an online survey platform but the team realized that an online survey was not the right platform for effectively reaching the constituency that uses the park Revising the strategy a paper copy of the survey was produced that CSSD staff helped distribute to more than 50 park visitors
28
Feedback Postcards
One of the most successful tools for obtaining user feedback was the custom feedback postcard tool developed by the design team Mounted on a central planted tote within the park this tool consisted of four simple elements a set of colorful pop-up park postcards with two questions on the back pens a mailbox and explanatory signage The postcard sought to find out what people liked most about the pop-up interventions and what they would like to see in the future The team received more than 70 postcards and with several more hopefully taken as souvenirs by park users - a covert way for the design team to spread the word about the park
29
PUBLIC CHALKBOARDSTo collect feedback on park usersrsquo hopes and dreams for the space two community chalkboards were installed at the pop-up The first was mounted to the back of the piano and the second chalkboard was installed in front of the park and served as a place for people to contribute their drawings hopes and names to the space
30
POP-UP STORIESPerhaps the most powerful qualitative feedback the design team collected was through a series of testimonial interviews conducted with park users which the design team turned into mini-documentaries dubbed ldquoPop-Up Storiesrdquo Speaking one-on-one with park users the design team was inspired to record and create mini-documentaries detailing the stories of several different park users This work most accurately captured the human impact of Roosevelt Plaza Park which the team found to be extremely powerful given the many decades of decline and disinvestment experienced by the City of Camden and its residents
31
the tote veranda the grove
the lawn
picnic tables
32
The park interventions while interrelated created a variety of different spaces in order to test user preferences and patterns at the pop-up What follows is a discussion and analysis of the teamrsquos observations of each of the ldquooutdoor roomsrdquo
THE GROVEPerhaps the most defined of the lsquooutdoor roomsrsquo the Grove was bordered by custom-design corrugated planter boxes the outdoor piano and sprinkled with IBC tote planters Our mapping survey showed that this area was a popular draw for a lunch-time crowd and the wider tables were successful in accommodating and encouraging groups of up to four people per table with visitors spending anywhere between 10-45 minutes on average at a table
A review of timelapse photography mounted on a nearby IBC Tote reveals some of the rhythms of the Grove Groups of people congregate at all times of the day but itrsquos shortly after noon when this area is at its peak and when lunch-time crowds fill nearly all the available tables with takeout food purchased from local restaurants Also notable is the diversity of this group consisting of professionals students and everyday residents
INTERVENTION AREAS
picnic tables
33
THE PIANOOne of the most loved features of the Grove was undoubtedly the outdoor piano which immediately attracted pianists dancers and conversation from the moment it was installed The addition of the piano was inspired jointly by the rich musical history of the City and the diverse population that occupied the park and its surroundings We thought ndash ldquowhat interactive design element could transcend social class race even languagerdquo The answer we came up with was to do something with music We hoped that the addition of an outdoor piano would encourage the diverse group of park users (eg the homeless clinic patients students professionals judges etc) to stop play a tune and interact In this sense the piano was a major success
Consider one mid-September afternoon at the piano Over the course of these four hours on a sunny September day we observed two primary pianists one a clinic patient and one a local minister who played for extended periods of 1-2 hours Both talented musicians their playing attracted over 20 other individuals which included a mix of professionals people eating lunch local residents other clinic patients and several other curious pianists to the site The most common sight to see were groups of 2-4 individuals spontaneously interacting with each other and the pianist A resident remarked to us that the piano allowed people of any stripe to step outside of their normal element and to be looked at not by how they dressed or talked but by what they could do and what they were capable of
34
ldquoEste parque me trae alegriacutea y amor hellip para mostrarle a estas personas aquiacute que estaacuten con cosas difiacutecilesmdashcomo las drogas Para mi con mi instrumento un piano les ensentildeoacute amorhellip Yo veo como ellos buscan el amor y el apoyo de otras personas El privilegio para mi vida es llenar con voces muacutesica la ciudad de aquiacute Camden helliprdquo- Junior Osvaldo Cruz
english translationldquoThis park brings me joy and love to show these people here who are going through difficult things-like drugs For me with my instrument the piano I can show them love I see how they seek love and support from others My lifersquos privilege is to fill this city Camden with music and voices ldquo
If viewing on a PDF click here to hear a sample of the outdoor piano being played
Junior Osvaldo Cruz brought music and joy to the pop-up park no matter the season
35
4276221
THE LAWNWhile not a lsquodesignedrsquo space our analysis found that the lawn is an area with potential for future interventions with a very light touch At 75000 square feet most of which is well-maintained largely unobstructed lawn Roosevelt Plaza Park is one of the largest usable green spaces in the City and arguably its most accessible sitting at the nexus of several commercial corridors transit lines and easily accessed on foot or by bicycle
Our team observed that the pop-up helped spur unplanned organic use of the lawn spaces which had not been occurring prior to the interventions Basking in the sun on an Adirondack chair a game of Frisbee outdoor Tai Chi and a gentleman called ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo who regularly showed up teach children and spread the joy of flying kites were some of the most notable people and activities that took advantage of the lawnrsquos uniquely wide open spaces and expansive views of City Hall
Though the design focused on the north west portion of the lawn by defining that space with the pop-up elements observation showed that the open lawn spaces south of the Tote Veranda was popular for active uses such as kite-flying and Frisbee The small strip of lawn defined by trees at the north east was the most popular area for lounging on the lawn
ldquoKites is what really brings me here because this brings families together - children to the old they all fly they all have fun This builds your self-esteem because when you flying it you feel so good about your accomplishments this is something yoursquore doing A kid two years old was just flying a kite Donrsquot say you canrsquot do it you can do anything you put your mind tordquo- Kevin the Kiteman
36
To watch Kevin the Kitemanrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPkevin
ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo shows a group of Camden youth how to fly a kite
37
THE PICNIC TABLESThe Picnic Tables were popular for sitting chatting and for having a meal at lunchtime Set up as a communal table along Market Street the location was intended to engage passersby and customers of the restaurants along Market Street In designing this space we wanted to test the viability of outdoor dining along this burgeoning restaurant corridor The consistent use of the tables proved this amenity is in-demand among daily park users While the picnic tables did provide a comfortable place to sit and while people did eat meals there the space could have been enhanced through the principle of triangulation further detailed later in this report As an arrangement of elements this space was not multi-dimensional in nature and could be enlivened in future iterations through the addition of other complementary elements (a food vendor for example) to create a better sense of place Intensive improvements here will interface with an existing demand making investment at the Market Street edge of the park a high-impact improvement
38
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
Above The existing park has ample green lawns several young trees fixed benches trash receptacles bike racks pedestrian scale lighting pedestrian safety features like bollards and open flat paved areas to accommodate events The park also lacks a sense of scale and a memorable image
RPP TODAY
As a safe well-lit and well-maintained park Roosevelt Plaza Park is a beautiful but largely underused civic space in the city Prior to the pop-up park the space lacked the elements that attracted people and created a unique identity
Given the parkrsquos location approximately 27000 people walk by each day This critical mass of people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds has the potential if engaged to stimulate Roosevelt Plaza Park with the vital social capital needed to revitalize Camdenrsquos urban core
8
pop-up improvements
PROJECT BRIEF PROGRAM AND BUDGET
The design team was commissioned to provide design and planning services for temporary placemaking efforts at Roosevelt Plaza Park The project required first identifying the needs of park users and then designing temporary and movable elements for the park These elements were also utilized to inform the creation of this comprehensive document which will help guide future improvements for the central public space
While the infrastructure of Roosevelt Plaza Park had been recently upgraded the park was underused and lacked a strong sense of place Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnershiprsquos vision for the development of the park was inspired by examples of new active public spaces in other post-industrial centers that developed by taking small iterative and temporary steps To provide an informative pop-up the design team sought to implement low cost high impact amenities to make Roosevelt Plaza Park a central destination for bikers pedestrians residents and employees
POP-UP IMPROVEMENTS
A pop-up calls for elements that are easy to deploy
10
Above Corona Plaza in Queens theuniprojectorg
Left A temporary holiday light art installation at Discovery Green in Houston discoverygreencom
Pop-Up cafe at the Battersea in London londontheinsidecom PHS Pop-Up beer garden in Philadelphia phillycom Sunset Triangle in LA pricetagswordpress
Food Trucks at The Porch at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia uwishunucom
11
PIANO HOUSE
PLANTER GROVE
QUAD LAWN
PICNIC DINING
TOTES VERANDA
PATIO GLIDER lsquoVERANDArsquo
ADIRONDACK LAWN SEATING
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
TO CAMDEN CITY HALL
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING
INFO TOTE
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS
CUSTOM PLANTERS
TOTE PLANTERS
INTERACTIVE GATEWAY
INTERACTIVE LIGHT TOWERS
SHADE STRUCTURE
PICNIC TABLES WITH UMBRELLAS
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS40 FEET20100 5 N
The site plan above shows a variety of diverse spaces meant to test user preferences
12
PIANO HOUSE
PLANTER GROVE
QUAD LAWN
PICNIC DINING
TOTES VERANDA
PATIO GLIDER lsquoVERANDArsquo
ADIRONDACK LAWN SEATING
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
TO CAMDEN CITY HALL
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING
INFO TOTE
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS
CUSTOM PLANTERS
TOTE PLANTERS
INTERACTIVE GATEWAY
INTERACTIVE LIGHT TOWERS
SHADE STRUCTURE
PICNIC TABLES WITH UMBRELLAS
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS40 FEET20100 5 N
P L A Z A P A R KROOSEVELT
DESIGN CONCEPT
The goal of the pop-up park was to create a lively unique and varied design to engage users in experimental improvements Chosen elements aimed to aid in the exploration of what might support and drive the Camden community to embrace the park
The design included amenities that were missing in the nearby public space a shade structure umbrellas trees and flowers a variety of comfortable seating tables and places to sit down and eat Interactive lighting movable furniture a feedback box with feedback postcards informational signage and a free-expression chalkboard were employed in the design to involve users in the experiment
An eye-catching central shade structure (the Totes Veranda) high design standard and bright modern color palette helped to define the pop-up image and attract people into the space To be successful the pop-up needed to feel inviting and distinguished
THE RIGHT FEEL
In the design phase mood boards helped identify the desired atmosphere of the pop-up optimistic urban sophisticated and approachable
RPP
13
Vintage postcards showing a shining Camden downtown provided inspiration for the pop-up
Motion sensors activate colored lights in an
early prototype of the interaction for ldquoBlue
Hourrdquo by New American Public Art
CAMDEN INSPIRATION
To achieve a design that spoke to present day Camden residents the design team searched for local inspiration The pop-up is aesthetically influenced by the wide array of buildings downtown many excellent examples of the architectural styles of the 19th and early 20th centuries and by the diverse downtown community of businesses residents and institutional uses In our approach we emulated the romantic optimism of the original New Deal-era park that once existed on the site And we were impressed to discover that industry is still alive and well in Camden which drove the team to explore locally sourced materials
The team visited several recycling businesses in Camden exploring what items might be creatively re-purposed from their intended uses and what might even be recovered from the waste-stream Several types of containers are collected cleaned processed refurbished recycled into component materials and resold nation-wide from these Camden businesses
For the purposes of the pop-up park the design team gravitated towards IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) totes which are roughly 4rsquo cubes that are used to transport liquids The galvanized-steel grid cages of the totes reflect the art deco architecture of City Hall and the plastic insert lsquobottlesrsquo diffuse light beautifully
14
BEING RESOURCEFUL
Through a little creative re-working different types of IBC totes became planters signage foundations and lighted towers Where creating a foundation suitable to support shade sails in very windy conditions would have been cost-prohibitive the totes provided opportunity to build a bespoke structure The 33-tote structure included an interactive lighting experience created by New American Public Art called ldquoBlue Hourrdquo The artists modified the totes with LED lighting and motion sensors
THE COMPONENTS OF THE EXPERIMENT
15
Triggered by people moving through the park the color change is reminiscent of the light the hour after sunset and the glow from a hearth It reminds visitors of the warmth that can be felt by being in the presence of others and feeling the glow of sharing in community
A KIT OF PARTS
Above from left to right and top to bottom IBC Tote from Camden (refurbished) $160 Patio Glider Set $1050 Patio Umbrella (with 70 lb steel base) $200 Plastic Adirondack Chair $15 Iconic Metal Folding Chair $75 Resin Side Chair $80 36rdquo Table $225 Unfinished Picnic Table $95 Locking Mailbox for Feedback Postcards $40
As a testing ground for ideas the pop-up needed to explore and push some boundaries The ephemeral nature of temporary improvements allowed for unconventional materials such as using IBC totes as building blocks for structures lighting and planters Furnishings were selected to provide variety and maximize seating type options This made it possible to observe what kinds of seating park users preferred
The team scoured local stores for furnishings and used several well-known online discount retailers to find items with the right look at the right price point With the exception of the Fermob folding bistro chair (which is widely used in public spaces internationally) many of the main park elements came from alternative sources some of which worked better than others
The durable orange chairs and gray cafe tables that were used in The Grove came from BizChaircom and they performed very well The popular blue Adirondacks were by far the best value and were bought directly from Adams Manufacturing The patio gliders came from theSimpleStorescom and had to be returned more than once because they arrived damaged Hayneedlecom was the easiest supplier to work with as the website provides special services for business accounts The residential umbrellas proved to not be durable enough for the windy site In future pop-ups commercial-grade umbrellas would be a worth-while investment We found that 70 lb steel umbrella bases were sufficient for the 8rsquo umbrellas
18
TEMPORARY GREENING
Planters provided the pop-up with color and movement The plants were installed at the end of the New Jersey growing season so the designers choose a variety of species that look just as good in the fall and winter as they do in the spring Perennials (flowering plants that will come back again in the spring) along with trees and shrubs lent the space additional structure and interest A handful of annuals added pops of seasonal color
Top Left The Weeping Willow Trees and Crape Myrtle Trees planted in The Grove both have nice fall color and decorative bark for winter interest Below Perennials like Cone Flower and Little Bunny Grass were interspersed between dwarf willows and evergreen shrubs
BUILDING BLOCKS
IBC totes from two Camden recycling businesses were delivered to a warehouse about two blocks away from Roosevelt Plaza Park where they were staged and modified prior to installation Artists installed lights motion sensors wiring and timers in 25 of the totes for the art piece ldquoBlue Hourrdquo To make planters out of 14 of the totes the plastic insert ldquobottlesrdquo were cut with a circular saw
To install the totes Camden Special Services District ambassadors moved the totes to the park using a truck with a lift-gate and a hand-operated pallet jack An all-metal ldquosardine-canrdquo style tote at the base of each tote tower was filled with sand to create a solid foundation for the structure Using a fork-lift the totes were stacked on top of one another then each stack was placed onto the metal foundation tote The towers were then leveled with shims of painted pressure-treated lumber The towers were fastened together with 8 chain-link fence clamps per level Using ladders Department of Public Works employees set up the electrical wiring between towers and fastened the shade sails to the structure
20
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
When options for planters and sheltering for the piano were found to be unavailable within budget the team commissioned some clever custom-built elements that were made from basic lumber and common corrugated metal sheeting An aluminum-core sign with an outdoor brochure box and wall-mounted mailbox was mounted to a tote in the center of the park This simple set-up was found to be an effective tool for collecting feedback in the park
21
22
POP OF COLOR
Site furniture provided the opportunity to bring color into the park The bright hues helped to give each space an identity and certainly contributed to a positive and optimistic image for the pop-up While speaking at the press conference for the pop-up opening Camden Mayor Dana L Redd noted that now the park ldquopops with colorrdquo
23
ELECTRIFY THE NIGHT
At night when the park is still the totes structure glows a cool blue but when people move through the space their motion activates the lighting causing the lights to warm into a soft orange tone
study findings
ITERATIVE PLACEMAKING
Roosevelt Plaza Park was unique in that its simple inexpensive amenities test-drove public space improvements to see what did and didnrsquot work before implementing either another round of pop-up interventions or more substantial capital improvements This strategy referred to as ldquoiterative placemakingrdquo has the benefit of producing a public space that is bold innovative and responds directly to the user as the ephemeral nature of the improvements takes the risk out of traditional capital-intensive park projects
To analyze the use of Roosevelt Plaza Park and to inform recommendations for future interventions the team of Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnership Group Melvin Design and Sikora Wells Appel devised a unique methodology that used both qualitative and quantitative data to analyze the site The initial methodology was inspired by noted urbanist and public space researcher William Whytersquos seminal ldquoThe Social Life of Small Urban Spacesrdquo relying primarily on time-lapse photography and observations to analyze the site from above and at a distance Yet after the pop-up interventions were constructed the team realized that the initial methodology treated the park more like a petri dish than a public space This conclusion led to the refinement of the methodology to ensure not just the quantitative but the qualitative human story of the park was captured
STUDY METHODOLOGY
in 5 months the team collected
500+hours of timelapse
footage
124visitor surveys amp
feedback postcards submitted
121mapping surveys
completed
3818park users and
activities mapped
26
Data collection methoDology
For the teamrsquos analysis of Roosevelt Plaza Park the team recognized that the study had to tell a story through both quantitative data and qualitative observations and user feedback To accomplish this a multi-pronged strategy was devised that used several different tools to analyze the site
time-lapse photography
The initial methodology relied primarily on time-lapse photography to capture user movement activities and interactions in the space The team quickly found that William Whytersquos primary disclaimer of this technique that recording the film is easy and that evaluation is the hard part was as true using modern equipment in the 21st century as it was for Whyte in the 1970rsquos However while there were limitations to what could be observed using time-lapse photography it was a valuable tool for seeing that which is invisible to the human eye in real-time The ability to capture imagery of the entire site all-at-once and play back video of park users at hyper-speed allowed the team to observe patterns of movement usage throughout the day and patterns influenced by environmental conditions that would have otherwise been invisible And while the time-lapse photography was limited when mounted from a site-wide vantage point in the windows of City Hall our team recorded additional video with cameras mounted directly in the park in order to make more direct activity-focused area-specific observations Throughout this process both the Mayorrsquos Office and the Camden County Administration Offices were incredibly generous with their window-space by allowing the team to mount our cameras from their offices
To watch timelapse footage visit httptinyurlcomRPPtimelapse
27
Mapping Surveys
Roosevelt Plaza Park is cleaned and maintained by the Camden Special Services District (CSSD) who staffed the pop-up with an employee throughout the week with more limited hours on weekends Time-lapse photography is limited in its ability to see the close-up and personal and so the design team met with CSSD staff to get their help in filling out on-the-ground mapping surveys of user activity at the park While the survey was limited by the hours during the day that CSSD staff worked the CSSD did an exceptional job of capturing data that recorded the type of user location and what they were doing at the park This data was coded in digital maps produced by the design team that allowed for the exploration of a number of different variables and conditions observed in more than 50 mapping surveys
Visitor Surveys
In addition to the mapping surveys CSSD staff also helped to complete visitor surveys that recorded additional information about users that would have not been obtained through observation Initially the survey was only provided through an online survey platform but the team realized that an online survey was not the right platform for effectively reaching the constituency that uses the park Revising the strategy a paper copy of the survey was produced that CSSD staff helped distribute to more than 50 park visitors
28
Feedback Postcards
One of the most successful tools for obtaining user feedback was the custom feedback postcard tool developed by the design team Mounted on a central planted tote within the park this tool consisted of four simple elements a set of colorful pop-up park postcards with two questions on the back pens a mailbox and explanatory signage The postcard sought to find out what people liked most about the pop-up interventions and what they would like to see in the future The team received more than 70 postcards and with several more hopefully taken as souvenirs by park users - a covert way for the design team to spread the word about the park
29
PUBLIC CHALKBOARDSTo collect feedback on park usersrsquo hopes and dreams for the space two community chalkboards were installed at the pop-up The first was mounted to the back of the piano and the second chalkboard was installed in front of the park and served as a place for people to contribute their drawings hopes and names to the space
30
POP-UP STORIESPerhaps the most powerful qualitative feedback the design team collected was through a series of testimonial interviews conducted with park users which the design team turned into mini-documentaries dubbed ldquoPop-Up Storiesrdquo Speaking one-on-one with park users the design team was inspired to record and create mini-documentaries detailing the stories of several different park users This work most accurately captured the human impact of Roosevelt Plaza Park which the team found to be extremely powerful given the many decades of decline and disinvestment experienced by the City of Camden and its residents
31
the tote veranda the grove
the lawn
picnic tables
32
The park interventions while interrelated created a variety of different spaces in order to test user preferences and patterns at the pop-up What follows is a discussion and analysis of the teamrsquos observations of each of the ldquooutdoor roomsrdquo
THE GROVEPerhaps the most defined of the lsquooutdoor roomsrsquo the Grove was bordered by custom-design corrugated planter boxes the outdoor piano and sprinkled with IBC tote planters Our mapping survey showed that this area was a popular draw for a lunch-time crowd and the wider tables were successful in accommodating and encouraging groups of up to four people per table with visitors spending anywhere between 10-45 minutes on average at a table
A review of timelapse photography mounted on a nearby IBC Tote reveals some of the rhythms of the Grove Groups of people congregate at all times of the day but itrsquos shortly after noon when this area is at its peak and when lunch-time crowds fill nearly all the available tables with takeout food purchased from local restaurants Also notable is the diversity of this group consisting of professionals students and everyday residents
INTERVENTION AREAS
picnic tables
33
THE PIANOOne of the most loved features of the Grove was undoubtedly the outdoor piano which immediately attracted pianists dancers and conversation from the moment it was installed The addition of the piano was inspired jointly by the rich musical history of the City and the diverse population that occupied the park and its surroundings We thought ndash ldquowhat interactive design element could transcend social class race even languagerdquo The answer we came up with was to do something with music We hoped that the addition of an outdoor piano would encourage the diverse group of park users (eg the homeless clinic patients students professionals judges etc) to stop play a tune and interact In this sense the piano was a major success
Consider one mid-September afternoon at the piano Over the course of these four hours on a sunny September day we observed two primary pianists one a clinic patient and one a local minister who played for extended periods of 1-2 hours Both talented musicians their playing attracted over 20 other individuals which included a mix of professionals people eating lunch local residents other clinic patients and several other curious pianists to the site The most common sight to see were groups of 2-4 individuals spontaneously interacting with each other and the pianist A resident remarked to us that the piano allowed people of any stripe to step outside of their normal element and to be looked at not by how they dressed or talked but by what they could do and what they were capable of
34
ldquoEste parque me trae alegriacutea y amor hellip para mostrarle a estas personas aquiacute que estaacuten con cosas difiacutecilesmdashcomo las drogas Para mi con mi instrumento un piano les ensentildeoacute amorhellip Yo veo como ellos buscan el amor y el apoyo de otras personas El privilegio para mi vida es llenar con voces muacutesica la ciudad de aquiacute Camden helliprdquo- Junior Osvaldo Cruz
english translationldquoThis park brings me joy and love to show these people here who are going through difficult things-like drugs For me with my instrument the piano I can show them love I see how they seek love and support from others My lifersquos privilege is to fill this city Camden with music and voices ldquo
If viewing on a PDF click here to hear a sample of the outdoor piano being played
Junior Osvaldo Cruz brought music and joy to the pop-up park no matter the season
35
4276221
THE LAWNWhile not a lsquodesignedrsquo space our analysis found that the lawn is an area with potential for future interventions with a very light touch At 75000 square feet most of which is well-maintained largely unobstructed lawn Roosevelt Plaza Park is one of the largest usable green spaces in the City and arguably its most accessible sitting at the nexus of several commercial corridors transit lines and easily accessed on foot or by bicycle
Our team observed that the pop-up helped spur unplanned organic use of the lawn spaces which had not been occurring prior to the interventions Basking in the sun on an Adirondack chair a game of Frisbee outdoor Tai Chi and a gentleman called ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo who regularly showed up teach children and spread the joy of flying kites were some of the most notable people and activities that took advantage of the lawnrsquos uniquely wide open spaces and expansive views of City Hall
Though the design focused on the north west portion of the lawn by defining that space with the pop-up elements observation showed that the open lawn spaces south of the Tote Veranda was popular for active uses such as kite-flying and Frisbee The small strip of lawn defined by trees at the north east was the most popular area for lounging on the lawn
ldquoKites is what really brings me here because this brings families together - children to the old they all fly they all have fun This builds your self-esteem because when you flying it you feel so good about your accomplishments this is something yoursquore doing A kid two years old was just flying a kite Donrsquot say you canrsquot do it you can do anything you put your mind tordquo- Kevin the Kiteman
36
To watch Kevin the Kitemanrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPkevin
ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo shows a group of Camden youth how to fly a kite
37
THE PICNIC TABLESThe Picnic Tables were popular for sitting chatting and for having a meal at lunchtime Set up as a communal table along Market Street the location was intended to engage passersby and customers of the restaurants along Market Street In designing this space we wanted to test the viability of outdoor dining along this burgeoning restaurant corridor The consistent use of the tables proved this amenity is in-demand among daily park users While the picnic tables did provide a comfortable place to sit and while people did eat meals there the space could have been enhanced through the principle of triangulation further detailed later in this report As an arrangement of elements this space was not multi-dimensional in nature and could be enlivened in future iterations through the addition of other complementary elements (a food vendor for example) to create a better sense of place Intensive improvements here will interface with an existing demand making investment at the Market Street edge of the park a high-impact improvement
38
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
pop-up improvements
PROJECT BRIEF PROGRAM AND BUDGET
The design team was commissioned to provide design and planning services for temporary placemaking efforts at Roosevelt Plaza Park The project required first identifying the needs of park users and then designing temporary and movable elements for the park These elements were also utilized to inform the creation of this comprehensive document which will help guide future improvements for the central public space
While the infrastructure of Roosevelt Plaza Park had been recently upgraded the park was underused and lacked a strong sense of place Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnershiprsquos vision for the development of the park was inspired by examples of new active public spaces in other post-industrial centers that developed by taking small iterative and temporary steps To provide an informative pop-up the design team sought to implement low cost high impact amenities to make Roosevelt Plaza Park a central destination for bikers pedestrians residents and employees
POP-UP IMPROVEMENTS
A pop-up calls for elements that are easy to deploy
10
Above Corona Plaza in Queens theuniprojectorg
Left A temporary holiday light art installation at Discovery Green in Houston discoverygreencom
Pop-Up cafe at the Battersea in London londontheinsidecom PHS Pop-Up beer garden in Philadelphia phillycom Sunset Triangle in LA pricetagswordpress
Food Trucks at The Porch at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia uwishunucom
11
PIANO HOUSE
PLANTER GROVE
QUAD LAWN
PICNIC DINING
TOTES VERANDA
PATIO GLIDER lsquoVERANDArsquo
ADIRONDACK LAWN SEATING
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
TO CAMDEN CITY HALL
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING
INFO TOTE
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS
CUSTOM PLANTERS
TOTE PLANTERS
INTERACTIVE GATEWAY
INTERACTIVE LIGHT TOWERS
SHADE STRUCTURE
PICNIC TABLES WITH UMBRELLAS
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS40 FEET20100 5 N
The site plan above shows a variety of diverse spaces meant to test user preferences
12
PIANO HOUSE
PLANTER GROVE
QUAD LAWN
PICNIC DINING
TOTES VERANDA
PATIO GLIDER lsquoVERANDArsquo
ADIRONDACK LAWN SEATING
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
TO CAMDEN CITY HALL
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING
INFO TOTE
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS
CUSTOM PLANTERS
TOTE PLANTERS
INTERACTIVE GATEWAY
INTERACTIVE LIGHT TOWERS
SHADE STRUCTURE
PICNIC TABLES WITH UMBRELLAS
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS40 FEET20100 5 N
P L A Z A P A R KROOSEVELT
DESIGN CONCEPT
The goal of the pop-up park was to create a lively unique and varied design to engage users in experimental improvements Chosen elements aimed to aid in the exploration of what might support and drive the Camden community to embrace the park
The design included amenities that were missing in the nearby public space a shade structure umbrellas trees and flowers a variety of comfortable seating tables and places to sit down and eat Interactive lighting movable furniture a feedback box with feedback postcards informational signage and a free-expression chalkboard were employed in the design to involve users in the experiment
An eye-catching central shade structure (the Totes Veranda) high design standard and bright modern color palette helped to define the pop-up image and attract people into the space To be successful the pop-up needed to feel inviting and distinguished
THE RIGHT FEEL
In the design phase mood boards helped identify the desired atmosphere of the pop-up optimistic urban sophisticated and approachable
RPP
13
Vintage postcards showing a shining Camden downtown provided inspiration for the pop-up
Motion sensors activate colored lights in an
early prototype of the interaction for ldquoBlue
Hourrdquo by New American Public Art
CAMDEN INSPIRATION
To achieve a design that spoke to present day Camden residents the design team searched for local inspiration The pop-up is aesthetically influenced by the wide array of buildings downtown many excellent examples of the architectural styles of the 19th and early 20th centuries and by the diverse downtown community of businesses residents and institutional uses In our approach we emulated the romantic optimism of the original New Deal-era park that once existed on the site And we were impressed to discover that industry is still alive and well in Camden which drove the team to explore locally sourced materials
The team visited several recycling businesses in Camden exploring what items might be creatively re-purposed from their intended uses and what might even be recovered from the waste-stream Several types of containers are collected cleaned processed refurbished recycled into component materials and resold nation-wide from these Camden businesses
For the purposes of the pop-up park the design team gravitated towards IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) totes which are roughly 4rsquo cubes that are used to transport liquids The galvanized-steel grid cages of the totes reflect the art deco architecture of City Hall and the plastic insert lsquobottlesrsquo diffuse light beautifully
14
BEING RESOURCEFUL
Through a little creative re-working different types of IBC totes became planters signage foundations and lighted towers Where creating a foundation suitable to support shade sails in very windy conditions would have been cost-prohibitive the totes provided opportunity to build a bespoke structure The 33-tote structure included an interactive lighting experience created by New American Public Art called ldquoBlue Hourrdquo The artists modified the totes with LED lighting and motion sensors
THE COMPONENTS OF THE EXPERIMENT
15
Triggered by people moving through the park the color change is reminiscent of the light the hour after sunset and the glow from a hearth It reminds visitors of the warmth that can be felt by being in the presence of others and feeling the glow of sharing in community
A KIT OF PARTS
Above from left to right and top to bottom IBC Tote from Camden (refurbished) $160 Patio Glider Set $1050 Patio Umbrella (with 70 lb steel base) $200 Plastic Adirondack Chair $15 Iconic Metal Folding Chair $75 Resin Side Chair $80 36rdquo Table $225 Unfinished Picnic Table $95 Locking Mailbox for Feedback Postcards $40
As a testing ground for ideas the pop-up needed to explore and push some boundaries The ephemeral nature of temporary improvements allowed for unconventional materials such as using IBC totes as building blocks for structures lighting and planters Furnishings were selected to provide variety and maximize seating type options This made it possible to observe what kinds of seating park users preferred
The team scoured local stores for furnishings and used several well-known online discount retailers to find items with the right look at the right price point With the exception of the Fermob folding bistro chair (which is widely used in public spaces internationally) many of the main park elements came from alternative sources some of which worked better than others
The durable orange chairs and gray cafe tables that were used in The Grove came from BizChaircom and they performed very well The popular blue Adirondacks were by far the best value and were bought directly from Adams Manufacturing The patio gliders came from theSimpleStorescom and had to be returned more than once because they arrived damaged Hayneedlecom was the easiest supplier to work with as the website provides special services for business accounts The residential umbrellas proved to not be durable enough for the windy site In future pop-ups commercial-grade umbrellas would be a worth-while investment We found that 70 lb steel umbrella bases were sufficient for the 8rsquo umbrellas
18
TEMPORARY GREENING
Planters provided the pop-up with color and movement The plants were installed at the end of the New Jersey growing season so the designers choose a variety of species that look just as good in the fall and winter as they do in the spring Perennials (flowering plants that will come back again in the spring) along with trees and shrubs lent the space additional structure and interest A handful of annuals added pops of seasonal color
Top Left The Weeping Willow Trees and Crape Myrtle Trees planted in The Grove both have nice fall color and decorative bark for winter interest Below Perennials like Cone Flower and Little Bunny Grass were interspersed between dwarf willows and evergreen shrubs
BUILDING BLOCKS
IBC totes from two Camden recycling businesses were delivered to a warehouse about two blocks away from Roosevelt Plaza Park where they were staged and modified prior to installation Artists installed lights motion sensors wiring and timers in 25 of the totes for the art piece ldquoBlue Hourrdquo To make planters out of 14 of the totes the plastic insert ldquobottlesrdquo were cut with a circular saw
To install the totes Camden Special Services District ambassadors moved the totes to the park using a truck with a lift-gate and a hand-operated pallet jack An all-metal ldquosardine-canrdquo style tote at the base of each tote tower was filled with sand to create a solid foundation for the structure Using a fork-lift the totes were stacked on top of one another then each stack was placed onto the metal foundation tote The towers were then leveled with shims of painted pressure-treated lumber The towers were fastened together with 8 chain-link fence clamps per level Using ladders Department of Public Works employees set up the electrical wiring between towers and fastened the shade sails to the structure
20
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
When options for planters and sheltering for the piano were found to be unavailable within budget the team commissioned some clever custom-built elements that were made from basic lumber and common corrugated metal sheeting An aluminum-core sign with an outdoor brochure box and wall-mounted mailbox was mounted to a tote in the center of the park This simple set-up was found to be an effective tool for collecting feedback in the park
21
22
POP OF COLOR
Site furniture provided the opportunity to bring color into the park The bright hues helped to give each space an identity and certainly contributed to a positive and optimistic image for the pop-up While speaking at the press conference for the pop-up opening Camden Mayor Dana L Redd noted that now the park ldquopops with colorrdquo
23
ELECTRIFY THE NIGHT
At night when the park is still the totes structure glows a cool blue but when people move through the space their motion activates the lighting causing the lights to warm into a soft orange tone
study findings
ITERATIVE PLACEMAKING
Roosevelt Plaza Park was unique in that its simple inexpensive amenities test-drove public space improvements to see what did and didnrsquot work before implementing either another round of pop-up interventions or more substantial capital improvements This strategy referred to as ldquoiterative placemakingrdquo has the benefit of producing a public space that is bold innovative and responds directly to the user as the ephemeral nature of the improvements takes the risk out of traditional capital-intensive park projects
To analyze the use of Roosevelt Plaza Park and to inform recommendations for future interventions the team of Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnership Group Melvin Design and Sikora Wells Appel devised a unique methodology that used both qualitative and quantitative data to analyze the site The initial methodology was inspired by noted urbanist and public space researcher William Whytersquos seminal ldquoThe Social Life of Small Urban Spacesrdquo relying primarily on time-lapse photography and observations to analyze the site from above and at a distance Yet after the pop-up interventions were constructed the team realized that the initial methodology treated the park more like a petri dish than a public space This conclusion led to the refinement of the methodology to ensure not just the quantitative but the qualitative human story of the park was captured
STUDY METHODOLOGY
in 5 months the team collected
500+hours of timelapse
footage
124visitor surveys amp
feedback postcards submitted
121mapping surveys
completed
3818park users and
activities mapped
26
Data collection methoDology
For the teamrsquos analysis of Roosevelt Plaza Park the team recognized that the study had to tell a story through both quantitative data and qualitative observations and user feedback To accomplish this a multi-pronged strategy was devised that used several different tools to analyze the site
time-lapse photography
The initial methodology relied primarily on time-lapse photography to capture user movement activities and interactions in the space The team quickly found that William Whytersquos primary disclaimer of this technique that recording the film is easy and that evaluation is the hard part was as true using modern equipment in the 21st century as it was for Whyte in the 1970rsquos However while there were limitations to what could be observed using time-lapse photography it was a valuable tool for seeing that which is invisible to the human eye in real-time The ability to capture imagery of the entire site all-at-once and play back video of park users at hyper-speed allowed the team to observe patterns of movement usage throughout the day and patterns influenced by environmental conditions that would have otherwise been invisible And while the time-lapse photography was limited when mounted from a site-wide vantage point in the windows of City Hall our team recorded additional video with cameras mounted directly in the park in order to make more direct activity-focused area-specific observations Throughout this process both the Mayorrsquos Office and the Camden County Administration Offices were incredibly generous with their window-space by allowing the team to mount our cameras from their offices
To watch timelapse footage visit httptinyurlcomRPPtimelapse
27
Mapping Surveys
Roosevelt Plaza Park is cleaned and maintained by the Camden Special Services District (CSSD) who staffed the pop-up with an employee throughout the week with more limited hours on weekends Time-lapse photography is limited in its ability to see the close-up and personal and so the design team met with CSSD staff to get their help in filling out on-the-ground mapping surveys of user activity at the park While the survey was limited by the hours during the day that CSSD staff worked the CSSD did an exceptional job of capturing data that recorded the type of user location and what they were doing at the park This data was coded in digital maps produced by the design team that allowed for the exploration of a number of different variables and conditions observed in more than 50 mapping surveys
Visitor Surveys
In addition to the mapping surveys CSSD staff also helped to complete visitor surveys that recorded additional information about users that would have not been obtained through observation Initially the survey was only provided through an online survey platform but the team realized that an online survey was not the right platform for effectively reaching the constituency that uses the park Revising the strategy a paper copy of the survey was produced that CSSD staff helped distribute to more than 50 park visitors
28
Feedback Postcards
One of the most successful tools for obtaining user feedback was the custom feedback postcard tool developed by the design team Mounted on a central planted tote within the park this tool consisted of four simple elements a set of colorful pop-up park postcards with two questions on the back pens a mailbox and explanatory signage The postcard sought to find out what people liked most about the pop-up interventions and what they would like to see in the future The team received more than 70 postcards and with several more hopefully taken as souvenirs by park users - a covert way for the design team to spread the word about the park
29
PUBLIC CHALKBOARDSTo collect feedback on park usersrsquo hopes and dreams for the space two community chalkboards were installed at the pop-up The first was mounted to the back of the piano and the second chalkboard was installed in front of the park and served as a place for people to contribute their drawings hopes and names to the space
30
POP-UP STORIESPerhaps the most powerful qualitative feedback the design team collected was through a series of testimonial interviews conducted with park users which the design team turned into mini-documentaries dubbed ldquoPop-Up Storiesrdquo Speaking one-on-one with park users the design team was inspired to record and create mini-documentaries detailing the stories of several different park users This work most accurately captured the human impact of Roosevelt Plaza Park which the team found to be extremely powerful given the many decades of decline and disinvestment experienced by the City of Camden and its residents
31
the tote veranda the grove
the lawn
picnic tables
32
The park interventions while interrelated created a variety of different spaces in order to test user preferences and patterns at the pop-up What follows is a discussion and analysis of the teamrsquos observations of each of the ldquooutdoor roomsrdquo
THE GROVEPerhaps the most defined of the lsquooutdoor roomsrsquo the Grove was bordered by custom-design corrugated planter boxes the outdoor piano and sprinkled with IBC tote planters Our mapping survey showed that this area was a popular draw for a lunch-time crowd and the wider tables were successful in accommodating and encouraging groups of up to four people per table with visitors spending anywhere between 10-45 minutes on average at a table
A review of timelapse photography mounted on a nearby IBC Tote reveals some of the rhythms of the Grove Groups of people congregate at all times of the day but itrsquos shortly after noon when this area is at its peak and when lunch-time crowds fill nearly all the available tables with takeout food purchased from local restaurants Also notable is the diversity of this group consisting of professionals students and everyday residents
INTERVENTION AREAS
picnic tables
33
THE PIANOOne of the most loved features of the Grove was undoubtedly the outdoor piano which immediately attracted pianists dancers and conversation from the moment it was installed The addition of the piano was inspired jointly by the rich musical history of the City and the diverse population that occupied the park and its surroundings We thought ndash ldquowhat interactive design element could transcend social class race even languagerdquo The answer we came up with was to do something with music We hoped that the addition of an outdoor piano would encourage the diverse group of park users (eg the homeless clinic patients students professionals judges etc) to stop play a tune and interact In this sense the piano was a major success
Consider one mid-September afternoon at the piano Over the course of these four hours on a sunny September day we observed two primary pianists one a clinic patient and one a local minister who played for extended periods of 1-2 hours Both talented musicians their playing attracted over 20 other individuals which included a mix of professionals people eating lunch local residents other clinic patients and several other curious pianists to the site The most common sight to see were groups of 2-4 individuals spontaneously interacting with each other and the pianist A resident remarked to us that the piano allowed people of any stripe to step outside of their normal element and to be looked at not by how they dressed or talked but by what they could do and what they were capable of
34
ldquoEste parque me trae alegriacutea y amor hellip para mostrarle a estas personas aquiacute que estaacuten con cosas difiacutecilesmdashcomo las drogas Para mi con mi instrumento un piano les ensentildeoacute amorhellip Yo veo como ellos buscan el amor y el apoyo de otras personas El privilegio para mi vida es llenar con voces muacutesica la ciudad de aquiacute Camden helliprdquo- Junior Osvaldo Cruz
english translationldquoThis park brings me joy and love to show these people here who are going through difficult things-like drugs For me with my instrument the piano I can show them love I see how they seek love and support from others My lifersquos privilege is to fill this city Camden with music and voices ldquo
If viewing on a PDF click here to hear a sample of the outdoor piano being played
Junior Osvaldo Cruz brought music and joy to the pop-up park no matter the season
35
4276221
THE LAWNWhile not a lsquodesignedrsquo space our analysis found that the lawn is an area with potential for future interventions with a very light touch At 75000 square feet most of which is well-maintained largely unobstructed lawn Roosevelt Plaza Park is one of the largest usable green spaces in the City and arguably its most accessible sitting at the nexus of several commercial corridors transit lines and easily accessed on foot or by bicycle
Our team observed that the pop-up helped spur unplanned organic use of the lawn spaces which had not been occurring prior to the interventions Basking in the sun on an Adirondack chair a game of Frisbee outdoor Tai Chi and a gentleman called ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo who regularly showed up teach children and spread the joy of flying kites were some of the most notable people and activities that took advantage of the lawnrsquos uniquely wide open spaces and expansive views of City Hall
Though the design focused on the north west portion of the lawn by defining that space with the pop-up elements observation showed that the open lawn spaces south of the Tote Veranda was popular for active uses such as kite-flying and Frisbee The small strip of lawn defined by trees at the north east was the most popular area for lounging on the lawn
ldquoKites is what really brings me here because this brings families together - children to the old they all fly they all have fun This builds your self-esteem because when you flying it you feel so good about your accomplishments this is something yoursquore doing A kid two years old was just flying a kite Donrsquot say you canrsquot do it you can do anything you put your mind tordquo- Kevin the Kiteman
36
To watch Kevin the Kitemanrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPkevin
ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo shows a group of Camden youth how to fly a kite
37
THE PICNIC TABLESThe Picnic Tables were popular for sitting chatting and for having a meal at lunchtime Set up as a communal table along Market Street the location was intended to engage passersby and customers of the restaurants along Market Street In designing this space we wanted to test the viability of outdoor dining along this burgeoning restaurant corridor The consistent use of the tables proved this amenity is in-demand among daily park users While the picnic tables did provide a comfortable place to sit and while people did eat meals there the space could have been enhanced through the principle of triangulation further detailed later in this report As an arrangement of elements this space was not multi-dimensional in nature and could be enlivened in future iterations through the addition of other complementary elements (a food vendor for example) to create a better sense of place Intensive improvements here will interface with an existing demand making investment at the Market Street edge of the park a high-impact improvement
38
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
PROJECT BRIEF PROGRAM AND BUDGET
The design team was commissioned to provide design and planning services for temporary placemaking efforts at Roosevelt Plaza Park The project required first identifying the needs of park users and then designing temporary and movable elements for the park These elements were also utilized to inform the creation of this comprehensive document which will help guide future improvements for the central public space
While the infrastructure of Roosevelt Plaza Park had been recently upgraded the park was underused and lacked a strong sense of place Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnershiprsquos vision for the development of the park was inspired by examples of new active public spaces in other post-industrial centers that developed by taking small iterative and temporary steps To provide an informative pop-up the design team sought to implement low cost high impact amenities to make Roosevelt Plaza Park a central destination for bikers pedestrians residents and employees
POP-UP IMPROVEMENTS
A pop-up calls for elements that are easy to deploy
10
Above Corona Plaza in Queens theuniprojectorg
Left A temporary holiday light art installation at Discovery Green in Houston discoverygreencom
Pop-Up cafe at the Battersea in London londontheinsidecom PHS Pop-Up beer garden in Philadelphia phillycom Sunset Triangle in LA pricetagswordpress
Food Trucks at The Porch at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia uwishunucom
11
PIANO HOUSE
PLANTER GROVE
QUAD LAWN
PICNIC DINING
TOTES VERANDA
PATIO GLIDER lsquoVERANDArsquo
ADIRONDACK LAWN SEATING
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
TO CAMDEN CITY HALL
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING
INFO TOTE
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS
CUSTOM PLANTERS
TOTE PLANTERS
INTERACTIVE GATEWAY
INTERACTIVE LIGHT TOWERS
SHADE STRUCTURE
PICNIC TABLES WITH UMBRELLAS
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS40 FEET20100 5 N
The site plan above shows a variety of diverse spaces meant to test user preferences
12
PIANO HOUSE
PLANTER GROVE
QUAD LAWN
PICNIC DINING
TOTES VERANDA
PATIO GLIDER lsquoVERANDArsquo
ADIRONDACK LAWN SEATING
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
TO CAMDEN CITY HALL
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING
INFO TOTE
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS
CUSTOM PLANTERS
TOTE PLANTERS
INTERACTIVE GATEWAY
INTERACTIVE LIGHT TOWERS
SHADE STRUCTURE
PICNIC TABLES WITH UMBRELLAS
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS40 FEET20100 5 N
P L A Z A P A R KROOSEVELT
DESIGN CONCEPT
The goal of the pop-up park was to create a lively unique and varied design to engage users in experimental improvements Chosen elements aimed to aid in the exploration of what might support and drive the Camden community to embrace the park
The design included amenities that were missing in the nearby public space a shade structure umbrellas trees and flowers a variety of comfortable seating tables and places to sit down and eat Interactive lighting movable furniture a feedback box with feedback postcards informational signage and a free-expression chalkboard were employed in the design to involve users in the experiment
An eye-catching central shade structure (the Totes Veranda) high design standard and bright modern color palette helped to define the pop-up image and attract people into the space To be successful the pop-up needed to feel inviting and distinguished
THE RIGHT FEEL
In the design phase mood boards helped identify the desired atmosphere of the pop-up optimistic urban sophisticated and approachable
RPP
13
Vintage postcards showing a shining Camden downtown provided inspiration for the pop-up
Motion sensors activate colored lights in an
early prototype of the interaction for ldquoBlue
Hourrdquo by New American Public Art
CAMDEN INSPIRATION
To achieve a design that spoke to present day Camden residents the design team searched for local inspiration The pop-up is aesthetically influenced by the wide array of buildings downtown many excellent examples of the architectural styles of the 19th and early 20th centuries and by the diverse downtown community of businesses residents and institutional uses In our approach we emulated the romantic optimism of the original New Deal-era park that once existed on the site And we were impressed to discover that industry is still alive and well in Camden which drove the team to explore locally sourced materials
The team visited several recycling businesses in Camden exploring what items might be creatively re-purposed from their intended uses and what might even be recovered from the waste-stream Several types of containers are collected cleaned processed refurbished recycled into component materials and resold nation-wide from these Camden businesses
For the purposes of the pop-up park the design team gravitated towards IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) totes which are roughly 4rsquo cubes that are used to transport liquids The galvanized-steel grid cages of the totes reflect the art deco architecture of City Hall and the plastic insert lsquobottlesrsquo diffuse light beautifully
14
BEING RESOURCEFUL
Through a little creative re-working different types of IBC totes became planters signage foundations and lighted towers Where creating a foundation suitable to support shade sails in very windy conditions would have been cost-prohibitive the totes provided opportunity to build a bespoke structure The 33-tote structure included an interactive lighting experience created by New American Public Art called ldquoBlue Hourrdquo The artists modified the totes with LED lighting and motion sensors
THE COMPONENTS OF THE EXPERIMENT
15
Triggered by people moving through the park the color change is reminiscent of the light the hour after sunset and the glow from a hearth It reminds visitors of the warmth that can be felt by being in the presence of others and feeling the glow of sharing in community
A KIT OF PARTS
Above from left to right and top to bottom IBC Tote from Camden (refurbished) $160 Patio Glider Set $1050 Patio Umbrella (with 70 lb steel base) $200 Plastic Adirondack Chair $15 Iconic Metal Folding Chair $75 Resin Side Chair $80 36rdquo Table $225 Unfinished Picnic Table $95 Locking Mailbox for Feedback Postcards $40
As a testing ground for ideas the pop-up needed to explore and push some boundaries The ephemeral nature of temporary improvements allowed for unconventional materials such as using IBC totes as building blocks for structures lighting and planters Furnishings were selected to provide variety and maximize seating type options This made it possible to observe what kinds of seating park users preferred
The team scoured local stores for furnishings and used several well-known online discount retailers to find items with the right look at the right price point With the exception of the Fermob folding bistro chair (which is widely used in public spaces internationally) many of the main park elements came from alternative sources some of which worked better than others
The durable orange chairs and gray cafe tables that were used in The Grove came from BizChaircom and they performed very well The popular blue Adirondacks were by far the best value and were bought directly from Adams Manufacturing The patio gliders came from theSimpleStorescom and had to be returned more than once because they arrived damaged Hayneedlecom was the easiest supplier to work with as the website provides special services for business accounts The residential umbrellas proved to not be durable enough for the windy site In future pop-ups commercial-grade umbrellas would be a worth-while investment We found that 70 lb steel umbrella bases were sufficient for the 8rsquo umbrellas
18
TEMPORARY GREENING
Planters provided the pop-up with color and movement The plants were installed at the end of the New Jersey growing season so the designers choose a variety of species that look just as good in the fall and winter as they do in the spring Perennials (flowering plants that will come back again in the spring) along with trees and shrubs lent the space additional structure and interest A handful of annuals added pops of seasonal color
Top Left The Weeping Willow Trees and Crape Myrtle Trees planted in The Grove both have nice fall color and decorative bark for winter interest Below Perennials like Cone Flower and Little Bunny Grass were interspersed between dwarf willows and evergreen shrubs
BUILDING BLOCKS
IBC totes from two Camden recycling businesses were delivered to a warehouse about two blocks away from Roosevelt Plaza Park where they were staged and modified prior to installation Artists installed lights motion sensors wiring and timers in 25 of the totes for the art piece ldquoBlue Hourrdquo To make planters out of 14 of the totes the plastic insert ldquobottlesrdquo were cut with a circular saw
To install the totes Camden Special Services District ambassadors moved the totes to the park using a truck with a lift-gate and a hand-operated pallet jack An all-metal ldquosardine-canrdquo style tote at the base of each tote tower was filled with sand to create a solid foundation for the structure Using a fork-lift the totes were stacked on top of one another then each stack was placed onto the metal foundation tote The towers were then leveled with shims of painted pressure-treated lumber The towers were fastened together with 8 chain-link fence clamps per level Using ladders Department of Public Works employees set up the electrical wiring between towers and fastened the shade sails to the structure
20
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
When options for planters and sheltering for the piano were found to be unavailable within budget the team commissioned some clever custom-built elements that were made from basic lumber and common corrugated metal sheeting An aluminum-core sign with an outdoor brochure box and wall-mounted mailbox was mounted to a tote in the center of the park This simple set-up was found to be an effective tool for collecting feedback in the park
21
22
POP OF COLOR
Site furniture provided the opportunity to bring color into the park The bright hues helped to give each space an identity and certainly contributed to a positive and optimistic image for the pop-up While speaking at the press conference for the pop-up opening Camden Mayor Dana L Redd noted that now the park ldquopops with colorrdquo
23
ELECTRIFY THE NIGHT
At night when the park is still the totes structure glows a cool blue but when people move through the space their motion activates the lighting causing the lights to warm into a soft orange tone
study findings
ITERATIVE PLACEMAKING
Roosevelt Plaza Park was unique in that its simple inexpensive amenities test-drove public space improvements to see what did and didnrsquot work before implementing either another round of pop-up interventions or more substantial capital improvements This strategy referred to as ldquoiterative placemakingrdquo has the benefit of producing a public space that is bold innovative and responds directly to the user as the ephemeral nature of the improvements takes the risk out of traditional capital-intensive park projects
To analyze the use of Roosevelt Plaza Park and to inform recommendations for future interventions the team of Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnership Group Melvin Design and Sikora Wells Appel devised a unique methodology that used both qualitative and quantitative data to analyze the site The initial methodology was inspired by noted urbanist and public space researcher William Whytersquos seminal ldquoThe Social Life of Small Urban Spacesrdquo relying primarily on time-lapse photography and observations to analyze the site from above and at a distance Yet after the pop-up interventions were constructed the team realized that the initial methodology treated the park more like a petri dish than a public space This conclusion led to the refinement of the methodology to ensure not just the quantitative but the qualitative human story of the park was captured
STUDY METHODOLOGY
in 5 months the team collected
500+hours of timelapse
footage
124visitor surveys amp
feedback postcards submitted
121mapping surveys
completed
3818park users and
activities mapped
26
Data collection methoDology
For the teamrsquos analysis of Roosevelt Plaza Park the team recognized that the study had to tell a story through both quantitative data and qualitative observations and user feedback To accomplish this a multi-pronged strategy was devised that used several different tools to analyze the site
time-lapse photography
The initial methodology relied primarily on time-lapse photography to capture user movement activities and interactions in the space The team quickly found that William Whytersquos primary disclaimer of this technique that recording the film is easy and that evaluation is the hard part was as true using modern equipment in the 21st century as it was for Whyte in the 1970rsquos However while there were limitations to what could be observed using time-lapse photography it was a valuable tool for seeing that which is invisible to the human eye in real-time The ability to capture imagery of the entire site all-at-once and play back video of park users at hyper-speed allowed the team to observe patterns of movement usage throughout the day and patterns influenced by environmental conditions that would have otherwise been invisible And while the time-lapse photography was limited when mounted from a site-wide vantage point in the windows of City Hall our team recorded additional video with cameras mounted directly in the park in order to make more direct activity-focused area-specific observations Throughout this process both the Mayorrsquos Office and the Camden County Administration Offices were incredibly generous with their window-space by allowing the team to mount our cameras from their offices
To watch timelapse footage visit httptinyurlcomRPPtimelapse
27
Mapping Surveys
Roosevelt Plaza Park is cleaned and maintained by the Camden Special Services District (CSSD) who staffed the pop-up with an employee throughout the week with more limited hours on weekends Time-lapse photography is limited in its ability to see the close-up and personal and so the design team met with CSSD staff to get their help in filling out on-the-ground mapping surveys of user activity at the park While the survey was limited by the hours during the day that CSSD staff worked the CSSD did an exceptional job of capturing data that recorded the type of user location and what they were doing at the park This data was coded in digital maps produced by the design team that allowed for the exploration of a number of different variables and conditions observed in more than 50 mapping surveys
Visitor Surveys
In addition to the mapping surveys CSSD staff also helped to complete visitor surveys that recorded additional information about users that would have not been obtained through observation Initially the survey was only provided through an online survey platform but the team realized that an online survey was not the right platform for effectively reaching the constituency that uses the park Revising the strategy a paper copy of the survey was produced that CSSD staff helped distribute to more than 50 park visitors
28
Feedback Postcards
One of the most successful tools for obtaining user feedback was the custom feedback postcard tool developed by the design team Mounted on a central planted tote within the park this tool consisted of four simple elements a set of colorful pop-up park postcards with two questions on the back pens a mailbox and explanatory signage The postcard sought to find out what people liked most about the pop-up interventions and what they would like to see in the future The team received more than 70 postcards and with several more hopefully taken as souvenirs by park users - a covert way for the design team to spread the word about the park
29
PUBLIC CHALKBOARDSTo collect feedback on park usersrsquo hopes and dreams for the space two community chalkboards were installed at the pop-up The first was mounted to the back of the piano and the second chalkboard was installed in front of the park and served as a place for people to contribute their drawings hopes and names to the space
30
POP-UP STORIESPerhaps the most powerful qualitative feedback the design team collected was through a series of testimonial interviews conducted with park users which the design team turned into mini-documentaries dubbed ldquoPop-Up Storiesrdquo Speaking one-on-one with park users the design team was inspired to record and create mini-documentaries detailing the stories of several different park users This work most accurately captured the human impact of Roosevelt Plaza Park which the team found to be extremely powerful given the many decades of decline and disinvestment experienced by the City of Camden and its residents
31
the tote veranda the grove
the lawn
picnic tables
32
The park interventions while interrelated created a variety of different spaces in order to test user preferences and patterns at the pop-up What follows is a discussion and analysis of the teamrsquos observations of each of the ldquooutdoor roomsrdquo
THE GROVEPerhaps the most defined of the lsquooutdoor roomsrsquo the Grove was bordered by custom-design corrugated planter boxes the outdoor piano and sprinkled with IBC tote planters Our mapping survey showed that this area was a popular draw for a lunch-time crowd and the wider tables were successful in accommodating and encouraging groups of up to four people per table with visitors spending anywhere between 10-45 minutes on average at a table
A review of timelapse photography mounted on a nearby IBC Tote reveals some of the rhythms of the Grove Groups of people congregate at all times of the day but itrsquos shortly after noon when this area is at its peak and when lunch-time crowds fill nearly all the available tables with takeout food purchased from local restaurants Also notable is the diversity of this group consisting of professionals students and everyday residents
INTERVENTION AREAS
picnic tables
33
THE PIANOOne of the most loved features of the Grove was undoubtedly the outdoor piano which immediately attracted pianists dancers and conversation from the moment it was installed The addition of the piano was inspired jointly by the rich musical history of the City and the diverse population that occupied the park and its surroundings We thought ndash ldquowhat interactive design element could transcend social class race even languagerdquo The answer we came up with was to do something with music We hoped that the addition of an outdoor piano would encourage the diverse group of park users (eg the homeless clinic patients students professionals judges etc) to stop play a tune and interact In this sense the piano was a major success
Consider one mid-September afternoon at the piano Over the course of these four hours on a sunny September day we observed two primary pianists one a clinic patient and one a local minister who played for extended periods of 1-2 hours Both talented musicians their playing attracted over 20 other individuals which included a mix of professionals people eating lunch local residents other clinic patients and several other curious pianists to the site The most common sight to see were groups of 2-4 individuals spontaneously interacting with each other and the pianist A resident remarked to us that the piano allowed people of any stripe to step outside of their normal element and to be looked at not by how they dressed or talked but by what they could do and what they were capable of
34
ldquoEste parque me trae alegriacutea y amor hellip para mostrarle a estas personas aquiacute que estaacuten con cosas difiacutecilesmdashcomo las drogas Para mi con mi instrumento un piano les ensentildeoacute amorhellip Yo veo como ellos buscan el amor y el apoyo de otras personas El privilegio para mi vida es llenar con voces muacutesica la ciudad de aquiacute Camden helliprdquo- Junior Osvaldo Cruz
english translationldquoThis park brings me joy and love to show these people here who are going through difficult things-like drugs For me with my instrument the piano I can show them love I see how they seek love and support from others My lifersquos privilege is to fill this city Camden with music and voices ldquo
If viewing on a PDF click here to hear a sample of the outdoor piano being played
Junior Osvaldo Cruz brought music and joy to the pop-up park no matter the season
35
4276221
THE LAWNWhile not a lsquodesignedrsquo space our analysis found that the lawn is an area with potential for future interventions with a very light touch At 75000 square feet most of which is well-maintained largely unobstructed lawn Roosevelt Plaza Park is one of the largest usable green spaces in the City and arguably its most accessible sitting at the nexus of several commercial corridors transit lines and easily accessed on foot or by bicycle
Our team observed that the pop-up helped spur unplanned organic use of the lawn spaces which had not been occurring prior to the interventions Basking in the sun on an Adirondack chair a game of Frisbee outdoor Tai Chi and a gentleman called ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo who regularly showed up teach children and spread the joy of flying kites were some of the most notable people and activities that took advantage of the lawnrsquos uniquely wide open spaces and expansive views of City Hall
Though the design focused on the north west portion of the lawn by defining that space with the pop-up elements observation showed that the open lawn spaces south of the Tote Veranda was popular for active uses such as kite-flying and Frisbee The small strip of lawn defined by trees at the north east was the most popular area for lounging on the lawn
ldquoKites is what really brings me here because this brings families together - children to the old they all fly they all have fun This builds your self-esteem because when you flying it you feel so good about your accomplishments this is something yoursquore doing A kid two years old was just flying a kite Donrsquot say you canrsquot do it you can do anything you put your mind tordquo- Kevin the Kiteman
36
To watch Kevin the Kitemanrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPkevin
ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo shows a group of Camden youth how to fly a kite
37
THE PICNIC TABLESThe Picnic Tables were popular for sitting chatting and for having a meal at lunchtime Set up as a communal table along Market Street the location was intended to engage passersby and customers of the restaurants along Market Street In designing this space we wanted to test the viability of outdoor dining along this burgeoning restaurant corridor The consistent use of the tables proved this amenity is in-demand among daily park users While the picnic tables did provide a comfortable place to sit and while people did eat meals there the space could have been enhanced through the principle of triangulation further detailed later in this report As an arrangement of elements this space was not multi-dimensional in nature and could be enlivened in future iterations through the addition of other complementary elements (a food vendor for example) to create a better sense of place Intensive improvements here will interface with an existing demand making investment at the Market Street edge of the park a high-impact improvement
38
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
Above Corona Plaza in Queens theuniprojectorg
Left A temporary holiday light art installation at Discovery Green in Houston discoverygreencom
Pop-Up cafe at the Battersea in London londontheinsidecom PHS Pop-Up beer garden in Philadelphia phillycom Sunset Triangle in LA pricetagswordpress
Food Trucks at The Porch at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia uwishunucom
11
PIANO HOUSE
PLANTER GROVE
QUAD LAWN
PICNIC DINING
TOTES VERANDA
PATIO GLIDER lsquoVERANDArsquo
ADIRONDACK LAWN SEATING
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
TO CAMDEN CITY HALL
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING
INFO TOTE
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS
CUSTOM PLANTERS
TOTE PLANTERS
INTERACTIVE GATEWAY
INTERACTIVE LIGHT TOWERS
SHADE STRUCTURE
PICNIC TABLES WITH UMBRELLAS
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS40 FEET20100 5 N
The site plan above shows a variety of diverse spaces meant to test user preferences
12
PIANO HOUSE
PLANTER GROVE
QUAD LAWN
PICNIC DINING
TOTES VERANDA
PATIO GLIDER lsquoVERANDArsquo
ADIRONDACK LAWN SEATING
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
TO CAMDEN CITY HALL
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING
INFO TOTE
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS
CUSTOM PLANTERS
TOTE PLANTERS
INTERACTIVE GATEWAY
INTERACTIVE LIGHT TOWERS
SHADE STRUCTURE
PICNIC TABLES WITH UMBRELLAS
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS40 FEET20100 5 N
P L A Z A P A R KROOSEVELT
DESIGN CONCEPT
The goal of the pop-up park was to create a lively unique and varied design to engage users in experimental improvements Chosen elements aimed to aid in the exploration of what might support and drive the Camden community to embrace the park
The design included amenities that were missing in the nearby public space a shade structure umbrellas trees and flowers a variety of comfortable seating tables and places to sit down and eat Interactive lighting movable furniture a feedback box with feedback postcards informational signage and a free-expression chalkboard were employed in the design to involve users in the experiment
An eye-catching central shade structure (the Totes Veranda) high design standard and bright modern color palette helped to define the pop-up image and attract people into the space To be successful the pop-up needed to feel inviting and distinguished
THE RIGHT FEEL
In the design phase mood boards helped identify the desired atmosphere of the pop-up optimistic urban sophisticated and approachable
RPP
13
Vintage postcards showing a shining Camden downtown provided inspiration for the pop-up
Motion sensors activate colored lights in an
early prototype of the interaction for ldquoBlue
Hourrdquo by New American Public Art
CAMDEN INSPIRATION
To achieve a design that spoke to present day Camden residents the design team searched for local inspiration The pop-up is aesthetically influenced by the wide array of buildings downtown many excellent examples of the architectural styles of the 19th and early 20th centuries and by the diverse downtown community of businesses residents and institutional uses In our approach we emulated the romantic optimism of the original New Deal-era park that once existed on the site And we were impressed to discover that industry is still alive and well in Camden which drove the team to explore locally sourced materials
The team visited several recycling businesses in Camden exploring what items might be creatively re-purposed from their intended uses and what might even be recovered from the waste-stream Several types of containers are collected cleaned processed refurbished recycled into component materials and resold nation-wide from these Camden businesses
For the purposes of the pop-up park the design team gravitated towards IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) totes which are roughly 4rsquo cubes that are used to transport liquids The galvanized-steel grid cages of the totes reflect the art deco architecture of City Hall and the plastic insert lsquobottlesrsquo diffuse light beautifully
14
BEING RESOURCEFUL
Through a little creative re-working different types of IBC totes became planters signage foundations and lighted towers Where creating a foundation suitable to support shade sails in very windy conditions would have been cost-prohibitive the totes provided opportunity to build a bespoke structure The 33-tote structure included an interactive lighting experience created by New American Public Art called ldquoBlue Hourrdquo The artists modified the totes with LED lighting and motion sensors
THE COMPONENTS OF THE EXPERIMENT
15
Triggered by people moving through the park the color change is reminiscent of the light the hour after sunset and the glow from a hearth It reminds visitors of the warmth that can be felt by being in the presence of others and feeling the glow of sharing in community
A KIT OF PARTS
Above from left to right and top to bottom IBC Tote from Camden (refurbished) $160 Patio Glider Set $1050 Patio Umbrella (with 70 lb steel base) $200 Plastic Adirondack Chair $15 Iconic Metal Folding Chair $75 Resin Side Chair $80 36rdquo Table $225 Unfinished Picnic Table $95 Locking Mailbox for Feedback Postcards $40
As a testing ground for ideas the pop-up needed to explore and push some boundaries The ephemeral nature of temporary improvements allowed for unconventional materials such as using IBC totes as building blocks for structures lighting and planters Furnishings were selected to provide variety and maximize seating type options This made it possible to observe what kinds of seating park users preferred
The team scoured local stores for furnishings and used several well-known online discount retailers to find items with the right look at the right price point With the exception of the Fermob folding bistro chair (which is widely used in public spaces internationally) many of the main park elements came from alternative sources some of which worked better than others
The durable orange chairs and gray cafe tables that were used in The Grove came from BizChaircom and they performed very well The popular blue Adirondacks were by far the best value and were bought directly from Adams Manufacturing The patio gliders came from theSimpleStorescom and had to be returned more than once because they arrived damaged Hayneedlecom was the easiest supplier to work with as the website provides special services for business accounts The residential umbrellas proved to not be durable enough for the windy site In future pop-ups commercial-grade umbrellas would be a worth-while investment We found that 70 lb steel umbrella bases were sufficient for the 8rsquo umbrellas
18
TEMPORARY GREENING
Planters provided the pop-up with color and movement The plants were installed at the end of the New Jersey growing season so the designers choose a variety of species that look just as good in the fall and winter as they do in the spring Perennials (flowering plants that will come back again in the spring) along with trees and shrubs lent the space additional structure and interest A handful of annuals added pops of seasonal color
Top Left The Weeping Willow Trees and Crape Myrtle Trees planted in The Grove both have nice fall color and decorative bark for winter interest Below Perennials like Cone Flower and Little Bunny Grass were interspersed between dwarf willows and evergreen shrubs
BUILDING BLOCKS
IBC totes from two Camden recycling businesses were delivered to a warehouse about two blocks away from Roosevelt Plaza Park where they were staged and modified prior to installation Artists installed lights motion sensors wiring and timers in 25 of the totes for the art piece ldquoBlue Hourrdquo To make planters out of 14 of the totes the plastic insert ldquobottlesrdquo were cut with a circular saw
To install the totes Camden Special Services District ambassadors moved the totes to the park using a truck with a lift-gate and a hand-operated pallet jack An all-metal ldquosardine-canrdquo style tote at the base of each tote tower was filled with sand to create a solid foundation for the structure Using a fork-lift the totes were stacked on top of one another then each stack was placed onto the metal foundation tote The towers were then leveled with shims of painted pressure-treated lumber The towers were fastened together with 8 chain-link fence clamps per level Using ladders Department of Public Works employees set up the electrical wiring between towers and fastened the shade sails to the structure
20
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
When options for planters and sheltering for the piano were found to be unavailable within budget the team commissioned some clever custom-built elements that were made from basic lumber and common corrugated metal sheeting An aluminum-core sign with an outdoor brochure box and wall-mounted mailbox was mounted to a tote in the center of the park This simple set-up was found to be an effective tool for collecting feedback in the park
21
22
POP OF COLOR
Site furniture provided the opportunity to bring color into the park The bright hues helped to give each space an identity and certainly contributed to a positive and optimistic image for the pop-up While speaking at the press conference for the pop-up opening Camden Mayor Dana L Redd noted that now the park ldquopops with colorrdquo
23
ELECTRIFY THE NIGHT
At night when the park is still the totes structure glows a cool blue but when people move through the space their motion activates the lighting causing the lights to warm into a soft orange tone
study findings
ITERATIVE PLACEMAKING
Roosevelt Plaza Park was unique in that its simple inexpensive amenities test-drove public space improvements to see what did and didnrsquot work before implementing either another round of pop-up interventions or more substantial capital improvements This strategy referred to as ldquoiterative placemakingrdquo has the benefit of producing a public space that is bold innovative and responds directly to the user as the ephemeral nature of the improvements takes the risk out of traditional capital-intensive park projects
To analyze the use of Roosevelt Plaza Park and to inform recommendations for future interventions the team of Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnership Group Melvin Design and Sikora Wells Appel devised a unique methodology that used both qualitative and quantitative data to analyze the site The initial methodology was inspired by noted urbanist and public space researcher William Whytersquos seminal ldquoThe Social Life of Small Urban Spacesrdquo relying primarily on time-lapse photography and observations to analyze the site from above and at a distance Yet after the pop-up interventions were constructed the team realized that the initial methodology treated the park more like a petri dish than a public space This conclusion led to the refinement of the methodology to ensure not just the quantitative but the qualitative human story of the park was captured
STUDY METHODOLOGY
in 5 months the team collected
500+hours of timelapse
footage
124visitor surveys amp
feedback postcards submitted
121mapping surveys
completed
3818park users and
activities mapped
26
Data collection methoDology
For the teamrsquos analysis of Roosevelt Plaza Park the team recognized that the study had to tell a story through both quantitative data and qualitative observations and user feedback To accomplish this a multi-pronged strategy was devised that used several different tools to analyze the site
time-lapse photography
The initial methodology relied primarily on time-lapse photography to capture user movement activities and interactions in the space The team quickly found that William Whytersquos primary disclaimer of this technique that recording the film is easy and that evaluation is the hard part was as true using modern equipment in the 21st century as it was for Whyte in the 1970rsquos However while there were limitations to what could be observed using time-lapse photography it was a valuable tool for seeing that which is invisible to the human eye in real-time The ability to capture imagery of the entire site all-at-once and play back video of park users at hyper-speed allowed the team to observe patterns of movement usage throughout the day and patterns influenced by environmental conditions that would have otherwise been invisible And while the time-lapse photography was limited when mounted from a site-wide vantage point in the windows of City Hall our team recorded additional video with cameras mounted directly in the park in order to make more direct activity-focused area-specific observations Throughout this process both the Mayorrsquos Office and the Camden County Administration Offices were incredibly generous with their window-space by allowing the team to mount our cameras from their offices
To watch timelapse footage visit httptinyurlcomRPPtimelapse
27
Mapping Surveys
Roosevelt Plaza Park is cleaned and maintained by the Camden Special Services District (CSSD) who staffed the pop-up with an employee throughout the week with more limited hours on weekends Time-lapse photography is limited in its ability to see the close-up and personal and so the design team met with CSSD staff to get their help in filling out on-the-ground mapping surveys of user activity at the park While the survey was limited by the hours during the day that CSSD staff worked the CSSD did an exceptional job of capturing data that recorded the type of user location and what they were doing at the park This data was coded in digital maps produced by the design team that allowed for the exploration of a number of different variables and conditions observed in more than 50 mapping surveys
Visitor Surveys
In addition to the mapping surveys CSSD staff also helped to complete visitor surveys that recorded additional information about users that would have not been obtained through observation Initially the survey was only provided through an online survey platform but the team realized that an online survey was not the right platform for effectively reaching the constituency that uses the park Revising the strategy a paper copy of the survey was produced that CSSD staff helped distribute to more than 50 park visitors
28
Feedback Postcards
One of the most successful tools for obtaining user feedback was the custom feedback postcard tool developed by the design team Mounted on a central planted tote within the park this tool consisted of four simple elements a set of colorful pop-up park postcards with two questions on the back pens a mailbox and explanatory signage The postcard sought to find out what people liked most about the pop-up interventions and what they would like to see in the future The team received more than 70 postcards and with several more hopefully taken as souvenirs by park users - a covert way for the design team to spread the word about the park
29
PUBLIC CHALKBOARDSTo collect feedback on park usersrsquo hopes and dreams for the space two community chalkboards were installed at the pop-up The first was mounted to the back of the piano and the second chalkboard was installed in front of the park and served as a place for people to contribute their drawings hopes and names to the space
30
POP-UP STORIESPerhaps the most powerful qualitative feedback the design team collected was through a series of testimonial interviews conducted with park users which the design team turned into mini-documentaries dubbed ldquoPop-Up Storiesrdquo Speaking one-on-one with park users the design team was inspired to record and create mini-documentaries detailing the stories of several different park users This work most accurately captured the human impact of Roosevelt Plaza Park which the team found to be extremely powerful given the many decades of decline and disinvestment experienced by the City of Camden and its residents
31
the tote veranda the grove
the lawn
picnic tables
32
The park interventions while interrelated created a variety of different spaces in order to test user preferences and patterns at the pop-up What follows is a discussion and analysis of the teamrsquos observations of each of the ldquooutdoor roomsrdquo
THE GROVEPerhaps the most defined of the lsquooutdoor roomsrsquo the Grove was bordered by custom-design corrugated planter boxes the outdoor piano and sprinkled with IBC tote planters Our mapping survey showed that this area was a popular draw for a lunch-time crowd and the wider tables were successful in accommodating and encouraging groups of up to four people per table with visitors spending anywhere between 10-45 minutes on average at a table
A review of timelapse photography mounted on a nearby IBC Tote reveals some of the rhythms of the Grove Groups of people congregate at all times of the day but itrsquos shortly after noon when this area is at its peak and when lunch-time crowds fill nearly all the available tables with takeout food purchased from local restaurants Also notable is the diversity of this group consisting of professionals students and everyday residents
INTERVENTION AREAS
picnic tables
33
THE PIANOOne of the most loved features of the Grove was undoubtedly the outdoor piano which immediately attracted pianists dancers and conversation from the moment it was installed The addition of the piano was inspired jointly by the rich musical history of the City and the diverse population that occupied the park and its surroundings We thought ndash ldquowhat interactive design element could transcend social class race even languagerdquo The answer we came up with was to do something with music We hoped that the addition of an outdoor piano would encourage the diverse group of park users (eg the homeless clinic patients students professionals judges etc) to stop play a tune and interact In this sense the piano was a major success
Consider one mid-September afternoon at the piano Over the course of these four hours on a sunny September day we observed two primary pianists one a clinic patient and one a local minister who played for extended periods of 1-2 hours Both talented musicians their playing attracted over 20 other individuals which included a mix of professionals people eating lunch local residents other clinic patients and several other curious pianists to the site The most common sight to see were groups of 2-4 individuals spontaneously interacting with each other and the pianist A resident remarked to us that the piano allowed people of any stripe to step outside of their normal element and to be looked at not by how they dressed or talked but by what they could do and what they were capable of
34
ldquoEste parque me trae alegriacutea y amor hellip para mostrarle a estas personas aquiacute que estaacuten con cosas difiacutecilesmdashcomo las drogas Para mi con mi instrumento un piano les ensentildeoacute amorhellip Yo veo como ellos buscan el amor y el apoyo de otras personas El privilegio para mi vida es llenar con voces muacutesica la ciudad de aquiacute Camden helliprdquo- Junior Osvaldo Cruz
english translationldquoThis park brings me joy and love to show these people here who are going through difficult things-like drugs For me with my instrument the piano I can show them love I see how they seek love and support from others My lifersquos privilege is to fill this city Camden with music and voices ldquo
If viewing on a PDF click here to hear a sample of the outdoor piano being played
Junior Osvaldo Cruz brought music and joy to the pop-up park no matter the season
35
4276221
THE LAWNWhile not a lsquodesignedrsquo space our analysis found that the lawn is an area with potential for future interventions with a very light touch At 75000 square feet most of which is well-maintained largely unobstructed lawn Roosevelt Plaza Park is one of the largest usable green spaces in the City and arguably its most accessible sitting at the nexus of several commercial corridors transit lines and easily accessed on foot or by bicycle
Our team observed that the pop-up helped spur unplanned organic use of the lawn spaces which had not been occurring prior to the interventions Basking in the sun on an Adirondack chair a game of Frisbee outdoor Tai Chi and a gentleman called ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo who regularly showed up teach children and spread the joy of flying kites were some of the most notable people and activities that took advantage of the lawnrsquos uniquely wide open spaces and expansive views of City Hall
Though the design focused on the north west portion of the lawn by defining that space with the pop-up elements observation showed that the open lawn spaces south of the Tote Veranda was popular for active uses such as kite-flying and Frisbee The small strip of lawn defined by trees at the north east was the most popular area for lounging on the lawn
ldquoKites is what really brings me here because this brings families together - children to the old they all fly they all have fun This builds your self-esteem because when you flying it you feel so good about your accomplishments this is something yoursquore doing A kid two years old was just flying a kite Donrsquot say you canrsquot do it you can do anything you put your mind tordquo- Kevin the Kiteman
36
To watch Kevin the Kitemanrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPkevin
ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo shows a group of Camden youth how to fly a kite
37
THE PICNIC TABLESThe Picnic Tables were popular for sitting chatting and for having a meal at lunchtime Set up as a communal table along Market Street the location was intended to engage passersby and customers of the restaurants along Market Street In designing this space we wanted to test the viability of outdoor dining along this burgeoning restaurant corridor The consistent use of the tables proved this amenity is in-demand among daily park users While the picnic tables did provide a comfortable place to sit and while people did eat meals there the space could have been enhanced through the principle of triangulation further detailed later in this report As an arrangement of elements this space was not multi-dimensional in nature and could be enlivened in future iterations through the addition of other complementary elements (a food vendor for example) to create a better sense of place Intensive improvements here will interface with an existing demand making investment at the Market Street edge of the park a high-impact improvement
38
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
PIANO HOUSE
PLANTER GROVE
QUAD LAWN
PICNIC DINING
TOTES VERANDA
PATIO GLIDER lsquoVERANDArsquo
ADIRONDACK LAWN SEATING
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
TO CAMDEN CITY HALL
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING
INFO TOTE
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS
CUSTOM PLANTERS
TOTE PLANTERS
INTERACTIVE GATEWAY
INTERACTIVE LIGHT TOWERS
SHADE STRUCTURE
PICNIC TABLES WITH UMBRELLAS
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS40 FEET20100 5 N
The site plan above shows a variety of diverse spaces meant to test user preferences
12
PIANO HOUSE
PLANTER GROVE
QUAD LAWN
PICNIC DINING
TOTES VERANDA
PATIO GLIDER lsquoVERANDArsquo
ADIRONDACK LAWN SEATING
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
TO CAMDEN CITY HALL
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING
INFO TOTE
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS
CUSTOM PLANTERS
TOTE PLANTERS
INTERACTIVE GATEWAY
INTERACTIVE LIGHT TOWERS
SHADE STRUCTURE
PICNIC TABLES WITH UMBRELLAS
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS40 FEET20100 5 N
P L A Z A P A R KROOSEVELT
DESIGN CONCEPT
The goal of the pop-up park was to create a lively unique and varied design to engage users in experimental improvements Chosen elements aimed to aid in the exploration of what might support and drive the Camden community to embrace the park
The design included amenities that were missing in the nearby public space a shade structure umbrellas trees and flowers a variety of comfortable seating tables and places to sit down and eat Interactive lighting movable furniture a feedback box with feedback postcards informational signage and a free-expression chalkboard were employed in the design to involve users in the experiment
An eye-catching central shade structure (the Totes Veranda) high design standard and bright modern color palette helped to define the pop-up image and attract people into the space To be successful the pop-up needed to feel inviting and distinguished
THE RIGHT FEEL
In the design phase mood boards helped identify the desired atmosphere of the pop-up optimistic urban sophisticated and approachable
RPP
13
Vintage postcards showing a shining Camden downtown provided inspiration for the pop-up
Motion sensors activate colored lights in an
early prototype of the interaction for ldquoBlue
Hourrdquo by New American Public Art
CAMDEN INSPIRATION
To achieve a design that spoke to present day Camden residents the design team searched for local inspiration The pop-up is aesthetically influenced by the wide array of buildings downtown many excellent examples of the architectural styles of the 19th and early 20th centuries and by the diverse downtown community of businesses residents and institutional uses In our approach we emulated the romantic optimism of the original New Deal-era park that once existed on the site And we were impressed to discover that industry is still alive and well in Camden which drove the team to explore locally sourced materials
The team visited several recycling businesses in Camden exploring what items might be creatively re-purposed from their intended uses and what might even be recovered from the waste-stream Several types of containers are collected cleaned processed refurbished recycled into component materials and resold nation-wide from these Camden businesses
For the purposes of the pop-up park the design team gravitated towards IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) totes which are roughly 4rsquo cubes that are used to transport liquids The galvanized-steel grid cages of the totes reflect the art deco architecture of City Hall and the plastic insert lsquobottlesrsquo diffuse light beautifully
14
BEING RESOURCEFUL
Through a little creative re-working different types of IBC totes became planters signage foundations and lighted towers Where creating a foundation suitable to support shade sails in very windy conditions would have been cost-prohibitive the totes provided opportunity to build a bespoke structure The 33-tote structure included an interactive lighting experience created by New American Public Art called ldquoBlue Hourrdquo The artists modified the totes with LED lighting and motion sensors
THE COMPONENTS OF THE EXPERIMENT
15
Triggered by people moving through the park the color change is reminiscent of the light the hour after sunset and the glow from a hearth It reminds visitors of the warmth that can be felt by being in the presence of others and feeling the glow of sharing in community
A KIT OF PARTS
Above from left to right and top to bottom IBC Tote from Camden (refurbished) $160 Patio Glider Set $1050 Patio Umbrella (with 70 lb steel base) $200 Plastic Adirondack Chair $15 Iconic Metal Folding Chair $75 Resin Side Chair $80 36rdquo Table $225 Unfinished Picnic Table $95 Locking Mailbox for Feedback Postcards $40
As a testing ground for ideas the pop-up needed to explore and push some boundaries The ephemeral nature of temporary improvements allowed for unconventional materials such as using IBC totes as building blocks for structures lighting and planters Furnishings were selected to provide variety and maximize seating type options This made it possible to observe what kinds of seating park users preferred
The team scoured local stores for furnishings and used several well-known online discount retailers to find items with the right look at the right price point With the exception of the Fermob folding bistro chair (which is widely used in public spaces internationally) many of the main park elements came from alternative sources some of which worked better than others
The durable orange chairs and gray cafe tables that were used in The Grove came from BizChaircom and they performed very well The popular blue Adirondacks were by far the best value and were bought directly from Adams Manufacturing The patio gliders came from theSimpleStorescom and had to be returned more than once because they arrived damaged Hayneedlecom was the easiest supplier to work with as the website provides special services for business accounts The residential umbrellas proved to not be durable enough for the windy site In future pop-ups commercial-grade umbrellas would be a worth-while investment We found that 70 lb steel umbrella bases were sufficient for the 8rsquo umbrellas
18
TEMPORARY GREENING
Planters provided the pop-up with color and movement The plants were installed at the end of the New Jersey growing season so the designers choose a variety of species that look just as good in the fall and winter as they do in the spring Perennials (flowering plants that will come back again in the spring) along with trees and shrubs lent the space additional structure and interest A handful of annuals added pops of seasonal color
Top Left The Weeping Willow Trees and Crape Myrtle Trees planted in The Grove both have nice fall color and decorative bark for winter interest Below Perennials like Cone Flower and Little Bunny Grass were interspersed between dwarf willows and evergreen shrubs
BUILDING BLOCKS
IBC totes from two Camden recycling businesses were delivered to a warehouse about two blocks away from Roosevelt Plaza Park where they were staged and modified prior to installation Artists installed lights motion sensors wiring and timers in 25 of the totes for the art piece ldquoBlue Hourrdquo To make planters out of 14 of the totes the plastic insert ldquobottlesrdquo were cut with a circular saw
To install the totes Camden Special Services District ambassadors moved the totes to the park using a truck with a lift-gate and a hand-operated pallet jack An all-metal ldquosardine-canrdquo style tote at the base of each tote tower was filled with sand to create a solid foundation for the structure Using a fork-lift the totes were stacked on top of one another then each stack was placed onto the metal foundation tote The towers were then leveled with shims of painted pressure-treated lumber The towers were fastened together with 8 chain-link fence clamps per level Using ladders Department of Public Works employees set up the electrical wiring between towers and fastened the shade sails to the structure
20
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
When options for planters and sheltering for the piano were found to be unavailable within budget the team commissioned some clever custom-built elements that were made from basic lumber and common corrugated metal sheeting An aluminum-core sign with an outdoor brochure box and wall-mounted mailbox was mounted to a tote in the center of the park This simple set-up was found to be an effective tool for collecting feedback in the park
21
22
POP OF COLOR
Site furniture provided the opportunity to bring color into the park The bright hues helped to give each space an identity and certainly contributed to a positive and optimistic image for the pop-up While speaking at the press conference for the pop-up opening Camden Mayor Dana L Redd noted that now the park ldquopops with colorrdquo
23
ELECTRIFY THE NIGHT
At night when the park is still the totes structure glows a cool blue but when people move through the space their motion activates the lighting causing the lights to warm into a soft orange tone
study findings
ITERATIVE PLACEMAKING
Roosevelt Plaza Park was unique in that its simple inexpensive amenities test-drove public space improvements to see what did and didnrsquot work before implementing either another round of pop-up interventions or more substantial capital improvements This strategy referred to as ldquoiterative placemakingrdquo has the benefit of producing a public space that is bold innovative and responds directly to the user as the ephemeral nature of the improvements takes the risk out of traditional capital-intensive park projects
To analyze the use of Roosevelt Plaza Park and to inform recommendations for future interventions the team of Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnership Group Melvin Design and Sikora Wells Appel devised a unique methodology that used both qualitative and quantitative data to analyze the site The initial methodology was inspired by noted urbanist and public space researcher William Whytersquos seminal ldquoThe Social Life of Small Urban Spacesrdquo relying primarily on time-lapse photography and observations to analyze the site from above and at a distance Yet after the pop-up interventions were constructed the team realized that the initial methodology treated the park more like a petri dish than a public space This conclusion led to the refinement of the methodology to ensure not just the quantitative but the qualitative human story of the park was captured
STUDY METHODOLOGY
in 5 months the team collected
500+hours of timelapse
footage
124visitor surveys amp
feedback postcards submitted
121mapping surveys
completed
3818park users and
activities mapped
26
Data collection methoDology
For the teamrsquos analysis of Roosevelt Plaza Park the team recognized that the study had to tell a story through both quantitative data and qualitative observations and user feedback To accomplish this a multi-pronged strategy was devised that used several different tools to analyze the site
time-lapse photography
The initial methodology relied primarily on time-lapse photography to capture user movement activities and interactions in the space The team quickly found that William Whytersquos primary disclaimer of this technique that recording the film is easy and that evaluation is the hard part was as true using modern equipment in the 21st century as it was for Whyte in the 1970rsquos However while there were limitations to what could be observed using time-lapse photography it was a valuable tool for seeing that which is invisible to the human eye in real-time The ability to capture imagery of the entire site all-at-once and play back video of park users at hyper-speed allowed the team to observe patterns of movement usage throughout the day and patterns influenced by environmental conditions that would have otherwise been invisible And while the time-lapse photography was limited when mounted from a site-wide vantage point in the windows of City Hall our team recorded additional video with cameras mounted directly in the park in order to make more direct activity-focused area-specific observations Throughout this process both the Mayorrsquos Office and the Camden County Administration Offices were incredibly generous with their window-space by allowing the team to mount our cameras from their offices
To watch timelapse footage visit httptinyurlcomRPPtimelapse
27
Mapping Surveys
Roosevelt Plaza Park is cleaned and maintained by the Camden Special Services District (CSSD) who staffed the pop-up with an employee throughout the week with more limited hours on weekends Time-lapse photography is limited in its ability to see the close-up and personal and so the design team met with CSSD staff to get their help in filling out on-the-ground mapping surveys of user activity at the park While the survey was limited by the hours during the day that CSSD staff worked the CSSD did an exceptional job of capturing data that recorded the type of user location and what they were doing at the park This data was coded in digital maps produced by the design team that allowed for the exploration of a number of different variables and conditions observed in more than 50 mapping surveys
Visitor Surveys
In addition to the mapping surveys CSSD staff also helped to complete visitor surveys that recorded additional information about users that would have not been obtained through observation Initially the survey was only provided through an online survey platform but the team realized that an online survey was not the right platform for effectively reaching the constituency that uses the park Revising the strategy a paper copy of the survey was produced that CSSD staff helped distribute to more than 50 park visitors
28
Feedback Postcards
One of the most successful tools for obtaining user feedback was the custom feedback postcard tool developed by the design team Mounted on a central planted tote within the park this tool consisted of four simple elements a set of colorful pop-up park postcards with two questions on the back pens a mailbox and explanatory signage The postcard sought to find out what people liked most about the pop-up interventions and what they would like to see in the future The team received more than 70 postcards and with several more hopefully taken as souvenirs by park users - a covert way for the design team to spread the word about the park
29
PUBLIC CHALKBOARDSTo collect feedback on park usersrsquo hopes and dreams for the space two community chalkboards were installed at the pop-up The first was mounted to the back of the piano and the second chalkboard was installed in front of the park and served as a place for people to contribute their drawings hopes and names to the space
30
POP-UP STORIESPerhaps the most powerful qualitative feedback the design team collected was through a series of testimonial interviews conducted with park users which the design team turned into mini-documentaries dubbed ldquoPop-Up Storiesrdquo Speaking one-on-one with park users the design team was inspired to record and create mini-documentaries detailing the stories of several different park users This work most accurately captured the human impact of Roosevelt Plaza Park which the team found to be extremely powerful given the many decades of decline and disinvestment experienced by the City of Camden and its residents
31
the tote veranda the grove
the lawn
picnic tables
32
The park interventions while interrelated created a variety of different spaces in order to test user preferences and patterns at the pop-up What follows is a discussion and analysis of the teamrsquos observations of each of the ldquooutdoor roomsrdquo
THE GROVEPerhaps the most defined of the lsquooutdoor roomsrsquo the Grove was bordered by custom-design corrugated planter boxes the outdoor piano and sprinkled with IBC tote planters Our mapping survey showed that this area was a popular draw for a lunch-time crowd and the wider tables were successful in accommodating and encouraging groups of up to four people per table with visitors spending anywhere between 10-45 minutes on average at a table
A review of timelapse photography mounted on a nearby IBC Tote reveals some of the rhythms of the Grove Groups of people congregate at all times of the day but itrsquos shortly after noon when this area is at its peak and when lunch-time crowds fill nearly all the available tables with takeout food purchased from local restaurants Also notable is the diversity of this group consisting of professionals students and everyday residents
INTERVENTION AREAS
picnic tables
33
THE PIANOOne of the most loved features of the Grove was undoubtedly the outdoor piano which immediately attracted pianists dancers and conversation from the moment it was installed The addition of the piano was inspired jointly by the rich musical history of the City and the diverse population that occupied the park and its surroundings We thought ndash ldquowhat interactive design element could transcend social class race even languagerdquo The answer we came up with was to do something with music We hoped that the addition of an outdoor piano would encourage the diverse group of park users (eg the homeless clinic patients students professionals judges etc) to stop play a tune and interact In this sense the piano was a major success
Consider one mid-September afternoon at the piano Over the course of these four hours on a sunny September day we observed two primary pianists one a clinic patient and one a local minister who played for extended periods of 1-2 hours Both talented musicians their playing attracted over 20 other individuals which included a mix of professionals people eating lunch local residents other clinic patients and several other curious pianists to the site The most common sight to see were groups of 2-4 individuals spontaneously interacting with each other and the pianist A resident remarked to us that the piano allowed people of any stripe to step outside of their normal element and to be looked at not by how they dressed or talked but by what they could do and what they were capable of
34
ldquoEste parque me trae alegriacutea y amor hellip para mostrarle a estas personas aquiacute que estaacuten con cosas difiacutecilesmdashcomo las drogas Para mi con mi instrumento un piano les ensentildeoacute amorhellip Yo veo como ellos buscan el amor y el apoyo de otras personas El privilegio para mi vida es llenar con voces muacutesica la ciudad de aquiacute Camden helliprdquo- Junior Osvaldo Cruz
english translationldquoThis park brings me joy and love to show these people here who are going through difficult things-like drugs For me with my instrument the piano I can show them love I see how they seek love and support from others My lifersquos privilege is to fill this city Camden with music and voices ldquo
If viewing on a PDF click here to hear a sample of the outdoor piano being played
Junior Osvaldo Cruz brought music and joy to the pop-up park no matter the season
35
4276221
THE LAWNWhile not a lsquodesignedrsquo space our analysis found that the lawn is an area with potential for future interventions with a very light touch At 75000 square feet most of which is well-maintained largely unobstructed lawn Roosevelt Plaza Park is one of the largest usable green spaces in the City and arguably its most accessible sitting at the nexus of several commercial corridors transit lines and easily accessed on foot or by bicycle
Our team observed that the pop-up helped spur unplanned organic use of the lawn spaces which had not been occurring prior to the interventions Basking in the sun on an Adirondack chair a game of Frisbee outdoor Tai Chi and a gentleman called ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo who regularly showed up teach children and spread the joy of flying kites were some of the most notable people and activities that took advantage of the lawnrsquos uniquely wide open spaces and expansive views of City Hall
Though the design focused on the north west portion of the lawn by defining that space with the pop-up elements observation showed that the open lawn spaces south of the Tote Veranda was popular for active uses such as kite-flying and Frisbee The small strip of lawn defined by trees at the north east was the most popular area for lounging on the lawn
ldquoKites is what really brings me here because this brings families together - children to the old they all fly they all have fun This builds your self-esteem because when you flying it you feel so good about your accomplishments this is something yoursquore doing A kid two years old was just flying a kite Donrsquot say you canrsquot do it you can do anything you put your mind tordquo- Kevin the Kiteman
36
To watch Kevin the Kitemanrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPkevin
ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo shows a group of Camden youth how to fly a kite
37
THE PICNIC TABLESThe Picnic Tables were popular for sitting chatting and for having a meal at lunchtime Set up as a communal table along Market Street the location was intended to engage passersby and customers of the restaurants along Market Street In designing this space we wanted to test the viability of outdoor dining along this burgeoning restaurant corridor The consistent use of the tables proved this amenity is in-demand among daily park users While the picnic tables did provide a comfortable place to sit and while people did eat meals there the space could have been enhanced through the principle of triangulation further detailed later in this report As an arrangement of elements this space was not multi-dimensional in nature and could be enlivened in future iterations through the addition of other complementary elements (a food vendor for example) to create a better sense of place Intensive improvements here will interface with an existing demand making investment at the Market Street edge of the park a high-impact improvement
38
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
PIANO HOUSE
PLANTER GROVE
QUAD LAWN
PICNIC DINING
TOTES VERANDA
PATIO GLIDER lsquoVERANDArsquo
ADIRONDACK LAWN SEATING
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
TO CAMDEN CITY HALL
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING
INFO TOTE
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS
CUSTOM PLANTERS
TOTE PLANTERS
INTERACTIVE GATEWAY
INTERACTIVE LIGHT TOWERS
SHADE STRUCTURE
PICNIC TABLES WITH UMBRELLAS
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS40 FEET20100 5 N
P L A Z A P A R KROOSEVELT
DESIGN CONCEPT
The goal of the pop-up park was to create a lively unique and varied design to engage users in experimental improvements Chosen elements aimed to aid in the exploration of what might support and drive the Camden community to embrace the park
The design included amenities that were missing in the nearby public space a shade structure umbrellas trees and flowers a variety of comfortable seating tables and places to sit down and eat Interactive lighting movable furniture a feedback box with feedback postcards informational signage and a free-expression chalkboard were employed in the design to involve users in the experiment
An eye-catching central shade structure (the Totes Veranda) high design standard and bright modern color palette helped to define the pop-up image and attract people into the space To be successful the pop-up needed to feel inviting and distinguished
THE RIGHT FEEL
In the design phase mood boards helped identify the desired atmosphere of the pop-up optimistic urban sophisticated and approachable
RPP
13
Vintage postcards showing a shining Camden downtown provided inspiration for the pop-up
Motion sensors activate colored lights in an
early prototype of the interaction for ldquoBlue
Hourrdquo by New American Public Art
CAMDEN INSPIRATION
To achieve a design that spoke to present day Camden residents the design team searched for local inspiration The pop-up is aesthetically influenced by the wide array of buildings downtown many excellent examples of the architectural styles of the 19th and early 20th centuries and by the diverse downtown community of businesses residents and institutional uses In our approach we emulated the romantic optimism of the original New Deal-era park that once existed on the site And we were impressed to discover that industry is still alive and well in Camden which drove the team to explore locally sourced materials
The team visited several recycling businesses in Camden exploring what items might be creatively re-purposed from their intended uses and what might even be recovered from the waste-stream Several types of containers are collected cleaned processed refurbished recycled into component materials and resold nation-wide from these Camden businesses
For the purposes of the pop-up park the design team gravitated towards IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) totes which are roughly 4rsquo cubes that are used to transport liquids The galvanized-steel grid cages of the totes reflect the art deco architecture of City Hall and the plastic insert lsquobottlesrsquo diffuse light beautifully
14
BEING RESOURCEFUL
Through a little creative re-working different types of IBC totes became planters signage foundations and lighted towers Where creating a foundation suitable to support shade sails in very windy conditions would have been cost-prohibitive the totes provided opportunity to build a bespoke structure The 33-tote structure included an interactive lighting experience created by New American Public Art called ldquoBlue Hourrdquo The artists modified the totes with LED lighting and motion sensors
THE COMPONENTS OF THE EXPERIMENT
15
Triggered by people moving through the park the color change is reminiscent of the light the hour after sunset and the glow from a hearth It reminds visitors of the warmth that can be felt by being in the presence of others and feeling the glow of sharing in community
A KIT OF PARTS
Above from left to right and top to bottom IBC Tote from Camden (refurbished) $160 Patio Glider Set $1050 Patio Umbrella (with 70 lb steel base) $200 Plastic Adirondack Chair $15 Iconic Metal Folding Chair $75 Resin Side Chair $80 36rdquo Table $225 Unfinished Picnic Table $95 Locking Mailbox for Feedback Postcards $40
As a testing ground for ideas the pop-up needed to explore and push some boundaries The ephemeral nature of temporary improvements allowed for unconventional materials such as using IBC totes as building blocks for structures lighting and planters Furnishings were selected to provide variety and maximize seating type options This made it possible to observe what kinds of seating park users preferred
The team scoured local stores for furnishings and used several well-known online discount retailers to find items with the right look at the right price point With the exception of the Fermob folding bistro chair (which is widely used in public spaces internationally) many of the main park elements came from alternative sources some of which worked better than others
The durable orange chairs and gray cafe tables that were used in The Grove came from BizChaircom and they performed very well The popular blue Adirondacks were by far the best value and were bought directly from Adams Manufacturing The patio gliders came from theSimpleStorescom and had to be returned more than once because they arrived damaged Hayneedlecom was the easiest supplier to work with as the website provides special services for business accounts The residential umbrellas proved to not be durable enough for the windy site In future pop-ups commercial-grade umbrellas would be a worth-while investment We found that 70 lb steel umbrella bases were sufficient for the 8rsquo umbrellas
18
TEMPORARY GREENING
Planters provided the pop-up with color and movement The plants were installed at the end of the New Jersey growing season so the designers choose a variety of species that look just as good in the fall and winter as they do in the spring Perennials (flowering plants that will come back again in the spring) along with trees and shrubs lent the space additional structure and interest A handful of annuals added pops of seasonal color
Top Left The Weeping Willow Trees and Crape Myrtle Trees planted in The Grove both have nice fall color and decorative bark for winter interest Below Perennials like Cone Flower and Little Bunny Grass were interspersed between dwarf willows and evergreen shrubs
BUILDING BLOCKS
IBC totes from two Camden recycling businesses were delivered to a warehouse about two blocks away from Roosevelt Plaza Park where they were staged and modified prior to installation Artists installed lights motion sensors wiring and timers in 25 of the totes for the art piece ldquoBlue Hourrdquo To make planters out of 14 of the totes the plastic insert ldquobottlesrdquo were cut with a circular saw
To install the totes Camden Special Services District ambassadors moved the totes to the park using a truck with a lift-gate and a hand-operated pallet jack An all-metal ldquosardine-canrdquo style tote at the base of each tote tower was filled with sand to create a solid foundation for the structure Using a fork-lift the totes were stacked on top of one another then each stack was placed onto the metal foundation tote The towers were then leveled with shims of painted pressure-treated lumber The towers were fastened together with 8 chain-link fence clamps per level Using ladders Department of Public Works employees set up the electrical wiring between towers and fastened the shade sails to the structure
20
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
When options for planters and sheltering for the piano were found to be unavailable within budget the team commissioned some clever custom-built elements that were made from basic lumber and common corrugated metal sheeting An aluminum-core sign with an outdoor brochure box and wall-mounted mailbox was mounted to a tote in the center of the park This simple set-up was found to be an effective tool for collecting feedback in the park
21
22
POP OF COLOR
Site furniture provided the opportunity to bring color into the park The bright hues helped to give each space an identity and certainly contributed to a positive and optimistic image for the pop-up While speaking at the press conference for the pop-up opening Camden Mayor Dana L Redd noted that now the park ldquopops with colorrdquo
23
ELECTRIFY THE NIGHT
At night when the park is still the totes structure glows a cool blue but when people move through the space their motion activates the lighting causing the lights to warm into a soft orange tone
study findings
ITERATIVE PLACEMAKING
Roosevelt Plaza Park was unique in that its simple inexpensive amenities test-drove public space improvements to see what did and didnrsquot work before implementing either another round of pop-up interventions or more substantial capital improvements This strategy referred to as ldquoiterative placemakingrdquo has the benefit of producing a public space that is bold innovative and responds directly to the user as the ephemeral nature of the improvements takes the risk out of traditional capital-intensive park projects
To analyze the use of Roosevelt Plaza Park and to inform recommendations for future interventions the team of Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnership Group Melvin Design and Sikora Wells Appel devised a unique methodology that used both qualitative and quantitative data to analyze the site The initial methodology was inspired by noted urbanist and public space researcher William Whytersquos seminal ldquoThe Social Life of Small Urban Spacesrdquo relying primarily on time-lapse photography and observations to analyze the site from above and at a distance Yet after the pop-up interventions were constructed the team realized that the initial methodology treated the park more like a petri dish than a public space This conclusion led to the refinement of the methodology to ensure not just the quantitative but the qualitative human story of the park was captured
STUDY METHODOLOGY
in 5 months the team collected
500+hours of timelapse
footage
124visitor surveys amp
feedback postcards submitted
121mapping surveys
completed
3818park users and
activities mapped
26
Data collection methoDology
For the teamrsquos analysis of Roosevelt Plaza Park the team recognized that the study had to tell a story through both quantitative data and qualitative observations and user feedback To accomplish this a multi-pronged strategy was devised that used several different tools to analyze the site
time-lapse photography
The initial methodology relied primarily on time-lapse photography to capture user movement activities and interactions in the space The team quickly found that William Whytersquos primary disclaimer of this technique that recording the film is easy and that evaluation is the hard part was as true using modern equipment in the 21st century as it was for Whyte in the 1970rsquos However while there were limitations to what could be observed using time-lapse photography it was a valuable tool for seeing that which is invisible to the human eye in real-time The ability to capture imagery of the entire site all-at-once and play back video of park users at hyper-speed allowed the team to observe patterns of movement usage throughout the day and patterns influenced by environmental conditions that would have otherwise been invisible And while the time-lapse photography was limited when mounted from a site-wide vantage point in the windows of City Hall our team recorded additional video with cameras mounted directly in the park in order to make more direct activity-focused area-specific observations Throughout this process both the Mayorrsquos Office and the Camden County Administration Offices were incredibly generous with their window-space by allowing the team to mount our cameras from their offices
To watch timelapse footage visit httptinyurlcomRPPtimelapse
27
Mapping Surveys
Roosevelt Plaza Park is cleaned and maintained by the Camden Special Services District (CSSD) who staffed the pop-up with an employee throughout the week with more limited hours on weekends Time-lapse photography is limited in its ability to see the close-up and personal and so the design team met with CSSD staff to get their help in filling out on-the-ground mapping surveys of user activity at the park While the survey was limited by the hours during the day that CSSD staff worked the CSSD did an exceptional job of capturing data that recorded the type of user location and what they were doing at the park This data was coded in digital maps produced by the design team that allowed for the exploration of a number of different variables and conditions observed in more than 50 mapping surveys
Visitor Surveys
In addition to the mapping surveys CSSD staff also helped to complete visitor surveys that recorded additional information about users that would have not been obtained through observation Initially the survey was only provided through an online survey platform but the team realized that an online survey was not the right platform for effectively reaching the constituency that uses the park Revising the strategy a paper copy of the survey was produced that CSSD staff helped distribute to more than 50 park visitors
28
Feedback Postcards
One of the most successful tools for obtaining user feedback was the custom feedback postcard tool developed by the design team Mounted on a central planted tote within the park this tool consisted of four simple elements a set of colorful pop-up park postcards with two questions on the back pens a mailbox and explanatory signage The postcard sought to find out what people liked most about the pop-up interventions and what they would like to see in the future The team received more than 70 postcards and with several more hopefully taken as souvenirs by park users - a covert way for the design team to spread the word about the park
29
PUBLIC CHALKBOARDSTo collect feedback on park usersrsquo hopes and dreams for the space two community chalkboards were installed at the pop-up The first was mounted to the back of the piano and the second chalkboard was installed in front of the park and served as a place for people to contribute their drawings hopes and names to the space
30
POP-UP STORIESPerhaps the most powerful qualitative feedback the design team collected was through a series of testimonial interviews conducted with park users which the design team turned into mini-documentaries dubbed ldquoPop-Up Storiesrdquo Speaking one-on-one with park users the design team was inspired to record and create mini-documentaries detailing the stories of several different park users This work most accurately captured the human impact of Roosevelt Plaza Park which the team found to be extremely powerful given the many decades of decline and disinvestment experienced by the City of Camden and its residents
31
the tote veranda the grove
the lawn
picnic tables
32
The park interventions while interrelated created a variety of different spaces in order to test user preferences and patterns at the pop-up What follows is a discussion and analysis of the teamrsquos observations of each of the ldquooutdoor roomsrdquo
THE GROVEPerhaps the most defined of the lsquooutdoor roomsrsquo the Grove was bordered by custom-design corrugated planter boxes the outdoor piano and sprinkled with IBC tote planters Our mapping survey showed that this area was a popular draw for a lunch-time crowd and the wider tables were successful in accommodating and encouraging groups of up to four people per table with visitors spending anywhere between 10-45 minutes on average at a table
A review of timelapse photography mounted on a nearby IBC Tote reveals some of the rhythms of the Grove Groups of people congregate at all times of the day but itrsquos shortly after noon when this area is at its peak and when lunch-time crowds fill nearly all the available tables with takeout food purchased from local restaurants Also notable is the diversity of this group consisting of professionals students and everyday residents
INTERVENTION AREAS
picnic tables
33
THE PIANOOne of the most loved features of the Grove was undoubtedly the outdoor piano which immediately attracted pianists dancers and conversation from the moment it was installed The addition of the piano was inspired jointly by the rich musical history of the City and the diverse population that occupied the park and its surroundings We thought ndash ldquowhat interactive design element could transcend social class race even languagerdquo The answer we came up with was to do something with music We hoped that the addition of an outdoor piano would encourage the diverse group of park users (eg the homeless clinic patients students professionals judges etc) to stop play a tune and interact In this sense the piano was a major success
Consider one mid-September afternoon at the piano Over the course of these four hours on a sunny September day we observed two primary pianists one a clinic patient and one a local minister who played for extended periods of 1-2 hours Both talented musicians their playing attracted over 20 other individuals which included a mix of professionals people eating lunch local residents other clinic patients and several other curious pianists to the site The most common sight to see were groups of 2-4 individuals spontaneously interacting with each other and the pianist A resident remarked to us that the piano allowed people of any stripe to step outside of their normal element and to be looked at not by how they dressed or talked but by what they could do and what they were capable of
34
ldquoEste parque me trae alegriacutea y amor hellip para mostrarle a estas personas aquiacute que estaacuten con cosas difiacutecilesmdashcomo las drogas Para mi con mi instrumento un piano les ensentildeoacute amorhellip Yo veo como ellos buscan el amor y el apoyo de otras personas El privilegio para mi vida es llenar con voces muacutesica la ciudad de aquiacute Camden helliprdquo- Junior Osvaldo Cruz
english translationldquoThis park brings me joy and love to show these people here who are going through difficult things-like drugs For me with my instrument the piano I can show them love I see how they seek love and support from others My lifersquos privilege is to fill this city Camden with music and voices ldquo
If viewing on a PDF click here to hear a sample of the outdoor piano being played
Junior Osvaldo Cruz brought music and joy to the pop-up park no matter the season
35
4276221
THE LAWNWhile not a lsquodesignedrsquo space our analysis found that the lawn is an area with potential for future interventions with a very light touch At 75000 square feet most of which is well-maintained largely unobstructed lawn Roosevelt Plaza Park is one of the largest usable green spaces in the City and arguably its most accessible sitting at the nexus of several commercial corridors transit lines and easily accessed on foot or by bicycle
Our team observed that the pop-up helped spur unplanned organic use of the lawn spaces which had not been occurring prior to the interventions Basking in the sun on an Adirondack chair a game of Frisbee outdoor Tai Chi and a gentleman called ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo who regularly showed up teach children and spread the joy of flying kites were some of the most notable people and activities that took advantage of the lawnrsquos uniquely wide open spaces and expansive views of City Hall
Though the design focused on the north west portion of the lawn by defining that space with the pop-up elements observation showed that the open lawn spaces south of the Tote Veranda was popular for active uses such as kite-flying and Frisbee The small strip of lawn defined by trees at the north east was the most popular area for lounging on the lawn
ldquoKites is what really brings me here because this brings families together - children to the old they all fly they all have fun This builds your self-esteem because when you flying it you feel so good about your accomplishments this is something yoursquore doing A kid two years old was just flying a kite Donrsquot say you canrsquot do it you can do anything you put your mind tordquo- Kevin the Kiteman
36
To watch Kevin the Kitemanrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPkevin
ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo shows a group of Camden youth how to fly a kite
37
THE PICNIC TABLESThe Picnic Tables were popular for sitting chatting and for having a meal at lunchtime Set up as a communal table along Market Street the location was intended to engage passersby and customers of the restaurants along Market Street In designing this space we wanted to test the viability of outdoor dining along this burgeoning restaurant corridor The consistent use of the tables proved this amenity is in-demand among daily park users While the picnic tables did provide a comfortable place to sit and while people did eat meals there the space could have been enhanced through the principle of triangulation further detailed later in this report As an arrangement of elements this space was not multi-dimensional in nature and could be enlivened in future iterations through the addition of other complementary elements (a food vendor for example) to create a better sense of place Intensive improvements here will interface with an existing demand making investment at the Market Street edge of the park a high-impact improvement
38
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
Vintage postcards showing a shining Camden downtown provided inspiration for the pop-up
Motion sensors activate colored lights in an
early prototype of the interaction for ldquoBlue
Hourrdquo by New American Public Art
CAMDEN INSPIRATION
To achieve a design that spoke to present day Camden residents the design team searched for local inspiration The pop-up is aesthetically influenced by the wide array of buildings downtown many excellent examples of the architectural styles of the 19th and early 20th centuries and by the diverse downtown community of businesses residents and institutional uses In our approach we emulated the romantic optimism of the original New Deal-era park that once existed on the site And we were impressed to discover that industry is still alive and well in Camden which drove the team to explore locally sourced materials
The team visited several recycling businesses in Camden exploring what items might be creatively re-purposed from their intended uses and what might even be recovered from the waste-stream Several types of containers are collected cleaned processed refurbished recycled into component materials and resold nation-wide from these Camden businesses
For the purposes of the pop-up park the design team gravitated towards IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) totes which are roughly 4rsquo cubes that are used to transport liquids The galvanized-steel grid cages of the totes reflect the art deco architecture of City Hall and the plastic insert lsquobottlesrsquo diffuse light beautifully
14
BEING RESOURCEFUL
Through a little creative re-working different types of IBC totes became planters signage foundations and lighted towers Where creating a foundation suitable to support shade sails in very windy conditions would have been cost-prohibitive the totes provided opportunity to build a bespoke structure The 33-tote structure included an interactive lighting experience created by New American Public Art called ldquoBlue Hourrdquo The artists modified the totes with LED lighting and motion sensors
THE COMPONENTS OF THE EXPERIMENT
15
Triggered by people moving through the park the color change is reminiscent of the light the hour after sunset and the glow from a hearth It reminds visitors of the warmth that can be felt by being in the presence of others and feeling the glow of sharing in community
A KIT OF PARTS
Above from left to right and top to bottom IBC Tote from Camden (refurbished) $160 Patio Glider Set $1050 Patio Umbrella (with 70 lb steel base) $200 Plastic Adirondack Chair $15 Iconic Metal Folding Chair $75 Resin Side Chair $80 36rdquo Table $225 Unfinished Picnic Table $95 Locking Mailbox for Feedback Postcards $40
As a testing ground for ideas the pop-up needed to explore and push some boundaries The ephemeral nature of temporary improvements allowed for unconventional materials such as using IBC totes as building blocks for structures lighting and planters Furnishings were selected to provide variety and maximize seating type options This made it possible to observe what kinds of seating park users preferred
The team scoured local stores for furnishings and used several well-known online discount retailers to find items with the right look at the right price point With the exception of the Fermob folding bistro chair (which is widely used in public spaces internationally) many of the main park elements came from alternative sources some of which worked better than others
The durable orange chairs and gray cafe tables that were used in The Grove came from BizChaircom and they performed very well The popular blue Adirondacks were by far the best value and were bought directly from Adams Manufacturing The patio gliders came from theSimpleStorescom and had to be returned more than once because they arrived damaged Hayneedlecom was the easiest supplier to work with as the website provides special services for business accounts The residential umbrellas proved to not be durable enough for the windy site In future pop-ups commercial-grade umbrellas would be a worth-while investment We found that 70 lb steel umbrella bases were sufficient for the 8rsquo umbrellas
18
TEMPORARY GREENING
Planters provided the pop-up with color and movement The plants were installed at the end of the New Jersey growing season so the designers choose a variety of species that look just as good in the fall and winter as they do in the spring Perennials (flowering plants that will come back again in the spring) along with trees and shrubs lent the space additional structure and interest A handful of annuals added pops of seasonal color
Top Left The Weeping Willow Trees and Crape Myrtle Trees planted in The Grove both have nice fall color and decorative bark for winter interest Below Perennials like Cone Flower and Little Bunny Grass were interspersed between dwarf willows and evergreen shrubs
BUILDING BLOCKS
IBC totes from two Camden recycling businesses were delivered to a warehouse about two blocks away from Roosevelt Plaza Park where they were staged and modified prior to installation Artists installed lights motion sensors wiring and timers in 25 of the totes for the art piece ldquoBlue Hourrdquo To make planters out of 14 of the totes the plastic insert ldquobottlesrdquo were cut with a circular saw
To install the totes Camden Special Services District ambassadors moved the totes to the park using a truck with a lift-gate and a hand-operated pallet jack An all-metal ldquosardine-canrdquo style tote at the base of each tote tower was filled with sand to create a solid foundation for the structure Using a fork-lift the totes were stacked on top of one another then each stack was placed onto the metal foundation tote The towers were then leveled with shims of painted pressure-treated lumber The towers were fastened together with 8 chain-link fence clamps per level Using ladders Department of Public Works employees set up the electrical wiring between towers and fastened the shade sails to the structure
20
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
When options for planters and sheltering for the piano were found to be unavailable within budget the team commissioned some clever custom-built elements that were made from basic lumber and common corrugated metal sheeting An aluminum-core sign with an outdoor brochure box and wall-mounted mailbox was mounted to a tote in the center of the park This simple set-up was found to be an effective tool for collecting feedback in the park
21
22
POP OF COLOR
Site furniture provided the opportunity to bring color into the park The bright hues helped to give each space an identity and certainly contributed to a positive and optimistic image for the pop-up While speaking at the press conference for the pop-up opening Camden Mayor Dana L Redd noted that now the park ldquopops with colorrdquo
23
ELECTRIFY THE NIGHT
At night when the park is still the totes structure glows a cool blue but when people move through the space their motion activates the lighting causing the lights to warm into a soft orange tone
study findings
ITERATIVE PLACEMAKING
Roosevelt Plaza Park was unique in that its simple inexpensive amenities test-drove public space improvements to see what did and didnrsquot work before implementing either another round of pop-up interventions or more substantial capital improvements This strategy referred to as ldquoiterative placemakingrdquo has the benefit of producing a public space that is bold innovative and responds directly to the user as the ephemeral nature of the improvements takes the risk out of traditional capital-intensive park projects
To analyze the use of Roosevelt Plaza Park and to inform recommendations for future interventions the team of Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnership Group Melvin Design and Sikora Wells Appel devised a unique methodology that used both qualitative and quantitative data to analyze the site The initial methodology was inspired by noted urbanist and public space researcher William Whytersquos seminal ldquoThe Social Life of Small Urban Spacesrdquo relying primarily on time-lapse photography and observations to analyze the site from above and at a distance Yet after the pop-up interventions were constructed the team realized that the initial methodology treated the park more like a petri dish than a public space This conclusion led to the refinement of the methodology to ensure not just the quantitative but the qualitative human story of the park was captured
STUDY METHODOLOGY
in 5 months the team collected
500+hours of timelapse
footage
124visitor surveys amp
feedback postcards submitted
121mapping surveys
completed
3818park users and
activities mapped
26
Data collection methoDology
For the teamrsquos analysis of Roosevelt Plaza Park the team recognized that the study had to tell a story through both quantitative data and qualitative observations and user feedback To accomplish this a multi-pronged strategy was devised that used several different tools to analyze the site
time-lapse photography
The initial methodology relied primarily on time-lapse photography to capture user movement activities and interactions in the space The team quickly found that William Whytersquos primary disclaimer of this technique that recording the film is easy and that evaluation is the hard part was as true using modern equipment in the 21st century as it was for Whyte in the 1970rsquos However while there were limitations to what could be observed using time-lapse photography it was a valuable tool for seeing that which is invisible to the human eye in real-time The ability to capture imagery of the entire site all-at-once and play back video of park users at hyper-speed allowed the team to observe patterns of movement usage throughout the day and patterns influenced by environmental conditions that would have otherwise been invisible And while the time-lapse photography was limited when mounted from a site-wide vantage point in the windows of City Hall our team recorded additional video with cameras mounted directly in the park in order to make more direct activity-focused area-specific observations Throughout this process both the Mayorrsquos Office and the Camden County Administration Offices were incredibly generous with their window-space by allowing the team to mount our cameras from their offices
To watch timelapse footage visit httptinyurlcomRPPtimelapse
27
Mapping Surveys
Roosevelt Plaza Park is cleaned and maintained by the Camden Special Services District (CSSD) who staffed the pop-up with an employee throughout the week with more limited hours on weekends Time-lapse photography is limited in its ability to see the close-up and personal and so the design team met with CSSD staff to get their help in filling out on-the-ground mapping surveys of user activity at the park While the survey was limited by the hours during the day that CSSD staff worked the CSSD did an exceptional job of capturing data that recorded the type of user location and what they were doing at the park This data was coded in digital maps produced by the design team that allowed for the exploration of a number of different variables and conditions observed in more than 50 mapping surveys
Visitor Surveys
In addition to the mapping surveys CSSD staff also helped to complete visitor surveys that recorded additional information about users that would have not been obtained through observation Initially the survey was only provided through an online survey platform but the team realized that an online survey was not the right platform for effectively reaching the constituency that uses the park Revising the strategy a paper copy of the survey was produced that CSSD staff helped distribute to more than 50 park visitors
28
Feedback Postcards
One of the most successful tools for obtaining user feedback was the custom feedback postcard tool developed by the design team Mounted on a central planted tote within the park this tool consisted of four simple elements a set of colorful pop-up park postcards with two questions on the back pens a mailbox and explanatory signage The postcard sought to find out what people liked most about the pop-up interventions and what they would like to see in the future The team received more than 70 postcards and with several more hopefully taken as souvenirs by park users - a covert way for the design team to spread the word about the park
29
PUBLIC CHALKBOARDSTo collect feedback on park usersrsquo hopes and dreams for the space two community chalkboards were installed at the pop-up The first was mounted to the back of the piano and the second chalkboard was installed in front of the park and served as a place for people to contribute their drawings hopes and names to the space
30
POP-UP STORIESPerhaps the most powerful qualitative feedback the design team collected was through a series of testimonial interviews conducted with park users which the design team turned into mini-documentaries dubbed ldquoPop-Up Storiesrdquo Speaking one-on-one with park users the design team was inspired to record and create mini-documentaries detailing the stories of several different park users This work most accurately captured the human impact of Roosevelt Plaza Park which the team found to be extremely powerful given the many decades of decline and disinvestment experienced by the City of Camden and its residents
31
the tote veranda the grove
the lawn
picnic tables
32
The park interventions while interrelated created a variety of different spaces in order to test user preferences and patterns at the pop-up What follows is a discussion and analysis of the teamrsquos observations of each of the ldquooutdoor roomsrdquo
THE GROVEPerhaps the most defined of the lsquooutdoor roomsrsquo the Grove was bordered by custom-design corrugated planter boxes the outdoor piano and sprinkled with IBC tote planters Our mapping survey showed that this area was a popular draw for a lunch-time crowd and the wider tables were successful in accommodating and encouraging groups of up to four people per table with visitors spending anywhere between 10-45 minutes on average at a table
A review of timelapse photography mounted on a nearby IBC Tote reveals some of the rhythms of the Grove Groups of people congregate at all times of the day but itrsquos shortly after noon when this area is at its peak and when lunch-time crowds fill nearly all the available tables with takeout food purchased from local restaurants Also notable is the diversity of this group consisting of professionals students and everyday residents
INTERVENTION AREAS
picnic tables
33
THE PIANOOne of the most loved features of the Grove was undoubtedly the outdoor piano which immediately attracted pianists dancers and conversation from the moment it was installed The addition of the piano was inspired jointly by the rich musical history of the City and the diverse population that occupied the park and its surroundings We thought ndash ldquowhat interactive design element could transcend social class race even languagerdquo The answer we came up with was to do something with music We hoped that the addition of an outdoor piano would encourage the diverse group of park users (eg the homeless clinic patients students professionals judges etc) to stop play a tune and interact In this sense the piano was a major success
Consider one mid-September afternoon at the piano Over the course of these four hours on a sunny September day we observed two primary pianists one a clinic patient and one a local minister who played for extended periods of 1-2 hours Both talented musicians their playing attracted over 20 other individuals which included a mix of professionals people eating lunch local residents other clinic patients and several other curious pianists to the site The most common sight to see were groups of 2-4 individuals spontaneously interacting with each other and the pianist A resident remarked to us that the piano allowed people of any stripe to step outside of their normal element and to be looked at not by how they dressed or talked but by what they could do and what they were capable of
34
ldquoEste parque me trae alegriacutea y amor hellip para mostrarle a estas personas aquiacute que estaacuten con cosas difiacutecilesmdashcomo las drogas Para mi con mi instrumento un piano les ensentildeoacute amorhellip Yo veo como ellos buscan el amor y el apoyo de otras personas El privilegio para mi vida es llenar con voces muacutesica la ciudad de aquiacute Camden helliprdquo- Junior Osvaldo Cruz
english translationldquoThis park brings me joy and love to show these people here who are going through difficult things-like drugs For me with my instrument the piano I can show them love I see how they seek love and support from others My lifersquos privilege is to fill this city Camden with music and voices ldquo
If viewing on a PDF click here to hear a sample of the outdoor piano being played
Junior Osvaldo Cruz brought music and joy to the pop-up park no matter the season
35
4276221
THE LAWNWhile not a lsquodesignedrsquo space our analysis found that the lawn is an area with potential for future interventions with a very light touch At 75000 square feet most of which is well-maintained largely unobstructed lawn Roosevelt Plaza Park is one of the largest usable green spaces in the City and arguably its most accessible sitting at the nexus of several commercial corridors transit lines and easily accessed on foot or by bicycle
Our team observed that the pop-up helped spur unplanned organic use of the lawn spaces which had not been occurring prior to the interventions Basking in the sun on an Adirondack chair a game of Frisbee outdoor Tai Chi and a gentleman called ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo who regularly showed up teach children and spread the joy of flying kites were some of the most notable people and activities that took advantage of the lawnrsquos uniquely wide open spaces and expansive views of City Hall
Though the design focused on the north west portion of the lawn by defining that space with the pop-up elements observation showed that the open lawn spaces south of the Tote Veranda was popular for active uses such as kite-flying and Frisbee The small strip of lawn defined by trees at the north east was the most popular area for lounging on the lawn
ldquoKites is what really brings me here because this brings families together - children to the old they all fly they all have fun This builds your self-esteem because when you flying it you feel so good about your accomplishments this is something yoursquore doing A kid two years old was just flying a kite Donrsquot say you canrsquot do it you can do anything you put your mind tordquo- Kevin the Kiteman
36
To watch Kevin the Kitemanrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPkevin
ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo shows a group of Camden youth how to fly a kite
37
THE PICNIC TABLESThe Picnic Tables were popular for sitting chatting and for having a meal at lunchtime Set up as a communal table along Market Street the location was intended to engage passersby and customers of the restaurants along Market Street In designing this space we wanted to test the viability of outdoor dining along this burgeoning restaurant corridor The consistent use of the tables proved this amenity is in-demand among daily park users While the picnic tables did provide a comfortable place to sit and while people did eat meals there the space could have been enhanced through the principle of triangulation further detailed later in this report As an arrangement of elements this space was not multi-dimensional in nature and could be enlivened in future iterations through the addition of other complementary elements (a food vendor for example) to create a better sense of place Intensive improvements here will interface with an existing demand making investment at the Market Street edge of the park a high-impact improvement
38
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
BEING RESOURCEFUL
Through a little creative re-working different types of IBC totes became planters signage foundations and lighted towers Where creating a foundation suitable to support shade sails in very windy conditions would have been cost-prohibitive the totes provided opportunity to build a bespoke structure The 33-tote structure included an interactive lighting experience created by New American Public Art called ldquoBlue Hourrdquo The artists modified the totes with LED lighting and motion sensors
THE COMPONENTS OF THE EXPERIMENT
15
Triggered by people moving through the park the color change is reminiscent of the light the hour after sunset and the glow from a hearth It reminds visitors of the warmth that can be felt by being in the presence of others and feeling the glow of sharing in community
A KIT OF PARTS
Above from left to right and top to bottom IBC Tote from Camden (refurbished) $160 Patio Glider Set $1050 Patio Umbrella (with 70 lb steel base) $200 Plastic Adirondack Chair $15 Iconic Metal Folding Chair $75 Resin Side Chair $80 36rdquo Table $225 Unfinished Picnic Table $95 Locking Mailbox for Feedback Postcards $40
As a testing ground for ideas the pop-up needed to explore and push some boundaries The ephemeral nature of temporary improvements allowed for unconventional materials such as using IBC totes as building blocks for structures lighting and planters Furnishings were selected to provide variety and maximize seating type options This made it possible to observe what kinds of seating park users preferred
The team scoured local stores for furnishings and used several well-known online discount retailers to find items with the right look at the right price point With the exception of the Fermob folding bistro chair (which is widely used in public spaces internationally) many of the main park elements came from alternative sources some of which worked better than others
The durable orange chairs and gray cafe tables that were used in The Grove came from BizChaircom and they performed very well The popular blue Adirondacks were by far the best value and were bought directly from Adams Manufacturing The patio gliders came from theSimpleStorescom and had to be returned more than once because they arrived damaged Hayneedlecom was the easiest supplier to work with as the website provides special services for business accounts The residential umbrellas proved to not be durable enough for the windy site In future pop-ups commercial-grade umbrellas would be a worth-while investment We found that 70 lb steel umbrella bases were sufficient for the 8rsquo umbrellas
18
TEMPORARY GREENING
Planters provided the pop-up with color and movement The plants were installed at the end of the New Jersey growing season so the designers choose a variety of species that look just as good in the fall and winter as they do in the spring Perennials (flowering plants that will come back again in the spring) along with trees and shrubs lent the space additional structure and interest A handful of annuals added pops of seasonal color
Top Left The Weeping Willow Trees and Crape Myrtle Trees planted in The Grove both have nice fall color and decorative bark for winter interest Below Perennials like Cone Flower and Little Bunny Grass were interspersed between dwarf willows and evergreen shrubs
BUILDING BLOCKS
IBC totes from two Camden recycling businesses were delivered to a warehouse about two blocks away from Roosevelt Plaza Park where they were staged and modified prior to installation Artists installed lights motion sensors wiring and timers in 25 of the totes for the art piece ldquoBlue Hourrdquo To make planters out of 14 of the totes the plastic insert ldquobottlesrdquo were cut with a circular saw
To install the totes Camden Special Services District ambassadors moved the totes to the park using a truck with a lift-gate and a hand-operated pallet jack An all-metal ldquosardine-canrdquo style tote at the base of each tote tower was filled with sand to create a solid foundation for the structure Using a fork-lift the totes were stacked on top of one another then each stack was placed onto the metal foundation tote The towers were then leveled with shims of painted pressure-treated lumber The towers were fastened together with 8 chain-link fence clamps per level Using ladders Department of Public Works employees set up the electrical wiring between towers and fastened the shade sails to the structure
20
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
When options for planters and sheltering for the piano were found to be unavailable within budget the team commissioned some clever custom-built elements that were made from basic lumber and common corrugated metal sheeting An aluminum-core sign with an outdoor brochure box and wall-mounted mailbox was mounted to a tote in the center of the park This simple set-up was found to be an effective tool for collecting feedback in the park
21
22
POP OF COLOR
Site furniture provided the opportunity to bring color into the park The bright hues helped to give each space an identity and certainly contributed to a positive and optimistic image for the pop-up While speaking at the press conference for the pop-up opening Camden Mayor Dana L Redd noted that now the park ldquopops with colorrdquo
23
ELECTRIFY THE NIGHT
At night when the park is still the totes structure glows a cool blue but when people move through the space their motion activates the lighting causing the lights to warm into a soft orange tone
study findings
ITERATIVE PLACEMAKING
Roosevelt Plaza Park was unique in that its simple inexpensive amenities test-drove public space improvements to see what did and didnrsquot work before implementing either another round of pop-up interventions or more substantial capital improvements This strategy referred to as ldquoiterative placemakingrdquo has the benefit of producing a public space that is bold innovative and responds directly to the user as the ephemeral nature of the improvements takes the risk out of traditional capital-intensive park projects
To analyze the use of Roosevelt Plaza Park and to inform recommendations for future interventions the team of Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnership Group Melvin Design and Sikora Wells Appel devised a unique methodology that used both qualitative and quantitative data to analyze the site The initial methodology was inspired by noted urbanist and public space researcher William Whytersquos seminal ldquoThe Social Life of Small Urban Spacesrdquo relying primarily on time-lapse photography and observations to analyze the site from above and at a distance Yet after the pop-up interventions were constructed the team realized that the initial methodology treated the park more like a petri dish than a public space This conclusion led to the refinement of the methodology to ensure not just the quantitative but the qualitative human story of the park was captured
STUDY METHODOLOGY
in 5 months the team collected
500+hours of timelapse
footage
124visitor surveys amp
feedback postcards submitted
121mapping surveys
completed
3818park users and
activities mapped
26
Data collection methoDology
For the teamrsquos analysis of Roosevelt Plaza Park the team recognized that the study had to tell a story through both quantitative data and qualitative observations and user feedback To accomplish this a multi-pronged strategy was devised that used several different tools to analyze the site
time-lapse photography
The initial methodology relied primarily on time-lapse photography to capture user movement activities and interactions in the space The team quickly found that William Whytersquos primary disclaimer of this technique that recording the film is easy and that evaluation is the hard part was as true using modern equipment in the 21st century as it was for Whyte in the 1970rsquos However while there were limitations to what could be observed using time-lapse photography it was a valuable tool for seeing that which is invisible to the human eye in real-time The ability to capture imagery of the entire site all-at-once and play back video of park users at hyper-speed allowed the team to observe patterns of movement usage throughout the day and patterns influenced by environmental conditions that would have otherwise been invisible And while the time-lapse photography was limited when mounted from a site-wide vantage point in the windows of City Hall our team recorded additional video with cameras mounted directly in the park in order to make more direct activity-focused area-specific observations Throughout this process both the Mayorrsquos Office and the Camden County Administration Offices were incredibly generous with their window-space by allowing the team to mount our cameras from their offices
To watch timelapse footage visit httptinyurlcomRPPtimelapse
27
Mapping Surveys
Roosevelt Plaza Park is cleaned and maintained by the Camden Special Services District (CSSD) who staffed the pop-up with an employee throughout the week with more limited hours on weekends Time-lapse photography is limited in its ability to see the close-up and personal and so the design team met with CSSD staff to get their help in filling out on-the-ground mapping surveys of user activity at the park While the survey was limited by the hours during the day that CSSD staff worked the CSSD did an exceptional job of capturing data that recorded the type of user location and what they were doing at the park This data was coded in digital maps produced by the design team that allowed for the exploration of a number of different variables and conditions observed in more than 50 mapping surveys
Visitor Surveys
In addition to the mapping surveys CSSD staff also helped to complete visitor surveys that recorded additional information about users that would have not been obtained through observation Initially the survey was only provided through an online survey platform but the team realized that an online survey was not the right platform for effectively reaching the constituency that uses the park Revising the strategy a paper copy of the survey was produced that CSSD staff helped distribute to more than 50 park visitors
28
Feedback Postcards
One of the most successful tools for obtaining user feedback was the custom feedback postcard tool developed by the design team Mounted on a central planted tote within the park this tool consisted of four simple elements a set of colorful pop-up park postcards with two questions on the back pens a mailbox and explanatory signage The postcard sought to find out what people liked most about the pop-up interventions and what they would like to see in the future The team received more than 70 postcards and with several more hopefully taken as souvenirs by park users - a covert way for the design team to spread the word about the park
29
PUBLIC CHALKBOARDSTo collect feedback on park usersrsquo hopes and dreams for the space two community chalkboards were installed at the pop-up The first was mounted to the back of the piano and the second chalkboard was installed in front of the park and served as a place for people to contribute their drawings hopes and names to the space
30
POP-UP STORIESPerhaps the most powerful qualitative feedback the design team collected was through a series of testimonial interviews conducted with park users which the design team turned into mini-documentaries dubbed ldquoPop-Up Storiesrdquo Speaking one-on-one with park users the design team was inspired to record and create mini-documentaries detailing the stories of several different park users This work most accurately captured the human impact of Roosevelt Plaza Park which the team found to be extremely powerful given the many decades of decline and disinvestment experienced by the City of Camden and its residents
31
the tote veranda the grove
the lawn
picnic tables
32
The park interventions while interrelated created a variety of different spaces in order to test user preferences and patterns at the pop-up What follows is a discussion and analysis of the teamrsquos observations of each of the ldquooutdoor roomsrdquo
THE GROVEPerhaps the most defined of the lsquooutdoor roomsrsquo the Grove was bordered by custom-design corrugated planter boxes the outdoor piano and sprinkled with IBC tote planters Our mapping survey showed that this area was a popular draw for a lunch-time crowd and the wider tables were successful in accommodating and encouraging groups of up to four people per table with visitors spending anywhere between 10-45 minutes on average at a table
A review of timelapse photography mounted on a nearby IBC Tote reveals some of the rhythms of the Grove Groups of people congregate at all times of the day but itrsquos shortly after noon when this area is at its peak and when lunch-time crowds fill nearly all the available tables with takeout food purchased from local restaurants Also notable is the diversity of this group consisting of professionals students and everyday residents
INTERVENTION AREAS
picnic tables
33
THE PIANOOne of the most loved features of the Grove was undoubtedly the outdoor piano which immediately attracted pianists dancers and conversation from the moment it was installed The addition of the piano was inspired jointly by the rich musical history of the City and the diverse population that occupied the park and its surroundings We thought ndash ldquowhat interactive design element could transcend social class race even languagerdquo The answer we came up with was to do something with music We hoped that the addition of an outdoor piano would encourage the diverse group of park users (eg the homeless clinic patients students professionals judges etc) to stop play a tune and interact In this sense the piano was a major success
Consider one mid-September afternoon at the piano Over the course of these four hours on a sunny September day we observed two primary pianists one a clinic patient and one a local minister who played for extended periods of 1-2 hours Both talented musicians their playing attracted over 20 other individuals which included a mix of professionals people eating lunch local residents other clinic patients and several other curious pianists to the site The most common sight to see were groups of 2-4 individuals spontaneously interacting with each other and the pianist A resident remarked to us that the piano allowed people of any stripe to step outside of their normal element and to be looked at not by how they dressed or talked but by what they could do and what they were capable of
34
ldquoEste parque me trae alegriacutea y amor hellip para mostrarle a estas personas aquiacute que estaacuten con cosas difiacutecilesmdashcomo las drogas Para mi con mi instrumento un piano les ensentildeoacute amorhellip Yo veo como ellos buscan el amor y el apoyo de otras personas El privilegio para mi vida es llenar con voces muacutesica la ciudad de aquiacute Camden helliprdquo- Junior Osvaldo Cruz
english translationldquoThis park brings me joy and love to show these people here who are going through difficult things-like drugs For me with my instrument the piano I can show them love I see how they seek love and support from others My lifersquos privilege is to fill this city Camden with music and voices ldquo
If viewing on a PDF click here to hear a sample of the outdoor piano being played
Junior Osvaldo Cruz brought music and joy to the pop-up park no matter the season
35
4276221
THE LAWNWhile not a lsquodesignedrsquo space our analysis found that the lawn is an area with potential for future interventions with a very light touch At 75000 square feet most of which is well-maintained largely unobstructed lawn Roosevelt Plaza Park is one of the largest usable green spaces in the City and arguably its most accessible sitting at the nexus of several commercial corridors transit lines and easily accessed on foot or by bicycle
Our team observed that the pop-up helped spur unplanned organic use of the lawn spaces which had not been occurring prior to the interventions Basking in the sun on an Adirondack chair a game of Frisbee outdoor Tai Chi and a gentleman called ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo who regularly showed up teach children and spread the joy of flying kites were some of the most notable people and activities that took advantage of the lawnrsquos uniquely wide open spaces and expansive views of City Hall
Though the design focused on the north west portion of the lawn by defining that space with the pop-up elements observation showed that the open lawn spaces south of the Tote Veranda was popular for active uses such as kite-flying and Frisbee The small strip of lawn defined by trees at the north east was the most popular area for lounging on the lawn
ldquoKites is what really brings me here because this brings families together - children to the old they all fly they all have fun This builds your self-esteem because when you flying it you feel so good about your accomplishments this is something yoursquore doing A kid two years old was just flying a kite Donrsquot say you canrsquot do it you can do anything you put your mind tordquo- Kevin the Kiteman
36
To watch Kevin the Kitemanrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPkevin
ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo shows a group of Camden youth how to fly a kite
37
THE PICNIC TABLESThe Picnic Tables were popular for sitting chatting and for having a meal at lunchtime Set up as a communal table along Market Street the location was intended to engage passersby and customers of the restaurants along Market Street In designing this space we wanted to test the viability of outdoor dining along this burgeoning restaurant corridor The consistent use of the tables proved this amenity is in-demand among daily park users While the picnic tables did provide a comfortable place to sit and while people did eat meals there the space could have been enhanced through the principle of triangulation further detailed later in this report As an arrangement of elements this space was not multi-dimensional in nature and could be enlivened in future iterations through the addition of other complementary elements (a food vendor for example) to create a better sense of place Intensive improvements here will interface with an existing demand making investment at the Market Street edge of the park a high-impact improvement
38
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
Triggered by people moving through the park the color change is reminiscent of the light the hour after sunset and the glow from a hearth It reminds visitors of the warmth that can be felt by being in the presence of others and feeling the glow of sharing in community
A KIT OF PARTS
Above from left to right and top to bottom IBC Tote from Camden (refurbished) $160 Patio Glider Set $1050 Patio Umbrella (with 70 lb steel base) $200 Plastic Adirondack Chair $15 Iconic Metal Folding Chair $75 Resin Side Chair $80 36rdquo Table $225 Unfinished Picnic Table $95 Locking Mailbox for Feedback Postcards $40
As a testing ground for ideas the pop-up needed to explore and push some boundaries The ephemeral nature of temporary improvements allowed for unconventional materials such as using IBC totes as building blocks for structures lighting and planters Furnishings were selected to provide variety and maximize seating type options This made it possible to observe what kinds of seating park users preferred
The team scoured local stores for furnishings and used several well-known online discount retailers to find items with the right look at the right price point With the exception of the Fermob folding bistro chair (which is widely used in public spaces internationally) many of the main park elements came from alternative sources some of which worked better than others
The durable orange chairs and gray cafe tables that were used in The Grove came from BizChaircom and they performed very well The popular blue Adirondacks were by far the best value and were bought directly from Adams Manufacturing The patio gliders came from theSimpleStorescom and had to be returned more than once because they arrived damaged Hayneedlecom was the easiest supplier to work with as the website provides special services for business accounts The residential umbrellas proved to not be durable enough for the windy site In future pop-ups commercial-grade umbrellas would be a worth-while investment We found that 70 lb steel umbrella bases were sufficient for the 8rsquo umbrellas
18
TEMPORARY GREENING
Planters provided the pop-up with color and movement The plants were installed at the end of the New Jersey growing season so the designers choose a variety of species that look just as good in the fall and winter as they do in the spring Perennials (flowering plants that will come back again in the spring) along with trees and shrubs lent the space additional structure and interest A handful of annuals added pops of seasonal color
Top Left The Weeping Willow Trees and Crape Myrtle Trees planted in The Grove both have nice fall color and decorative bark for winter interest Below Perennials like Cone Flower and Little Bunny Grass were interspersed between dwarf willows and evergreen shrubs
BUILDING BLOCKS
IBC totes from two Camden recycling businesses were delivered to a warehouse about two blocks away from Roosevelt Plaza Park where they were staged and modified prior to installation Artists installed lights motion sensors wiring and timers in 25 of the totes for the art piece ldquoBlue Hourrdquo To make planters out of 14 of the totes the plastic insert ldquobottlesrdquo were cut with a circular saw
To install the totes Camden Special Services District ambassadors moved the totes to the park using a truck with a lift-gate and a hand-operated pallet jack An all-metal ldquosardine-canrdquo style tote at the base of each tote tower was filled with sand to create a solid foundation for the structure Using a fork-lift the totes were stacked on top of one another then each stack was placed onto the metal foundation tote The towers were then leveled with shims of painted pressure-treated lumber The towers were fastened together with 8 chain-link fence clamps per level Using ladders Department of Public Works employees set up the electrical wiring between towers and fastened the shade sails to the structure
20
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
When options for planters and sheltering for the piano were found to be unavailable within budget the team commissioned some clever custom-built elements that were made from basic lumber and common corrugated metal sheeting An aluminum-core sign with an outdoor brochure box and wall-mounted mailbox was mounted to a tote in the center of the park This simple set-up was found to be an effective tool for collecting feedback in the park
21
22
POP OF COLOR
Site furniture provided the opportunity to bring color into the park The bright hues helped to give each space an identity and certainly contributed to a positive and optimistic image for the pop-up While speaking at the press conference for the pop-up opening Camden Mayor Dana L Redd noted that now the park ldquopops with colorrdquo
23
ELECTRIFY THE NIGHT
At night when the park is still the totes structure glows a cool blue but when people move through the space their motion activates the lighting causing the lights to warm into a soft orange tone
study findings
ITERATIVE PLACEMAKING
Roosevelt Plaza Park was unique in that its simple inexpensive amenities test-drove public space improvements to see what did and didnrsquot work before implementing either another round of pop-up interventions or more substantial capital improvements This strategy referred to as ldquoiterative placemakingrdquo has the benefit of producing a public space that is bold innovative and responds directly to the user as the ephemeral nature of the improvements takes the risk out of traditional capital-intensive park projects
To analyze the use of Roosevelt Plaza Park and to inform recommendations for future interventions the team of Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnership Group Melvin Design and Sikora Wells Appel devised a unique methodology that used both qualitative and quantitative data to analyze the site The initial methodology was inspired by noted urbanist and public space researcher William Whytersquos seminal ldquoThe Social Life of Small Urban Spacesrdquo relying primarily on time-lapse photography and observations to analyze the site from above and at a distance Yet after the pop-up interventions were constructed the team realized that the initial methodology treated the park more like a petri dish than a public space This conclusion led to the refinement of the methodology to ensure not just the quantitative but the qualitative human story of the park was captured
STUDY METHODOLOGY
in 5 months the team collected
500+hours of timelapse
footage
124visitor surveys amp
feedback postcards submitted
121mapping surveys
completed
3818park users and
activities mapped
26
Data collection methoDology
For the teamrsquos analysis of Roosevelt Plaza Park the team recognized that the study had to tell a story through both quantitative data and qualitative observations and user feedback To accomplish this a multi-pronged strategy was devised that used several different tools to analyze the site
time-lapse photography
The initial methodology relied primarily on time-lapse photography to capture user movement activities and interactions in the space The team quickly found that William Whytersquos primary disclaimer of this technique that recording the film is easy and that evaluation is the hard part was as true using modern equipment in the 21st century as it was for Whyte in the 1970rsquos However while there were limitations to what could be observed using time-lapse photography it was a valuable tool for seeing that which is invisible to the human eye in real-time The ability to capture imagery of the entire site all-at-once and play back video of park users at hyper-speed allowed the team to observe patterns of movement usage throughout the day and patterns influenced by environmental conditions that would have otherwise been invisible And while the time-lapse photography was limited when mounted from a site-wide vantage point in the windows of City Hall our team recorded additional video with cameras mounted directly in the park in order to make more direct activity-focused area-specific observations Throughout this process both the Mayorrsquos Office and the Camden County Administration Offices were incredibly generous with their window-space by allowing the team to mount our cameras from their offices
To watch timelapse footage visit httptinyurlcomRPPtimelapse
27
Mapping Surveys
Roosevelt Plaza Park is cleaned and maintained by the Camden Special Services District (CSSD) who staffed the pop-up with an employee throughout the week with more limited hours on weekends Time-lapse photography is limited in its ability to see the close-up and personal and so the design team met with CSSD staff to get their help in filling out on-the-ground mapping surveys of user activity at the park While the survey was limited by the hours during the day that CSSD staff worked the CSSD did an exceptional job of capturing data that recorded the type of user location and what they were doing at the park This data was coded in digital maps produced by the design team that allowed for the exploration of a number of different variables and conditions observed in more than 50 mapping surveys
Visitor Surveys
In addition to the mapping surveys CSSD staff also helped to complete visitor surveys that recorded additional information about users that would have not been obtained through observation Initially the survey was only provided through an online survey platform but the team realized that an online survey was not the right platform for effectively reaching the constituency that uses the park Revising the strategy a paper copy of the survey was produced that CSSD staff helped distribute to more than 50 park visitors
28
Feedback Postcards
One of the most successful tools for obtaining user feedback was the custom feedback postcard tool developed by the design team Mounted on a central planted tote within the park this tool consisted of four simple elements a set of colorful pop-up park postcards with two questions on the back pens a mailbox and explanatory signage The postcard sought to find out what people liked most about the pop-up interventions and what they would like to see in the future The team received more than 70 postcards and with several more hopefully taken as souvenirs by park users - a covert way for the design team to spread the word about the park
29
PUBLIC CHALKBOARDSTo collect feedback on park usersrsquo hopes and dreams for the space two community chalkboards were installed at the pop-up The first was mounted to the back of the piano and the second chalkboard was installed in front of the park and served as a place for people to contribute their drawings hopes and names to the space
30
POP-UP STORIESPerhaps the most powerful qualitative feedback the design team collected was through a series of testimonial interviews conducted with park users which the design team turned into mini-documentaries dubbed ldquoPop-Up Storiesrdquo Speaking one-on-one with park users the design team was inspired to record and create mini-documentaries detailing the stories of several different park users This work most accurately captured the human impact of Roosevelt Plaza Park which the team found to be extremely powerful given the many decades of decline and disinvestment experienced by the City of Camden and its residents
31
the tote veranda the grove
the lawn
picnic tables
32
The park interventions while interrelated created a variety of different spaces in order to test user preferences and patterns at the pop-up What follows is a discussion and analysis of the teamrsquos observations of each of the ldquooutdoor roomsrdquo
THE GROVEPerhaps the most defined of the lsquooutdoor roomsrsquo the Grove was bordered by custom-design corrugated planter boxes the outdoor piano and sprinkled with IBC tote planters Our mapping survey showed that this area was a popular draw for a lunch-time crowd and the wider tables were successful in accommodating and encouraging groups of up to four people per table with visitors spending anywhere between 10-45 minutes on average at a table
A review of timelapse photography mounted on a nearby IBC Tote reveals some of the rhythms of the Grove Groups of people congregate at all times of the day but itrsquos shortly after noon when this area is at its peak and when lunch-time crowds fill nearly all the available tables with takeout food purchased from local restaurants Also notable is the diversity of this group consisting of professionals students and everyday residents
INTERVENTION AREAS
picnic tables
33
THE PIANOOne of the most loved features of the Grove was undoubtedly the outdoor piano which immediately attracted pianists dancers and conversation from the moment it was installed The addition of the piano was inspired jointly by the rich musical history of the City and the diverse population that occupied the park and its surroundings We thought ndash ldquowhat interactive design element could transcend social class race even languagerdquo The answer we came up with was to do something with music We hoped that the addition of an outdoor piano would encourage the diverse group of park users (eg the homeless clinic patients students professionals judges etc) to stop play a tune and interact In this sense the piano was a major success
Consider one mid-September afternoon at the piano Over the course of these four hours on a sunny September day we observed two primary pianists one a clinic patient and one a local minister who played for extended periods of 1-2 hours Both talented musicians their playing attracted over 20 other individuals which included a mix of professionals people eating lunch local residents other clinic patients and several other curious pianists to the site The most common sight to see were groups of 2-4 individuals spontaneously interacting with each other and the pianist A resident remarked to us that the piano allowed people of any stripe to step outside of their normal element and to be looked at not by how they dressed or talked but by what they could do and what they were capable of
34
ldquoEste parque me trae alegriacutea y amor hellip para mostrarle a estas personas aquiacute que estaacuten con cosas difiacutecilesmdashcomo las drogas Para mi con mi instrumento un piano les ensentildeoacute amorhellip Yo veo como ellos buscan el amor y el apoyo de otras personas El privilegio para mi vida es llenar con voces muacutesica la ciudad de aquiacute Camden helliprdquo- Junior Osvaldo Cruz
english translationldquoThis park brings me joy and love to show these people here who are going through difficult things-like drugs For me with my instrument the piano I can show them love I see how they seek love and support from others My lifersquos privilege is to fill this city Camden with music and voices ldquo
If viewing on a PDF click here to hear a sample of the outdoor piano being played
Junior Osvaldo Cruz brought music and joy to the pop-up park no matter the season
35
4276221
THE LAWNWhile not a lsquodesignedrsquo space our analysis found that the lawn is an area with potential for future interventions with a very light touch At 75000 square feet most of which is well-maintained largely unobstructed lawn Roosevelt Plaza Park is one of the largest usable green spaces in the City and arguably its most accessible sitting at the nexus of several commercial corridors transit lines and easily accessed on foot or by bicycle
Our team observed that the pop-up helped spur unplanned organic use of the lawn spaces which had not been occurring prior to the interventions Basking in the sun on an Adirondack chair a game of Frisbee outdoor Tai Chi and a gentleman called ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo who regularly showed up teach children and spread the joy of flying kites were some of the most notable people and activities that took advantage of the lawnrsquos uniquely wide open spaces and expansive views of City Hall
Though the design focused on the north west portion of the lawn by defining that space with the pop-up elements observation showed that the open lawn spaces south of the Tote Veranda was popular for active uses such as kite-flying and Frisbee The small strip of lawn defined by trees at the north east was the most popular area for lounging on the lawn
ldquoKites is what really brings me here because this brings families together - children to the old they all fly they all have fun This builds your self-esteem because when you flying it you feel so good about your accomplishments this is something yoursquore doing A kid two years old was just flying a kite Donrsquot say you canrsquot do it you can do anything you put your mind tordquo- Kevin the Kiteman
36
To watch Kevin the Kitemanrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPkevin
ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo shows a group of Camden youth how to fly a kite
37
THE PICNIC TABLESThe Picnic Tables were popular for sitting chatting and for having a meal at lunchtime Set up as a communal table along Market Street the location was intended to engage passersby and customers of the restaurants along Market Street In designing this space we wanted to test the viability of outdoor dining along this burgeoning restaurant corridor The consistent use of the tables proved this amenity is in-demand among daily park users While the picnic tables did provide a comfortable place to sit and while people did eat meals there the space could have been enhanced through the principle of triangulation further detailed later in this report As an arrangement of elements this space was not multi-dimensional in nature and could be enlivened in future iterations through the addition of other complementary elements (a food vendor for example) to create a better sense of place Intensive improvements here will interface with an existing demand making investment at the Market Street edge of the park a high-impact improvement
38
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
A KIT OF PARTS
Above from left to right and top to bottom IBC Tote from Camden (refurbished) $160 Patio Glider Set $1050 Patio Umbrella (with 70 lb steel base) $200 Plastic Adirondack Chair $15 Iconic Metal Folding Chair $75 Resin Side Chair $80 36rdquo Table $225 Unfinished Picnic Table $95 Locking Mailbox for Feedback Postcards $40
As a testing ground for ideas the pop-up needed to explore and push some boundaries The ephemeral nature of temporary improvements allowed for unconventional materials such as using IBC totes as building blocks for structures lighting and planters Furnishings were selected to provide variety and maximize seating type options This made it possible to observe what kinds of seating park users preferred
The team scoured local stores for furnishings and used several well-known online discount retailers to find items with the right look at the right price point With the exception of the Fermob folding bistro chair (which is widely used in public spaces internationally) many of the main park elements came from alternative sources some of which worked better than others
The durable orange chairs and gray cafe tables that were used in The Grove came from BizChaircom and they performed very well The popular blue Adirondacks were by far the best value and were bought directly from Adams Manufacturing The patio gliders came from theSimpleStorescom and had to be returned more than once because they arrived damaged Hayneedlecom was the easiest supplier to work with as the website provides special services for business accounts The residential umbrellas proved to not be durable enough for the windy site In future pop-ups commercial-grade umbrellas would be a worth-while investment We found that 70 lb steel umbrella bases were sufficient for the 8rsquo umbrellas
18
TEMPORARY GREENING
Planters provided the pop-up with color and movement The plants were installed at the end of the New Jersey growing season so the designers choose a variety of species that look just as good in the fall and winter as they do in the spring Perennials (flowering plants that will come back again in the spring) along with trees and shrubs lent the space additional structure and interest A handful of annuals added pops of seasonal color
Top Left The Weeping Willow Trees and Crape Myrtle Trees planted in The Grove both have nice fall color and decorative bark for winter interest Below Perennials like Cone Flower and Little Bunny Grass were interspersed between dwarf willows and evergreen shrubs
BUILDING BLOCKS
IBC totes from two Camden recycling businesses were delivered to a warehouse about two blocks away from Roosevelt Plaza Park where they were staged and modified prior to installation Artists installed lights motion sensors wiring and timers in 25 of the totes for the art piece ldquoBlue Hourrdquo To make planters out of 14 of the totes the plastic insert ldquobottlesrdquo were cut with a circular saw
To install the totes Camden Special Services District ambassadors moved the totes to the park using a truck with a lift-gate and a hand-operated pallet jack An all-metal ldquosardine-canrdquo style tote at the base of each tote tower was filled with sand to create a solid foundation for the structure Using a fork-lift the totes were stacked on top of one another then each stack was placed onto the metal foundation tote The towers were then leveled with shims of painted pressure-treated lumber The towers were fastened together with 8 chain-link fence clamps per level Using ladders Department of Public Works employees set up the electrical wiring between towers and fastened the shade sails to the structure
20
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
When options for planters and sheltering for the piano were found to be unavailable within budget the team commissioned some clever custom-built elements that were made from basic lumber and common corrugated metal sheeting An aluminum-core sign with an outdoor brochure box and wall-mounted mailbox was mounted to a tote in the center of the park This simple set-up was found to be an effective tool for collecting feedback in the park
21
22
POP OF COLOR
Site furniture provided the opportunity to bring color into the park The bright hues helped to give each space an identity and certainly contributed to a positive and optimistic image for the pop-up While speaking at the press conference for the pop-up opening Camden Mayor Dana L Redd noted that now the park ldquopops with colorrdquo
23
ELECTRIFY THE NIGHT
At night when the park is still the totes structure glows a cool blue but when people move through the space their motion activates the lighting causing the lights to warm into a soft orange tone
study findings
ITERATIVE PLACEMAKING
Roosevelt Plaza Park was unique in that its simple inexpensive amenities test-drove public space improvements to see what did and didnrsquot work before implementing either another round of pop-up interventions or more substantial capital improvements This strategy referred to as ldquoiterative placemakingrdquo has the benefit of producing a public space that is bold innovative and responds directly to the user as the ephemeral nature of the improvements takes the risk out of traditional capital-intensive park projects
To analyze the use of Roosevelt Plaza Park and to inform recommendations for future interventions the team of Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnership Group Melvin Design and Sikora Wells Appel devised a unique methodology that used both qualitative and quantitative data to analyze the site The initial methodology was inspired by noted urbanist and public space researcher William Whytersquos seminal ldquoThe Social Life of Small Urban Spacesrdquo relying primarily on time-lapse photography and observations to analyze the site from above and at a distance Yet after the pop-up interventions were constructed the team realized that the initial methodology treated the park more like a petri dish than a public space This conclusion led to the refinement of the methodology to ensure not just the quantitative but the qualitative human story of the park was captured
STUDY METHODOLOGY
in 5 months the team collected
500+hours of timelapse
footage
124visitor surveys amp
feedback postcards submitted
121mapping surveys
completed
3818park users and
activities mapped
26
Data collection methoDology
For the teamrsquos analysis of Roosevelt Plaza Park the team recognized that the study had to tell a story through both quantitative data and qualitative observations and user feedback To accomplish this a multi-pronged strategy was devised that used several different tools to analyze the site
time-lapse photography
The initial methodology relied primarily on time-lapse photography to capture user movement activities and interactions in the space The team quickly found that William Whytersquos primary disclaimer of this technique that recording the film is easy and that evaluation is the hard part was as true using modern equipment in the 21st century as it was for Whyte in the 1970rsquos However while there were limitations to what could be observed using time-lapse photography it was a valuable tool for seeing that which is invisible to the human eye in real-time The ability to capture imagery of the entire site all-at-once and play back video of park users at hyper-speed allowed the team to observe patterns of movement usage throughout the day and patterns influenced by environmental conditions that would have otherwise been invisible And while the time-lapse photography was limited when mounted from a site-wide vantage point in the windows of City Hall our team recorded additional video with cameras mounted directly in the park in order to make more direct activity-focused area-specific observations Throughout this process both the Mayorrsquos Office and the Camden County Administration Offices were incredibly generous with their window-space by allowing the team to mount our cameras from their offices
To watch timelapse footage visit httptinyurlcomRPPtimelapse
27
Mapping Surveys
Roosevelt Plaza Park is cleaned and maintained by the Camden Special Services District (CSSD) who staffed the pop-up with an employee throughout the week with more limited hours on weekends Time-lapse photography is limited in its ability to see the close-up and personal and so the design team met with CSSD staff to get their help in filling out on-the-ground mapping surveys of user activity at the park While the survey was limited by the hours during the day that CSSD staff worked the CSSD did an exceptional job of capturing data that recorded the type of user location and what they were doing at the park This data was coded in digital maps produced by the design team that allowed for the exploration of a number of different variables and conditions observed in more than 50 mapping surveys
Visitor Surveys
In addition to the mapping surveys CSSD staff also helped to complete visitor surveys that recorded additional information about users that would have not been obtained through observation Initially the survey was only provided through an online survey platform but the team realized that an online survey was not the right platform for effectively reaching the constituency that uses the park Revising the strategy a paper copy of the survey was produced that CSSD staff helped distribute to more than 50 park visitors
28
Feedback Postcards
One of the most successful tools for obtaining user feedback was the custom feedback postcard tool developed by the design team Mounted on a central planted tote within the park this tool consisted of four simple elements a set of colorful pop-up park postcards with two questions on the back pens a mailbox and explanatory signage The postcard sought to find out what people liked most about the pop-up interventions and what they would like to see in the future The team received more than 70 postcards and with several more hopefully taken as souvenirs by park users - a covert way for the design team to spread the word about the park
29
PUBLIC CHALKBOARDSTo collect feedback on park usersrsquo hopes and dreams for the space two community chalkboards were installed at the pop-up The first was mounted to the back of the piano and the second chalkboard was installed in front of the park and served as a place for people to contribute their drawings hopes and names to the space
30
POP-UP STORIESPerhaps the most powerful qualitative feedback the design team collected was through a series of testimonial interviews conducted with park users which the design team turned into mini-documentaries dubbed ldquoPop-Up Storiesrdquo Speaking one-on-one with park users the design team was inspired to record and create mini-documentaries detailing the stories of several different park users This work most accurately captured the human impact of Roosevelt Plaza Park which the team found to be extremely powerful given the many decades of decline and disinvestment experienced by the City of Camden and its residents
31
the tote veranda the grove
the lawn
picnic tables
32
The park interventions while interrelated created a variety of different spaces in order to test user preferences and patterns at the pop-up What follows is a discussion and analysis of the teamrsquos observations of each of the ldquooutdoor roomsrdquo
THE GROVEPerhaps the most defined of the lsquooutdoor roomsrsquo the Grove was bordered by custom-design corrugated planter boxes the outdoor piano and sprinkled with IBC tote planters Our mapping survey showed that this area was a popular draw for a lunch-time crowd and the wider tables were successful in accommodating and encouraging groups of up to four people per table with visitors spending anywhere between 10-45 minutes on average at a table
A review of timelapse photography mounted on a nearby IBC Tote reveals some of the rhythms of the Grove Groups of people congregate at all times of the day but itrsquos shortly after noon when this area is at its peak and when lunch-time crowds fill nearly all the available tables with takeout food purchased from local restaurants Also notable is the diversity of this group consisting of professionals students and everyday residents
INTERVENTION AREAS
picnic tables
33
THE PIANOOne of the most loved features of the Grove was undoubtedly the outdoor piano which immediately attracted pianists dancers and conversation from the moment it was installed The addition of the piano was inspired jointly by the rich musical history of the City and the diverse population that occupied the park and its surroundings We thought ndash ldquowhat interactive design element could transcend social class race even languagerdquo The answer we came up with was to do something with music We hoped that the addition of an outdoor piano would encourage the diverse group of park users (eg the homeless clinic patients students professionals judges etc) to stop play a tune and interact In this sense the piano was a major success
Consider one mid-September afternoon at the piano Over the course of these four hours on a sunny September day we observed two primary pianists one a clinic patient and one a local minister who played for extended periods of 1-2 hours Both talented musicians their playing attracted over 20 other individuals which included a mix of professionals people eating lunch local residents other clinic patients and several other curious pianists to the site The most common sight to see were groups of 2-4 individuals spontaneously interacting with each other and the pianist A resident remarked to us that the piano allowed people of any stripe to step outside of their normal element and to be looked at not by how they dressed or talked but by what they could do and what they were capable of
34
ldquoEste parque me trae alegriacutea y amor hellip para mostrarle a estas personas aquiacute que estaacuten con cosas difiacutecilesmdashcomo las drogas Para mi con mi instrumento un piano les ensentildeoacute amorhellip Yo veo como ellos buscan el amor y el apoyo de otras personas El privilegio para mi vida es llenar con voces muacutesica la ciudad de aquiacute Camden helliprdquo- Junior Osvaldo Cruz
english translationldquoThis park brings me joy and love to show these people here who are going through difficult things-like drugs For me with my instrument the piano I can show them love I see how they seek love and support from others My lifersquos privilege is to fill this city Camden with music and voices ldquo
If viewing on a PDF click here to hear a sample of the outdoor piano being played
Junior Osvaldo Cruz brought music and joy to the pop-up park no matter the season
35
4276221
THE LAWNWhile not a lsquodesignedrsquo space our analysis found that the lawn is an area with potential for future interventions with a very light touch At 75000 square feet most of which is well-maintained largely unobstructed lawn Roosevelt Plaza Park is one of the largest usable green spaces in the City and arguably its most accessible sitting at the nexus of several commercial corridors transit lines and easily accessed on foot or by bicycle
Our team observed that the pop-up helped spur unplanned organic use of the lawn spaces which had not been occurring prior to the interventions Basking in the sun on an Adirondack chair a game of Frisbee outdoor Tai Chi and a gentleman called ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo who regularly showed up teach children and spread the joy of flying kites were some of the most notable people and activities that took advantage of the lawnrsquos uniquely wide open spaces and expansive views of City Hall
Though the design focused on the north west portion of the lawn by defining that space with the pop-up elements observation showed that the open lawn spaces south of the Tote Veranda was popular for active uses such as kite-flying and Frisbee The small strip of lawn defined by trees at the north east was the most popular area for lounging on the lawn
ldquoKites is what really brings me here because this brings families together - children to the old they all fly they all have fun This builds your self-esteem because when you flying it you feel so good about your accomplishments this is something yoursquore doing A kid two years old was just flying a kite Donrsquot say you canrsquot do it you can do anything you put your mind tordquo- Kevin the Kiteman
36
To watch Kevin the Kitemanrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPkevin
ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo shows a group of Camden youth how to fly a kite
37
THE PICNIC TABLESThe Picnic Tables were popular for sitting chatting and for having a meal at lunchtime Set up as a communal table along Market Street the location was intended to engage passersby and customers of the restaurants along Market Street In designing this space we wanted to test the viability of outdoor dining along this burgeoning restaurant corridor The consistent use of the tables proved this amenity is in-demand among daily park users While the picnic tables did provide a comfortable place to sit and while people did eat meals there the space could have been enhanced through the principle of triangulation further detailed later in this report As an arrangement of elements this space was not multi-dimensional in nature and could be enlivened in future iterations through the addition of other complementary elements (a food vendor for example) to create a better sense of place Intensive improvements here will interface with an existing demand making investment at the Market Street edge of the park a high-impact improvement
38
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
TEMPORARY GREENING
Planters provided the pop-up with color and movement The plants were installed at the end of the New Jersey growing season so the designers choose a variety of species that look just as good in the fall and winter as they do in the spring Perennials (flowering plants that will come back again in the spring) along with trees and shrubs lent the space additional structure and interest A handful of annuals added pops of seasonal color
Top Left The Weeping Willow Trees and Crape Myrtle Trees planted in The Grove both have nice fall color and decorative bark for winter interest Below Perennials like Cone Flower and Little Bunny Grass were interspersed between dwarf willows and evergreen shrubs
BUILDING BLOCKS
IBC totes from two Camden recycling businesses were delivered to a warehouse about two blocks away from Roosevelt Plaza Park where they were staged and modified prior to installation Artists installed lights motion sensors wiring and timers in 25 of the totes for the art piece ldquoBlue Hourrdquo To make planters out of 14 of the totes the plastic insert ldquobottlesrdquo were cut with a circular saw
To install the totes Camden Special Services District ambassadors moved the totes to the park using a truck with a lift-gate and a hand-operated pallet jack An all-metal ldquosardine-canrdquo style tote at the base of each tote tower was filled with sand to create a solid foundation for the structure Using a fork-lift the totes were stacked on top of one another then each stack was placed onto the metal foundation tote The towers were then leveled with shims of painted pressure-treated lumber The towers were fastened together with 8 chain-link fence clamps per level Using ladders Department of Public Works employees set up the electrical wiring between towers and fastened the shade sails to the structure
20
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
When options for planters and sheltering for the piano were found to be unavailable within budget the team commissioned some clever custom-built elements that were made from basic lumber and common corrugated metal sheeting An aluminum-core sign with an outdoor brochure box and wall-mounted mailbox was mounted to a tote in the center of the park This simple set-up was found to be an effective tool for collecting feedback in the park
21
22
POP OF COLOR
Site furniture provided the opportunity to bring color into the park The bright hues helped to give each space an identity and certainly contributed to a positive and optimistic image for the pop-up While speaking at the press conference for the pop-up opening Camden Mayor Dana L Redd noted that now the park ldquopops with colorrdquo
23
ELECTRIFY THE NIGHT
At night when the park is still the totes structure glows a cool blue but when people move through the space their motion activates the lighting causing the lights to warm into a soft orange tone
study findings
ITERATIVE PLACEMAKING
Roosevelt Plaza Park was unique in that its simple inexpensive amenities test-drove public space improvements to see what did and didnrsquot work before implementing either another round of pop-up interventions or more substantial capital improvements This strategy referred to as ldquoiterative placemakingrdquo has the benefit of producing a public space that is bold innovative and responds directly to the user as the ephemeral nature of the improvements takes the risk out of traditional capital-intensive park projects
To analyze the use of Roosevelt Plaza Park and to inform recommendations for future interventions the team of Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnership Group Melvin Design and Sikora Wells Appel devised a unique methodology that used both qualitative and quantitative data to analyze the site The initial methodology was inspired by noted urbanist and public space researcher William Whytersquos seminal ldquoThe Social Life of Small Urban Spacesrdquo relying primarily on time-lapse photography and observations to analyze the site from above and at a distance Yet after the pop-up interventions were constructed the team realized that the initial methodology treated the park more like a petri dish than a public space This conclusion led to the refinement of the methodology to ensure not just the quantitative but the qualitative human story of the park was captured
STUDY METHODOLOGY
in 5 months the team collected
500+hours of timelapse
footage
124visitor surveys amp
feedback postcards submitted
121mapping surveys
completed
3818park users and
activities mapped
26
Data collection methoDology
For the teamrsquos analysis of Roosevelt Plaza Park the team recognized that the study had to tell a story through both quantitative data and qualitative observations and user feedback To accomplish this a multi-pronged strategy was devised that used several different tools to analyze the site
time-lapse photography
The initial methodology relied primarily on time-lapse photography to capture user movement activities and interactions in the space The team quickly found that William Whytersquos primary disclaimer of this technique that recording the film is easy and that evaluation is the hard part was as true using modern equipment in the 21st century as it was for Whyte in the 1970rsquos However while there were limitations to what could be observed using time-lapse photography it was a valuable tool for seeing that which is invisible to the human eye in real-time The ability to capture imagery of the entire site all-at-once and play back video of park users at hyper-speed allowed the team to observe patterns of movement usage throughout the day and patterns influenced by environmental conditions that would have otherwise been invisible And while the time-lapse photography was limited when mounted from a site-wide vantage point in the windows of City Hall our team recorded additional video with cameras mounted directly in the park in order to make more direct activity-focused area-specific observations Throughout this process both the Mayorrsquos Office and the Camden County Administration Offices were incredibly generous with their window-space by allowing the team to mount our cameras from their offices
To watch timelapse footage visit httptinyurlcomRPPtimelapse
27
Mapping Surveys
Roosevelt Plaza Park is cleaned and maintained by the Camden Special Services District (CSSD) who staffed the pop-up with an employee throughout the week with more limited hours on weekends Time-lapse photography is limited in its ability to see the close-up and personal and so the design team met with CSSD staff to get their help in filling out on-the-ground mapping surveys of user activity at the park While the survey was limited by the hours during the day that CSSD staff worked the CSSD did an exceptional job of capturing data that recorded the type of user location and what they were doing at the park This data was coded in digital maps produced by the design team that allowed for the exploration of a number of different variables and conditions observed in more than 50 mapping surveys
Visitor Surveys
In addition to the mapping surveys CSSD staff also helped to complete visitor surveys that recorded additional information about users that would have not been obtained through observation Initially the survey was only provided through an online survey platform but the team realized that an online survey was not the right platform for effectively reaching the constituency that uses the park Revising the strategy a paper copy of the survey was produced that CSSD staff helped distribute to more than 50 park visitors
28
Feedback Postcards
One of the most successful tools for obtaining user feedback was the custom feedback postcard tool developed by the design team Mounted on a central planted tote within the park this tool consisted of four simple elements a set of colorful pop-up park postcards with two questions on the back pens a mailbox and explanatory signage The postcard sought to find out what people liked most about the pop-up interventions and what they would like to see in the future The team received more than 70 postcards and with several more hopefully taken as souvenirs by park users - a covert way for the design team to spread the word about the park
29
PUBLIC CHALKBOARDSTo collect feedback on park usersrsquo hopes and dreams for the space two community chalkboards were installed at the pop-up The first was mounted to the back of the piano and the second chalkboard was installed in front of the park and served as a place for people to contribute their drawings hopes and names to the space
30
POP-UP STORIESPerhaps the most powerful qualitative feedback the design team collected was through a series of testimonial interviews conducted with park users which the design team turned into mini-documentaries dubbed ldquoPop-Up Storiesrdquo Speaking one-on-one with park users the design team was inspired to record and create mini-documentaries detailing the stories of several different park users This work most accurately captured the human impact of Roosevelt Plaza Park which the team found to be extremely powerful given the many decades of decline and disinvestment experienced by the City of Camden and its residents
31
the tote veranda the grove
the lawn
picnic tables
32
The park interventions while interrelated created a variety of different spaces in order to test user preferences and patterns at the pop-up What follows is a discussion and analysis of the teamrsquos observations of each of the ldquooutdoor roomsrdquo
THE GROVEPerhaps the most defined of the lsquooutdoor roomsrsquo the Grove was bordered by custom-design corrugated planter boxes the outdoor piano and sprinkled with IBC tote planters Our mapping survey showed that this area was a popular draw for a lunch-time crowd and the wider tables were successful in accommodating and encouraging groups of up to four people per table with visitors spending anywhere between 10-45 minutes on average at a table
A review of timelapse photography mounted on a nearby IBC Tote reveals some of the rhythms of the Grove Groups of people congregate at all times of the day but itrsquos shortly after noon when this area is at its peak and when lunch-time crowds fill nearly all the available tables with takeout food purchased from local restaurants Also notable is the diversity of this group consisting of professionals students and everyday residents
INTERVENTION AREAS
picnic tables
33
THE PIANOOne of the most loved features of the Grove was undoubtedly the outdoor piano which immediately attracted pianists dancers and conversation from the moment it was installed The addition of the piano was inspired jointly by the rich musical history of the City and the diverse population that occupied the park and its surroundings We thought ndash ldquowhat interactive design element could transcend social class race even languagerdquo The answer we came up with was to do something with music We hoped that the addition of an outdoor piano would encourage the diverse group of park users (eg the homeless clinic patients students professionals judges etc) to stop play a tune and interact In this sense the piano was a major success
Consider one mid-September afternoon at the piano Over the course of these four hours on a sunny September day we observed two primary pianists one a clinic patient and one a local minister who played for extended periods of 1-2 hours Both talented musicians their playing attracted over 20 other individuals which included a mix of professionals people eating lunch local residents other clinic patients and several other curious pianists to the site The most common sight to see were groups of 2-4 individuals spontaneously interacting with each other and the pianist A resident remarked to us that the piano allowed people of any stripe to step outside of their normal element and to be looked at not by how they dressed or talked but by what they could do and what they were capable of
34
ldquoEste parque me trae alegriacutea y amor hellip para mostrarle a estas personas aquiacute que estaacuten con cosas difiacutecilesmdashcomo las drogas Para mi con mi instrumento un piano les ensentildeoacute amorhellip Yo veo como ellos buscan el amor y el apoyo de otras personas El privilegio para mi vida es llenar con voces muacutesica la ciudad de aquiacute Camden helliprdquo- Junior Osvaldo Cruz
english translationldquoThis park brings me joy and love to show these people here who are going through difficult things-like drugs For me with my instrument the piano I can show them love I see how they seek love and support from others My lifersquos privilege is to fill this city Camden with music and voices ldquo
If viewing on a PDF click here to hear a sample of the outdoor piano being played
Junior Osvaldo Cruz brought music and joy to the pop-up park no matter the season
35
4276221
THE LAWNWhile not a lsquodesignedrsquo space our analysis found that the lawn is an area with potential for future interventions with a very light touch At 75000 square feet most of which is well-maintained largely unobstructed lawn Roosevelt Plaza Park is one of the largest usable green spaces in the City and arguably its most accessible sitting at the nexus of several commercial corridors transit lines and easily accessed on foot or by bicycle
Our team observed that the pop-up helped spur unplanned organic use of the lawn spaces which had not been occurring prior to the interventions Basking in the sun on an Adirondack chair a game of Frisbee outdoor Tai Chi and a gentleman called ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo who regularly showed up teach children and spread the joy of flying kites were some of the most notable people and activities that took advantage of the lawnrsquos uniquely wide open spaces and expansive views of City Hall
Though the design focused on the north west portion of the lawn by defining that space with the pop-up elements observation showed that the open lawn spaces south of the Tote Veranda was popular for active uses such as kite-flying and Frisbee The small strip of lawn defined by trees at the north east was the most popular area for lounging on the lawn
ldquoKites is what really brings me here because this brings families together - children to the old they all fly they all have fun This builds your self-esteem because when you flying it you feel so good about your accomplishments this is something yoursquore doing A kid two years old was just flying a kite Donrsquot say you canrsquot do it you can do anything you put your mind tordquo- Kevin the Kiteman
36
To watch Kevin the Kitemanrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPkevin
ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo shows a group of Camden youth how to fly a kite
37
THE PICNIC TABLESThe Picnic Tables were popular for sitting chatting and for having a meal at lunchtime Set up as a communal table along Market Street the location was intended to engage passersby and customers of the restaurants along Market Street In designing this space we wanted to test the viability of outdoor dining along this burgeoning restaurant corridor The consistent use of the tables proved this amenity is in-demand among daily park users While the picnic tables did provide a comfortable place to sit and while people did eat meals there the space could have been enhanced through the principle of triangulation further detailed later in this report As an arrangement of elements this space was not multi-dimensional in nature and could be enlivened in future iterations through the addition of other complementary elements (a food vendor for example) to create a better sense of place Intensive improvements here will interface with an existing demand making investment at the Market Street edge of the park a high-impact improvement
38
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
BUILDING BLOCKS
IBC totes from two Camden recycling businesses were delivered to a warehouse about two blocks away from Roosevelt Plaza Park where they were staged and modified prior to installation Artists installed lights motion sensors wiring and timers in 25 of the totes for the art piece ldquoBlue Hourrdquo To make planters out of 14 of the totes the plastic insert ldquobottlesrdquo were cut with a circular saw
To install the totes Camden Special Services District ambassadors moved the totes to the park using a truck with a lift-gate and a hand-operated pallet jack An all-metal ldquosardine-canrdquo style tote at the base of each tote tower was filled with sand to create a solid foundation for the structure Using a fork-lift the totes were stacked on top of one another then each stack was placed onto the metal foundation tote The towers were then leveled with shims of painted pressure-treated lumber The towers were fastened together with 8 chain-link fence clamps per level Using ladders Department of Public Works employees set up the electrical wiring between towers and fastened the shade sails to the structure
20
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
When options for planters and sheltering for the piano were found to be unavailable within budget the team commissioned some clever custom-built elements that were made from basic lumber and common corrugated metal sheeting An aluminum-core sign with an outdoor brochure box and wall-mounted mailbox was mounted to a tote in the center of the park This simple set-up was found to be an effective tool for collecting feedback in the park
21
22
POP OF COLOR
Site furniture provided the opportunity to bring color into the park The bright hues helped to give each space an identity and certainly contributed to a positive and optimistic image for the pop-up While speaking at the press conference for the pop-up opening Camden Mayor Dana L Redd noted that now the park ldquopops with colorrdquo
23
ELECTRIFY THE NIGHT
At night when the park is still the totes structure glows a cool blue but when people move through the space their motion activates the lighting causing the lights to warm into a soft orange tone
study findings
ITERATIVE PLACEMAKING
Roosevelt Plaza Park was unique in that its simple inexpensive amenities test-drove public space improvements to see what did and didnrsquot work before implementing either another round of pop-up interventions or more substantial capital improvements This strategy referred to as ldquoiterative placemakingrdquo has the benefit of producing a public space that is bold innovative and responds directly to the user as the ephemeral nature of the improvements takes the risk out of traditional capital-intensive park projects
To analyze the use of Roosevelt Plaza Park and to inform recommendations for future interventions the team of Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnership Group Melvin Design and Sikora Wells Appel devised a unique methodology that used both qualitative and quantitative data to analyze the site The initial methodology was inspired by noted urbanist and public space researcher William Whytersquos seminal ldquoThe Social Life of Small Urban Spacesrdquo relying primarily on time-lapse photography and observations to analyze the site from above and at a distance Yet after the pop-up interventions were constructed the team realized that the initial methodology treated the park more like a petri dish than a public space This conclusion led to the refinement of the methodology to ensure not just the quantitative but the qualitative human story of the park was captured
STUDY METHODOLOGY
in 5 months the team collected
500+hours of timelapse
footage
124visitor surveys amp
feedback postcards submitted
121mapping surveys
completed
3818park users and
activities mapped
26
Data collection methoDology
For the teamrsquos analysis of Roosevelt Plaza Park the team recognized that the study had to tell a story through both quantitative data and qualitative observations and user feedback To accomplish this a multi-pronged strategy was devised that used several different tools to analyze the site
time-lapse photography
The initial methodology relied primarily on time-lapse photography to capture user movement activities and interactions in the space The team quickly found that William Whytersquos primary disclaimer of this technique that recording the film is easy and that evaluation is the hard part was as true using modern equipment in the 21st century as it was for Whyte in the 1970rsquos However while there were limitations to what could be observed using time-lapse photography it was a valuable tool for seeing that which is invisible to the human eye in real-time The ability to capture imagery of the entire site all-at-once and play back video of park users at hyper-speed allowed the team to observe patterns of movement usage throughout the day and patterns influenced by environmental conditions that would have otherwise been invisible And while the time-lapse photography was limited when mounted from a site-wide vantage point in the windows of City Hall our team recorded additional video with cameras mounted directly in the park in order to make more direct activity-focused area-specific observations Throughout this process both the Mayorrsquos Office and the Camden County Administration Offices were incredibly generous with their window-space by allowing the team to mount our cameras from their offices
To watch timelapse footage visit httptinyurlcomRPPtimelapse
27
Mapping Surveys
Roosevelt Plaza Park is cleaned and maintained by the Camden Special Services District (CSSD) who staffed the pop-up with an employee throughout the week with more limited hours on weekends Time-lapse photography is limited in its ability to see the close-up and personal and so the design team met with CSSD staff to get their help in filling out on-the-ground mapping surveys of user activity at the park While the survey was limited by the hours during the day that CSSD staff worked the CSSD did an exceptional job of capturing data that recorded the type of user location and what they were doing at the park This data was coded in digital maps produced by the design team that allowed for the exploration of a number of different variables and conditions observed in more than 50 mapping surveys
Visitor Surveys
In addition to the mapping surveys CSSD staff also helped to complete visitor surveys that recorded additional information about users that would have not been obtained through observation Initially the survey was only provided through an online survey platform but the team realized that an online survey was not the right platform for effectively reaching the constituency that uses the park Revising the strategy a paper copy of the survey was produced that CSSD staff helped distribute to more than 50 park visitors
28
Feedback Postcards
One of the most successful tools for obtaining user feedback was the custom feedback postcard tool developed by the design team Mounted on a central planted tote within the park this tool consisted of four simple elements a set of colorful pop-up park postcards with two questions on the back pens a mailbox and explanatory signage The postcard sought to find out what people liked most about the pop-up interventions and what they would like to see in the future The team received more than 70 postcards and with several more hopefully taken as souvenirs by park users - a covert way for the design team to spread the word about the park
29
PUBLIC CHALKBOARDSTo collect feedback on park usersrsquo hopes and dreams for the space two community chalkboards were installed at the pop-up The first was mounted to the back of the piano and the second chalkboard was installed in front of the park and served as a place for people to contribute their drawings hopes and names to the space
30
POP-UP STORIESPerhaps the most powerful qualitative feedback the design team collected was through a series of testimonial interviews conducted with park users which the design team turned into mini-documentaries dubbed ldquoPop-Up Storiesrdquo Speaking one-on-one with park users the design team was inspired to record and create mini-documentaries detailing the stories of several different park users This work most accurately captured the human impact of Roosevelt Plaza Park which the team found to be extremely powerful given the many decades of decline and disinvestment experienced by the City of Camden and its residents
31
the tote veranda the grove
the lawn
picnic tables
32
The park interventions while interrelated created a variety of different spaces in order to test user preferences and patterns at the pop-up What follows is a discussion and analysis of the teamrsquos observations of each of the ldquooutdoor roomsrdquo
THE GROVEPerhaps the most defined of the lsquooutdoor roomsrsquo the Grove was bordered by custom-design corrugated planter boxes the outdoor piano and sprinkled with IBC tote planters Our mapping survey showed that this area was a popular draw for a lunch-time crowd and the wider tables were successful in accommodating and encouraging groups of up to four people per table with visitors spending anywhere between 10-45 minutes on average at a table
A review of timelapse photography mounted on a nearby IBC Tote reveals some of the rhythms of the Grove Groups of people congregate at all times of the day but itrsquos shortly after noon when this area is at its peak and when lunch-time crowds fill nearly all the available tables with takeout food purchased from local restaurants Also notable is the diversity of this group consisting of professionals students and everyday residents
INTERVENTION AREAS
picnic tables
33
THE PIANOOne of the most loved features of the Grove was undoubtedly the outdoor piano which immediately attracted pianists dancers and conversation from the moment it was installed The addition of the piano was inspired jointly by the rich musical history of the City and the diverse population that occupied the park and its surroundings We thought ndash ldquowhat interactive design element could transcend social class race even languagerdquo The answer we came up with was to do something with music We hoped that the addition of an outdoor piano would encourage the diverse group of park users (eg the homeless clinic patients students professionals judges etc) to stop play a tune and interact In this sense the piano was a major success
Consider one mid-September afternoon at the piano Over the course of these four hours on a sunny September day we observed two primary pianists one a clinic patient and one a local minister who played for extended periods of 1-2 hours Both talented musicians their playing attracted over 20 other individuals which included a mix of professionals people eating lunch local residents other clinic patients and several other curious pianists to the site The most common sight to see were groups of 2-4 individuals spontaneously interacting with each other and the pianist A resident remarked to us that the piano allowed people of any stripe to step outside of their normal element and to be looked at not by how they dressed or talked but by what they could do and what they were capable of
34
ldquoEste parque me trae alegriacutea y amor hellip para mostrarle a estas personas aquiacute que estaacuten con cosas difiacutecilesmdashcomo las drogas Para mi con mi instrumento un piano les ensentildeoacute amorhellip Yo veo como ellos buscan el amor y el apoyo de otras personas El privilegio para mi vida es llenar con voces muacutesica la ciudad de aquiacute Camden helliprdquo- Junior Osvaldo Cruz
english translationldquoThis park brings me joy and love to show these people here who are going through difficult things-like drugs For me with my instrument the piano I can show them love I see how they seek love and support from others My lifersquos privilege is to fill this city Camden with music and voices ldquo
If viewing on a PDF click here to hear a sample of the outdoor piano being played
Junior Osvaldo Cruz brought music and joy to the pop-up park no matter the season
35
4276221
THE LAWNWhile not a lsquodesignedrsquo space our analysis found that the lawn is an area with potential for future interventions with a very light touch At 75000 square feet most of which is well-maintained largely unobstructed lawn Roosevelt Plaza Park is one of the largest usable green spaces in the City and arguably its most accessible sitting at the nexus of several commercial corridors transit lines and easily accessed on foot or by bicycle
Our team observed that the pop-up helped spur unplanned organic use of the lawn spaces which had not been occurring prior to the interventions Basking in the sun on an Adirondack chair a game of Frisbee outdoor Tai Chi and a gentleman called ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo who regularly showed up teach children and spread the joy of flying kites were some of the most notable people and activities that took advantage of the lawnrsquos uniquely wide open spaces and expansive views of City Hall
Though the design focused on the north west portion of the lawn by defining that space with the pop-up elements observation showed that the open lawn spaces south of the Tote Veranda was popular for active uses such as kite-flying and Frisbee The small strip of lawn defined by trees at the north east was the most popular area for lounging on the lawn
ldquoKites is what really brings me here because this brings families together - children to the old they all fly they all have fun This builds your self-esteem because when you flying it you feel so good about your accomplishments this is something yoursquore doing A kid two years old was just flying a kite Donrsquot say you canrsquot do it you can do anything you put your mind tordquo- Kevin the Kiteman
36
To watch Kevin the Kitemanrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPkevin
ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo shows a group of Camden youth how to fly a kite
37
THE PICNIC TABLESThe Picnic Tables were popular for sitting chatting and for having a meal at lunchtime Set up as a communal table along Market Street the location was intended to engage passersby and customers of the restaurants along Market Street In designing this space we wanted to test the viability of outdoor dining along this burgeoning restaurant corridor The consistent use of the tables proved this amenity is in-demand among daily park users While the picnic tables did provide a comfortable place to sit and while people did eat meals there the space could have been enhanced through the principle of triangulation further detailed later in this report As an arrangement of elements this space was not multi-dimensional in nature and could be enlivened in future iterations through the addition of other complementary elements (a food vendor for example) to create a better sense of place Intensive improvements here will interface with an existing demand making investment at the Market Street edge of the park a high-impact improvement
38
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
When options for planters and sheltering for the piano were found to be unavailable within budget the team commissioned some clever custom-built elements that were made from basic lumber and common corrugated metal sheeting An aluminum-core sign with an outdoor brochure box and wall-mounted mailbox was mounted to a tote in the center of the park This simple set-up was found to be an effective tool for collecting feedback in the park
21
22
POP OF COLOR
Site furniture provided the opportunity to bring color into the park The bright hues helped to give each space an identity and certainly contributed to a positive and optimistic image for the pop-up While speaking at the press conference for the pop-up opening Camden Mayor Dana L Redd noted that now the park ldquopops with colorrdquo
23
ELECTRIFY THE NIGHT
At night when the park is still the totes structure glows a cool blue but when people move through the space their motion activates the lighting causing the lights to warm into a soft orange tone
study findings
ITERATIVE PLACEMAKING
Roosevelt Plaza Park was unique in that its simple inexpensive amenities test-drove public space improvements to see what did and didnrsquot work before implementing either another round of pop-up interventions or more substantial capital improvements This strategy referred to as ldquoiterative placemakingrdquo has the benefit of producing a public space that is bold innovative and responds directly to the user as the ephemeral nature of the improvements takes the risk out of traditional capital-intensive park projects
To analyze the use of Roosevelt Plaza Park and to inform recommendations for future interventions the team of Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnership Group Melvin Design and Sikora Wells Appel devised a unique methodology that used both qualitative and quantitative data to analyze the site The initial methodology was inspired by noted urbanist and public space researcher William Whytersquos seminal ldquoThe Social Life of Small Urban Spacesrdquo relying primarily on time-lapse photography and observations to analyze the site from above and at a distance Yet after the pop-up interventions were constructed the team realized that the initial methodology treated the park more like a petri dish than a public space This conclusion led to the refinement of the methodology to ensure not just the quantitative but the qualitative human story of the park was captured
STUDY METHODOLOGY
in 5 months the team collected
500+hours of timelapse
footage
124visitor surveys amp
feedback postcards submitted
121mapping surveys
completed
3818park users and
activities mapped
26
Data collection methoDology
For the teamrsquos analysis of Roosevelt Plaza Park the team recognized that the study had to tell a story through both quantitative data and qualitative observations and user feedback To accomplish this a multi-pronged strategy was devised that used several different tools to analyze the site
time-lapse photography
The initial methodology relied primarily on time-lapse photography to capture user movement activities and interactions in the space The team quickly found that William Whytersquos primary disclaimer of this technique that recording the film is easy and that evaluation is the hard part was as true using modern equipment in the 21st century as it was for Whyte in the 1970rsquos However while there were limitations to what could be observed using time-lapse photography it was a valuable tool for seeing that which is invisible to the human eye in real-time The ability to capture imagery of the entire site all-at-once and play back video of park users at hyper-speed allowed the team to observe patterns of movement usage throughout the day and patterns influenced by environmental conditions that would have otherwise been invisible And while the time-lapse photography was limited when mounted from a site-wide vantage point in the windows of City Hall our team recorded additional video with cameras mounted directly in the park in order to make more direct activity-focused area-specific observations Throughout this process both the Mayorrsquos Office and the Camden County Administration Offices were incredibly generous with their window-space by allowing the team to mount our cameras from their offices
To watch timelapse footage visit httptinyurlcomRPPtimelapse
27
Mapping Surveys
Roosevelt Plaza Park is cleaned and maintained by the Camden Special Services District (CSSD) who staffed the pop-up with an employee throughout the week with more limited hours on weekends Time-lapse photography is limited in its ability to see the close-up and personal and so the design team met with CSSD staff to get their help in filling out on-the-ground mapping surveys of user activity at the park While the survey was limited by the hours during the day that CSSD staff worked the CSSD did an exceptional job of capturing data that recorded the type of user location and what they were doing at the park This data was coded in digital maps produced by the design team that allowed for the exploration of a number of different variables and conditions observed in more than 50 mapping surveys
Visitor Surveys
In addition to the mapping surveys CSSD staff also helped to complete visitor surveys that recorded additional information about users that would have not been obtained through observation Initially the survey was only provided through an online survey platform but the team realized that an online survey was not the right platform for effectively reaching the constituency that uses the park Revising the strategy a paper copy of the survey was produced that CSSD staff helped distribute to more than 50 park visitors
28
Feedback Postcards
One of the most successful tools for obtaining user feedback was the custom feedback postcard tool developed by the design team Mounted on a central planted tote within the park this tool consisted of four simple elements a set of colorful pop-up park postcards with two questions on the back pens a mailbox and explanatory signage The postcard sought to find out what people liked most about the pop-up interventions and what they would like to see in the future The team received more than 70 postcards and with several more hopefully taken as souvenirs by park users - a covert way for the design team to spread the word about the park
29
PUBLIC CHALKBOARDSTo collect feedback on park usersrsquo hopes and dreams for the space two community chalkboards were installed at the pop-up The first was mounted to the back of the piano and the second chalkboard was installed in front of the park and served as a place for people to contribute their drawings hopes and names to the space
30
POP-UP STORIESPerhaps the most powerful qualitative feedback the design team collected was through a series of testimonial interviews conducted with park users which the design team turned into mini-documentaries dubbed ldquoPop-Up Storiesrdquo Speaking one-on-one with park users the design team was inspired to record and create mini-documentaries detailing the stories of several different park users This work most accurately captured the human impact of Roosevelt Plaza Park which the team found to be extremely powerful given the many decades of decline and disinvestment experienced by the City of Camden and its residents
31
the tote veranda the grove
the lawn
picnic tables
32
The park interventions while interrelated created a variety of different spaces in order to test user preferences and patterns at the pop-up What follows is a discussion and analysis of the teamrsquos observations of each of the ldquooutdoor roomsrdquo
THE GROVEPerhaps the most defined of the lsquooutdoor roomsrsquo the Grove was bordered by custom-design corrugated planter boxes the outdoor piano and sprinkled with IBC tote planters Our mapping survey showed that this area was a popular draw for a lunch-time crowd and the wider tables were successful in accommodating and encouraging groups of up to four people per table with visitors spending anywhere between 10-45 minutes on average at a table
A review of timelapse photography mounted on a nearby IBC Tote reveals some of the rhythms of the Grove Groups of people congregate at all times of the day but itrsquos shortly after noon when this area is at its peak and when lunch-time crowds fill nearly all the available tables with takeout food purchased from local restaurants Also notable is the diversity of this group consisting of professionals students and everyday residents
INTERVENTION AREAS
picnic tables
33
THE PIANOOne of the most loved features of the Grove was undoubtedly the outdoor piano which immediately attracted pianists dancers and conversation from the moment it was installed The addition of the piano was inspired jointly by the rich musical history of the City and the diverse population that occupied the park and its surroundings We thought ndash ldquowhat interactive design element could transcend social class race even languagerdquo The answer we came up with was to do something with music We hoped that the addition of an outdoor piano would encourage the diverse group of park users (eg the homeless clinic patients students professionals judges etc) to stop play a tune and interact In this sense the piano was a major success
Consider one mid-September afternoon at the piano Over the course of these four hours on a sunny September day we observed two primary pianists one a clinic patient and one a local minister who played for extended periods of 1-2 hours Both talented musicians their playing attracted over 20 other individuals which included a mix of professionals people eating lunch local residents other clinic patients and several other curious pianists to the site The most common sight to see were groups of 2-4 individuals spontaneously interacting with each other and the pianist A resident remarked to us that the piano allowed people of any stripe to step outside of their normal element and to be looked at not by how they dressed or talked but by what they could do and what they were capable of
34
ldquoEste parque me trae alegriacutea y amor hellip para mostrarle a estas personas aquiacute que estaacuten con cosas difiacutecilesmdashcomo las drogas Para mi con mi instrumento un piano les ensentildeoacute amorhellip Yo veo como ellos buscan el amor y el apoyo de otras personas El privilegio para mi vida es llenar con voces muacutesica la ciudad de aquiacute Camden helliprdquo- Junior Osvaldo Cruz
english translationldquoThis park brings me joy and love to show these people here who are going through difficult things-like drugs For me with my instrument the piano I can show them love I see how they seek love and support from others My lifersquos privilege is to fill this city Camden with music and voices ldquo
If viewing on a PDF click here to hear a sample of the outdoor piano being played
Junior Osvaldo Cruz brought music and joy to the pop-up park no matter the season
35
4276221
THE LAWNWhile not a lsquodesignedrsquo space our analysis found that the lawn is an area with potential for future interventions with a very light touch At 75000 square feet most of which is well-maintained largely unobstructed lawn Roosevelt Plaza Park is one of the largest usable green spaces in the City and arguably its most accessible sitting at the nexus of several commercial corridors transit lines and easily accessed on foot or by bicycle
Our team observed that the pop-up helped spur unplanned organic use of the lawn spaces which had not been occurring prior to the interventions Basking in the sun on an Adirondack chair a game of Frisbee outdoor Tai Chi and a gentleman called ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo who regularly showed up teach children and spread the joy of flying kites were some of the most notable people and activities that took advantage of the lawnrsquos uniquely wide open spaces and expansive views of City Hall
Though the design focused on the north west portion of the lawn by defining that space with the pop-up elements observation showed that the open lawn spaces south of the Tote Veranda was popular for active uses such as kite-flying and Frisbee The small strip of lawn defined by trees at the north east was the most popular area for lounging on the lawn
ldquoKites is what really brings me here because this brings families together - children to the old they all fly they all have fun This builds your self-esteem because when you flying it you feel so good about your accomplishments this is something yoursquore doing A kid two years old was just flying a kite Donrsquot say you canrsquot do it you can do anything you put your mind tordquo- Kevin the Kiteman
36
To watch Kevin the Kitemanrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPkevin
ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo shows a group of Camden youth how to fly a kite
37
THE PICNIC TABLESThe Picnic Tables were popular for sitting chatting and for having a meal at lunchtime Set up as a communal table along Market Street the location was intended to engage passersby and customers of the restaurants along Market Street In designing this space we wanted to test the viability of outdoor dining along this burgeoning restaurant corridor The consistent use of the tables proved this amenity is in-demand among daily park users While the picnic tables did provide a comfortable place to sit and while people did eat meals there the space could have been enhanced through the principle of triangulation further detailed later in this report As an arrangement of elements this space was not multi-dimensional in nature and could be enlivened in future iterations through the addition of other complementary elements (a food vendor for example) to create a better sense of place Intensive improvements here will interface with an existing demand making investment at the Market Street edge of the park a high-impact improvement
38
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
22
POP OF COLOR
Site furniture provided the opportunity to bring color into the park The bright hues helped to give each space an identity and certainly contributed to a positive and optimistic image for the pop-up While speaking at the press conference for the pop-up opening Camden Mayor Dana L Redd noted that now the park ldquopops with colorrdquo
23
ELECTRIFY THE NIGHT
At night when the park is still the totes structure glows a cool blue but when people move through the space their motion activates the lighting causing the lights to warm into a soft orange tone
study findings
ITERATIVE PLACEMAKING
Roosevelt Plaza Park was unique in that its simple inexpensive amenities test-drove public space improvements to see what did and didnrsquot work before implementing either another round of pop-up interventions or more substantial capital improvements This strategy referred to as ldquoiterative placemakingrdquo has the benefit of producing a public space that is bold innovative and responds directly to the user as the ephemeral nature of the improvements takes the risk out of traditional capital-intensive park projects
To analyze the use of Roosevelt Plaza Park and to inform recommendations for future interventions the team of Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnership Group Melvin Design and Sikora Wells Appel devised a unique methodology that used both qualitative and quantitative data to analyze the site The initial methodology was inspired by noted urbanist and public space researcher William Whytersquos seminal ldquoThe Social Life of Small Urban Spacesrdquo relying primarily on time-lapse photography and observations to analyze the site from above and at a distance Yet after the pop-up interventions were constructed the team realized that the initial methodology treated the park more like a petri dish than a public space This conclusion led to the refinement of the methodology to ensure not just the quantitative but the qualitative human story of the park was captured
STUDY METHODOLOGY
in 5 months the team collected
500+hours of timelapse
footage
124visitor surveys amp
feedback postcards submitted
121mapping surveys
completed
3818park users and
activities mapped
26
Data collection methoDology
For the teamrsquos analysis of Roosevelt Plaza Park the team recognized that the study had to tell a story through both quantitative data and qualitative observations and user feedback To accomplish this a multi-pronged strategy was devised that used several different tools to analyze the site
time-lapse photography
The initial methodology relied primarily on time-lapse photography to capture user movement activities and interactions in the space The team quickly found that William Whytersquos primary disclaimer of this technique that recording the film is easy and that evaluation is the hard part was as true using modern equipment in the 21st century as it was for Whyte in the 1970rsquos However while there were limitations to what could be observed using time-lapse photography it was a valuable tool for seeing that which is invisible to the human eye in real-time The ability to capture imagery of the entire site all-at-once and play back video of park users at hyper-speed allowed the team to observe patterns of movement usage throughout the day and patterns influenced by environmental conditions that would have otherwise been invisible And while the time-lapse photography was limited when mounted from a site-wide vantage point in the windows of City Hall our team recorded additional video with cameras mounted directly in the park in order to make more direct activity-focused area-specific observations Throughout this process both the Mayorrsquos Office and the Camden County Administration Offices were incredibly generous with their window-space by allowing the team to mount our cameras from their offices
To watch timelapse footage visit httptinyurlcomRPPtimelapse
27
Mapping Surveys
Roosevelt Plaza Park is cleaned and maintained by the Camden Special Services District (CSSD) who staffed the pop-up with an employee throughout the week with more limited hours on weekends Time-lapse photography is limited in its ability to see the close-up and personal and so the design team met with CSSD staff to get their help in filling out on-the-ground mapping surveys of user activity at the park While the survey was limited by the hours during the day that CSSD staff worked the CSSD did an exceptional job of capturing data that recorded the type of user location and what they were doing at the park This data was coded in digital maps produced by the design team that allowed for the exploration of a number of different variables and conditions observed in more than 50 mapping surveys
Visitor Surveys
In addition to the mapping surveys CSSD staff also helped to complete visitor surveys that recorded additional information about users that would have not been obtained through observation Initially the survey was only provided through an online survey platform but the team realized that an online survey was not the right platform for effectively reaching the constituency that uses the park Revising the strategy a paper copy of the survey was produced that CSSD staff helped distribute to more than 50 park visitors
28
Feedback Postcards
One of the most successful tools for obtaining user feedback was the custom feedback postcard tool developed by the design team Mounted on a central planted tote within the park this tool consisted of four simple elements a set of colorful pop-up park postcards with two questions on the back pens a mailbox and explanatory signage The postcard sought to find out what people liked most about the pop-up interventions and what they would like to see in the future The team received more than 70 postcards and with several more hopefully taken as souvenirs by park users - a covert way for the design team to spread the word about the park
29
PUBLIC CHALKBOARDSTo collect feedback on park usersrsquo hopes and dreams for the space two community chalkboards were installed at the pop-up The first was mounted to the back of the piano and the second chalkboard was installed in front of the park and served as a place for people to contribute their drawings hopes and names to the space
30
POP-UP STORIESPerhaps the most powerful qualitative feedback the design team collected was through a series of testimonial interviews conducted with park users which the design team turned into mini-documentaries dubbed ldquoPop-Up Storiesrdquo Speaking one-on-one with park users the design team was inspired to record and create mini-documentaries detailing the stories of several different park users This work most accurately captured the human impact of Roosevelt Plaza Park which the team found to be extremely powerful given the many decades of decline and disinvestment experienced by the City of Camden and its residents
31
the tote veranda the grove
the lawn
picnic tables
32
The park interventions while interrelated created a variety of different spaces in order to test user preferences and patterns at the pop-up What follows is a discussion and analysis of the teamrsquos observations of each of the ldquooutdoor roomsrdquo
THE GROVEPerhaps the most defined of the lsquooutdoor roomsrsquo the Grove was bordered by custom-design corrugated planter boxes the outdoor piano and sprinkled with IBC tote planters Our mapping survey showed that this area was a popular draw for a lunch-time crowd and the wider tables were successful in accommodating and encouraging groups of up to four people per table with visitors spending anywhere between 10-45 minutes on average at a table
A review of timelapse photography mounted on a nearby IBC Tote reveals some of the rhythms of the Grove Groups of people congregate at all times of the day but itrsquos shortly after noon when this area is at its peak and when lunch-time crowds fill nearly all the available tables with takeout food purchased from local restaurants Also notable is the diversity of this group consisting of professionals students and everyday residents
INTERVENTION AREAS
picnic tables
33
THE PIANOOne of the most loved features of the Grove was undoubtedly the outdoor piano which immediately attracted pianists dancers and conversation from the moment it was installed The addition of the piano was inspired jointly by the rich musical history of the City and the diverse population that occupied the park and its surroundings We thought ndash ldquowhat interactive design element could transcend social class race even languagerdquo The answer we came up with was to do something with music We hoped that the addition of an outdoor piano would encourage the diverse group of park users (eg the homeless clinic patients students professionals judges etc) to stop play a tune and interact In this sense the piano was a major success
Consider one mid-September afternoon at the piano Over the course of these four hours on a sunny September day we observed two primary pianists one a clinic patient and one a local minister who played for extended periods of 1-2 hours Both talented musicians their playing attracted over 20 other individuals which included a mix of professionals people eating lunch local residents other clinic patients and several other curious pianists to the site The most common sight to see were groups of 2-4 individuals spontaneously interacting with each other and the pianist A resident remarked to us that the piano allowed people of any stripe to step outside of their normal element and to be looked at not by how they dressed or talked but by what they could do and what they were capable of
34
ldquoEste parque me trae alegriacutea y amor hellip para mostrarle a estas personas aquiacute que estaacuten con cosas difiacutecilesmdashcomo las drogas Para mi con mi instrumento un piano les ensentildeoacute amorhellip Yo veo como ellos buscan el amor y el apoyo de otras personas El privilegio para mi vida es llenar con voces muacutesica la ciudad de aquiacute Camden helliprdquo- Junior Osvaldo Cruz
english translationldquoThis park brings me joy and love to show these people here who are going through difficult things-like drugs For me with my instrument the piano I can show them love I see how they seek love and support from others My lifersquos privilege is to fill this city Camden with music and voices ldquo
If viewing on a PDF click here to hear a sample of the outdoor piano being played
Junior Osvaldo Cruz brought music and joy to the pop-up park no matter the season
35
4276221
THE LAWNWhile not a lsquodesignedrsquo space our analysis found that the lawn is an area with potential for future interventions with a very light touch At 75000 square feet most of which is well-maintained largely unobstructed lawn Roosevelt Plaza Park is one of the largest usable green spaces in the City and arguably its most accessible sitting at the nexus of several commercial corridors transit lines and easily accessed on foot or by bicycle
Our team observed that the pop-up helped spur unplanned organic use of the lawn spaces which had not been occurring prior to the interventions Basking in the sun on an Adirondack chair a game of Frisbee outdoor Tai Chi and a gentleman called ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo who regularly showed up teach children and spread the joy of flying kites were some of the most notable people and activities that took advantage of the lawnrsquos uniquely wide open spaces and expansive views of City Hall
Though the design focused on the north west portion of the lawn by defining that space with the pop-up elements observation showed that the open lawn spaces south of the Tote Veranda was popular for active uses such as kite-flying and Frisbee The small strip of lawn defined by trees at the north east was the most popular area for lounging on the lawn
ldquoKites is what really brings me here because this brings families together - children to the old they all fly they all have fun This builds your self-esteem because when you flying it you feel so good about your accomplishments this is something yoursquore doing A kid two years old was just flying a kite Donrsquot say you canrsquot do it you can do anything you put your mind tordquo- Kevin the Kiteman
36
To watch Kevin the Kitemanrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPkevin
ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo shows a group of Camden youth how to fly a kite
37
THE PICNIC TABLESThe Picnic Tables were popular for sitting chatting and for having a meal at lunchtime Set up as a communal table along Market Street the location was intended to engage passersby and customers of the restaurants along Market Street In designing this space we wanted to test the viability of outdoor dining along this burgeoning restaurant corridor The consistent use of the tables proved this amenity is in-demand among daily park users While the picnic tables did provide a comfortable place to sit and while people did eat meals there the space could have been enhanced through the principle of triangulation further detailed later in this report As an arrangement of elements this space was not multi-dimensional in nature and could be enlivened in future iterations through the addition of other complementary elements (a food vendor for example) to create a better sense of place Intensive improvements here will interface with an existing demand making investment at the Market Street edge of the park a high-impact improvement
38
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
POP OF COLOR
Site furniture provided the opportunity to bring color into the park The bright hues helped to give each space an identity and certainly contributed to a positive and optimistic image for the pop-up While speaking at the press conference for the pop-up opening Camden Mayor Dana L Redd noted that now the park ldquopops with colorrdquo
23
ELECTRIFY THE NIGHT
At night when the park is still the totes structure glows a cool blue but when people move through the space their motion activates the lighting causing the lights to warm into a soft orange tone
study findings
ITERATIVE PLACEMAKING
Roosevelt Plaza Park was unique in that its simple inexpensive amenities test-drove public space improvements to see what did and didnrsquot work before implementing either another round of pop-up interventions or more substantial capital improvements This strategy referred to as ldquoiterative placemakingrdquo has the benefit of producing a public space that is bold innovative and responds directly to the user as the ephemeral nature of the improvements takes the risk out of traditional capital-intensive park projects
To analyze the use of Roosevelt Plaza Park and to inform recommendations for future interventions the team of Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnership Group Melvin Design and Sikora Wells Appel devised a unique methodology that used both qualitative and quantitative data to analyze the site The initial methodology was inspired by noted urbanist and public space researcher William Whytersquos seminal ldquoThe Social Life of Small Urban Spacesrdquo relying primarily on time-lapse photography and observations to analyze the site from above and at a distance Yet after the pop-up interventions were constructed the team realized that the initial methodology treated the park more like a petri dish than a public space This conclusion led to the refinement of the methodology to ensure not just the quantitative but the qualitative human story of the park was captured
STUDY METHODOLOGY
in 5 months the team collected
500+hours of timelapse
footage
124visitor surveys amp
feedback postcards submitted
121mapping surveys
completed
3818park users and
activities mapped
26
Data collection methoDology
For the teamrsquos analysis of Roosevelt Plaza Park the team recognized that the study had to tell a story through both quantitative data and qualitative observations and user feedback To accomplish this a multi-pronged strategy was devised that used several different tools to analyze the site
time-lapse photography
The initial methodology relied primarily on time-lapse photography to capture user movement activities and interactions in the space The team quickly found that William Whytersquos primary disclaimer of this technique that recording the film is easy and that evaluation is the hard part was as true using modern equipment in the 21st century as it was for Whyte in the 1970rsquos However while there were limitations to what could be observed using time-lapse photography it was a valuable tool for seeing that which is invisible to the human eye in real-time The ability to capture imagery of the entire site all-at-once and play back video of park users at hyper-speed allowed the team to observe patterns of movement usage throughout the day and patterns influenced by environmental conditions that would have otherwise been invisible And while the time-lapse photography was limited when mounted from a site-wide vantage point in the windows of City Hall our team recorded additional video with cameras mounted directly in the park in order to make more direct activity-focused area-specific observations Throughout this process both the Mayorrsquos Office and the Camden County Administration Offices were incredibly generous with their window-space by allowing the team to mount our cameras from their offices
To watch timelapse footage visit httptinyurlcomRPPtimelapse
27
Mapping Surveys
Roosevelt Plaza Park is cleaned and maintained by the Camden Special Services District (CSSD) who staffed the pop-up with an employee throughout the week with more limited hours on weekends Time-lapse photography is limited in its ability to see the close-up and personal and so the design team met with CSSD staff to get their help in filling out on-the-ground mapping surveys of user activity at the park While the survey was limited by the hours during the day that CSSD staff worked the CSSD did an exceptional job of capturing data that recorded the type of user location and what they were doing at the park This data was coded in digital maps produced by the design team that allowed for the exploration of a number of different variables and conditions observed in more than 50 mapping surveys
Visitor Surveys
In addition to the mapping surveys CSSD staff also helped to complete visitor surveys that recorded additional information about users that would have not been obtained through observation Initially the survey was only provided through an online survey platform but the team realized that an online survey was not the right platform for effectively reaching the constituency that uses the park Revising the strategy a paper copy of the survey was produced that CSSD staff helped distribute to more than 50 park visitors
28
Feedback Postcards
One of the most successful tools for obtaining user feedback was the custom feedback postcard tool developed by the design team Mounted on a central planted tote within the park this tool consisted of four simple elements a set of colorful pop-up park postcards with two questions on the back pens a mailbox and explanatory signage The postcard sought to find out what people liked most about the pop-up interventions and what they would like to see in the future The team received more than 70 postcards and with several more hopefully taken as souvenirs by park users - a covert way for the design team to spread the word about the park
29
PUBLIC CHALKBOARDSTo collect feedback on park usersrsquo hopes and dreams for the space two community chalkboards were installed at the pop-up The first was mounted to the back of the piano and the second chalkboard was installed in front of the park and served as a place for people to contribute their drawings hopes and names to the space
30
POP-UP STORIESPerhaps the most powerful qualitative feedback the design team collected was through a series of testimonial interviews conducted with park users which the design team turned into mini-documentaries dubbed ldquoPop-Up Storiesrdquo Speaking one-on-one with park users the design team was inspired to record and create mini-documentaries detailing the stories of several different park users This work most accurately captured the human impact of Roosevelt Plaza Park which the team found to be extremely powerful given the many decades of decline and disinvestment experienced by the City of Camden and its residents
31
the tote veranda the grove
the lawn
picnic tables
32
The park interventions while interrelated created a variety of different spaces in order to test user preferences and patterns at the pop-up What follows is a discussion and analysis of the teamrsquos observations of each of the ldquooutdoor roomsrdquo
THE GROVEPerhaps the most defined of the lsquooutdoor roomsrsquo the Grove was bordered by custom-design corrugated planter boxes the outdoor piano and sprinkled with IBC tote planters Our mapping survey showed that this area was a popular draw for a lunch-time crowd and the wider tables were successful in accommodating and encouraging groups of up to four people per table with visitors spending anywhere between 10-45 minutes on average at a table
A review of timelapse photography mounted on a nearby IBC Tote reveals some of the rhythms of the Grove Groups of people congregate at all times of the day but itrsquos shortly after noon when this area is at its peak and when lunch-time crowds fill nearly all the available tables with takeout food purchased from local restaurants Also notable is the diversity of this group consisting of professionals students and everyday residents
INTERVENTION AREAS
picnic tables
33
THE PIANOOne of the most loved features of the Grove was undoubtedly the outdoor piano which immediately attracted pianists dancers and conversation from the moment it was installed The addition of the piano was inspired jointly by the rich musical history of the City and the diverse population that occupied the park and its surroundings We thought ndash ldquowhat interactive design element could transcend social class race even languagerdquo The answer we came up with was to do something with music We hoped that the addition of an outdoor piano would encourage the diverse group of park users (eg the homeless clinic patients students professionals judges etc) to stop play a tune and interact In this sense the piano was a major success
Consider one mid-September afternoon at the piano Over the course of these four hours on a sunny September day we observed two primary pianists one a clinic patient and one a local minister who played for extended periods of 1-2 hours Both talented musicians their playing attracted over 20 other individuals which included a mix of professionals people eating lunch local residents other clinic patients and several other curious pianists to the site The most common sight to see were groups of 2-4 individuals spontaneously interacting with each other and the pianist A resident remarked to us that the piano allowed people of any stripe to step outside of their normal element and to be looked at not by how they dressed or talked but by what they could do and what they were capable of
34
ldquoEste parque me trae alegriacutea y amor hellip para mostrarle a estas personas aquiacute que estaacuten con cosas difiacutecilesmdashcomo las drogas Para mi con mi instrumento un piano les ensentildeoacute amorhellip Yo veo como ellos buscan el amor y el apoyo de otras personas El privilegio para mi vida es llenar con voces muacutesica la ciudad de aquiacute Camden helliprdquo- Junior Osvaldo Cruz
english translationldquoThis park brings me joy and love to show these people here who are going through difficult things-like drugs For me with my instrument the piano I can show them love I see how they seek love and support from others My lifersquos privilege is to fill this city Camden with music and voices ldquo
If viewing on a PDF click here to hear a sample of the outdoor piano being played
Junior Osvaldo Cruz brought music and joy to the pop-up park no matter the season
35
4276221
THE LAWNWhile not a lsquodesignedrsquo space our analysis found that the lawn is an area with potential for future interventions with a very light touch At 75000 square feet most of which is well-maintained largely unobstructed lawn Roosevelt Plaza Park is one of the largest usable green spaces in the City and arguably its most accessible sitting at the nexus of several commercial corridors transit lines and easily accessed on foot or by bicycle
Our team observed that the pop-up helped spur unplanned organic use of the lawn spaces which had not been occurring prior to the interventions Basking in the sun on an Adirondack chair a game of Frisbee outdoor Tai Chi and a gentleman called ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo who regularly showed up teach children and spread the joy of flying kites were some of the most notable people and activities that took advantage of the lawnrsquos uniquely wide open spaces and expansive views of City Hall
Though the design focused on the north west portion of the lawn by defining that space with the pop-up elements observation showed that the open lawn spaces south of the Tote Veranda was popular for active uses such as kite-flying and Frisbee The small strip of lawn defined by trees at the north east was the most popular area for lounging on the lawn
ldquoKites is what really brings me here because this brings families together - children to the old they all fly they all have fun This builds your self-esteem because when you flying it you feel so good about your accomplishments this is something yoursquore doing A kid two years old was just flying a kite Donrsquot say you canrsquot do it you can do anything you put your mind tordquo- Kevin the Kiteman
36
To watch Kevin the Kitemanrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPkevin
ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo shows a group of Camden youth how to fly a kite
37
THE PICNIC TABLESThe Picnic Tables were popular for sitting chatting and for having a meal at lunchtime Set up as a communal table along Market Street the location was intended to engage passersby and customers of the restaurants along Market Street In designing this space we wanted to test the viability of outdoor dining along this burgeoning restaurant corridor The consistent use of the tables proved this amenity is in-demand among daily park users While the picnic tables did provide a comfortable place to sit and while people did eat meals there the space could have been enhanced through the principle of triangulation further detailed later in this report As an arrangement of elements this space was not multi-dimensional in nature and could be enlivened in future iterations through the addition of other complementary elements (a food vendor for example) to create a better sense of place Intensive improvements here will interface with an existing demand making investment at the Market Street edge of the park a high-impact improvement
38
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
ELECTRIFY THE NIGHT
At night when the park is still the totes structure glows a cool blue but when people move through the space their motion activates the lighting causing the lights to warm into a soft orange tone
study findings
ITERATIVE PLACEMAKING
Roosevelt Plaza Park was unique in that its simple inexpensive amenities test-drove public space improvements to see what did and didnrsquot work before implementing either another round of pop-up interventions or more substantial capital improvements This strategy referred to as ldquoiterative placemakingrdquo has the benefit of producing a public space that is bold innovative and responds directly to the user as the ephemeral nature of the improvements takes the risk out of traditional capital-intensive park projects
To analyze the use of Roosevelt Plaza Park and to inform recommendations for future interventions the team of Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnership Group Melvin Design and Sikora Wells Appel devised a unique methodology that used both qualitative and quantitative data to analyze the site The initial methodology was inspired by noted urbanist and public space researcher William Whytersquos seminal ldquoThe Social Life of Small Urban Spacesrdquo relying primarily on time-lapse photography and observations to analyze the site from above and at a distance Yet after the pop-up interventions were constructed the team realized that the initial methodology treated the park more like a petri dish than a public space This conclusion led to the refinement of the methodology to ensure not just the quantitative but the qualitative human story of the park was captured
STUDY METHODOLOGY
in 5 months the team collected
500+hours of timelapse
footage
124visitor surveys amp
feedback postcards submitted
121mapping surveys
completed
3818park users and
activities mapped
26
Data collection methoDology
For the teamrsquos analysis of Roosevelt Plaza Park the team recognized that the study had to tell a story through both quantitative data and qualitative observations and user feedback To accomplish this a multi-pronged strategy was devised that used several different tools to analyze the site
time-lapse photography
The initial methodology relied primarily on time-lapse photography to capture user movement activities and interactions in the space The team quickly found that William Whytersquos primary disclaimer of this technique that recording the film is easy and that evaluation is the hard part was as true using modern equipment in the 21st century as it was for Whyte in the 1970rsquos However while there were limitations to what could be observed using time-lapse photography it was a valuable tool for seeing that which is invisible to the human eye in real-time The ability to capture imagery of the entire site all-at-once and play back video of park users at hyper-speed allowed the team to observe patterns of movement usage throughout the day and patterns influenced by environmental conditions that would have otherwise been invisible And while the time-lapse photography was limited when mounted from a site-wide vantage point in the windows of City Hall our team recorded additional video with cameras mounted directly in the park in order to make more direct activity-focused area-specific observations Throughout this process both the Mayorrsquos Office and the Camden County Administration Offices were incredibly generous with their window-space by allowing the team to mount our cameras from their offices
To watch timelapse footage visit httptinyurlcomRPPtimelapse
27
Mapping Surveys
Roosevelt Plaza Park is cleaned and maintained by the Camden Special Services District (CSSD) who staffed the pop-up with an employee throughout the week with more limited hours on weekends Time-lapse photography is limited in its ability to see the close-up and personal and so the design team met with CSSD staff to get their help in filling out on-the-ground mapping surveys of user activity at the park While the survey was limited by the hours during the day that CSSD staff worked the CSSD did an exceptional job of capturing data that recorded the type of user location and what they were doing at the park This data was coded in digital maps produced by the design team that allowed for the exploration of a number of different variables and conditions observed in more than 50 mapping surveys
Visitor Surveys
In addition to the mapping surveys CSSD staff also helped to complete visitor surveys that recorded additional information about users that would have not been obtained through observation Initially the survey was only provided through an online survey platform but the team realized that an online survey was not the right platform for effectively reaching the constituency that uses the park Revising the strategy a paper copy of the survey was produced that CSSD staff helped distribute to more than 50 park visitors
28
Feedback Postcards
One of the most successful tools for obtaining user feedback was the custom feedback postcard tool developed by the design team Mounted on a central planted tote within the park this tool consisted of four simple elements a set of colorful pop-up park postcards with two questions on the back pens a mailbox and explanatory signage The postcard sought to find out what people liked most about the pop-up interventions and what they would like to see in the future The team received more than 70 postcards and with several more hopefully taken as souvenirs by park users - a covert way for the design team to spread the word about the park
29
PUBLIC CHALKBOARDSTo collect feedback on park usersrsquo hopes and dreams for the space two community chalkboards were installed at the pop-up The first was mounted to the back of the piano and the second chalkboard was installed in front of the park and served as a place for people to contribute their drawings hopes and names to the space
30
POP-UP STORIESPerhaps the most powerful qualitative feedback the design team collected was through a series of testimonial interviews conducted with park users which the design team turned into mini-documentaries dubbed ldquoPop-Up Storiesrdquo Speaking one-on-one with park users the design team was inspired to record and create mini-documentaries detailing the stories of several different park users This work most accurately captured the human impact of Roosevelt Plaza Park which the team found to be extremely powerful given the many decades of decline and disinvestment experienced by the City of Camden and its residents
31
the tote veranda the grove
the lawn
picnic tables
32
The park interventions while interrelated created a variety of different spaces in order to test user preferences and patterns at the pop-up What follows is a discussion and analysis of the teamrsquos observations of each of the ldquooutdoor roomsrdquo
THE GROVEPerhaps the most defined of the lsquooutdoor roomsrsquo the Grove was bordered by custom-design corrugated planter boxes the outdoor piano and sprinkled with IBC tote planters Our mapping survey showed that this area was a popular draw for a lunch-time crowd and the wider tables were successful in accommodating and encouraging groups of up to four people per table with visitors spending anywhere between 10-45 minutes on average at a table
A review of timelapse photography mounted on a nearby IBC Tote reveals some of the rhythms of the Grove Groups of people congregate at all times of the day but itrsquos shortly after noon when this area is at its peak and when lunch-time crowds fill nearly all the available tables with takeout food purchased from local restaurants Also notable is the diversity of this group consisting of professionals students and everyday residents
INTERVENTION AREAS
picnic tables
33
THE PIANOOne of the most loved features of the Grove was undoubtedly the outdoor piano which immediately attracted pianists dancers and conversation from the moment it was installed The addition of the piano was inspired jointly by the rich musical history of the City and the diverse population that occupied the park and its surroundings We thought ndash ldquowhat interactive design element could transcend social class race even languagerdquo The answer we came up with was to do something with music We hoped that the addition of an outdoor piano would encourage the diverse group of park users (eg the homeless clinic patients students professionals judges etc) to stop play a tune and interact In this sense the piano was a major success
Consider one mid-September afternoon at the piano Over the course of these four hours on a sunny September day we observed two primary pianists one a clinic patient and one a local minister who played for extended periods of 1-2 hours Both talented musicians their playing attracted over 20 other individuals which included a mix of professionals people eating lunch local residents other clinic patients and several other curious pianists to the site The most common sight to see were groups of 2-4 individuals spontaneously interacting with each other and the pianist A resident remarked to us that the piano allowed people of any stripe to step outside of their normal element and to be looked at not by how they dressed or talked but by what they could do and what they were capable of
34
ldquoEste parque me trae alegriacutea y amor hellip para mostrarle a estas personas aquiacute que estaacuten con cosas difiacutecilesmdashcomo las drogas Para mi con mi instrumento un piano les ensentildeoacute amorhellip Yo veo como ellos buscan el amor y el apoyo de otras personas El privilegio para mi vida es llenar con voces muacutesica la ciudad de aquiacute Camden helliprdquo- Junior Osvaldo Cruz
english translationldquoThis park brings me joy and love to show these people here who are going through difficult things-like drugs For me with my instrument the piano I can show them love I see how they seek love and support from others My lifersquos privilege is to fill this city Camden with music and voices ldquo
If viewing on a PDF click here to hear a sample of the outdoor piano being played
Junior Osvaldo Cruz brought music and joy to the pop-up park no matter the season
35
4276221
THE LAWNWhile not a lsquodesignedrsquo space our analysis found that the lawn is an area with potential for future interventions with a very light touch At 75000 square feet most of which is well-maintained largely unobstructed lawn Roosevelt Plaza Park is one of the largest usable green spaces in the City and arguably its most accessible sitting at the nexus of several commercial corridors transit lines and easily accessed on foot or by bicycle
Our team observed that the pop-up helped spur unplanned organic use of the lawn spaces which had not been occurring prior to the interventions Basking in the sun on an Adirondack chair a game of Frisbee outdoor Tai Chi and a gentleman called ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo who regularly showed up teach children and spread the joy of flying kites were some of the most notable people and activities that took advantage of the lawnrsquos uniquely wide open spaces and expansive views of City Hall
Though the design focused on the north west portion of the lawn by defining that space with the pop-up elements observation showed that the open lawn spaces south of the Tote Veranda was popular for active uses such as kite-flying and Frisbee The small strip of lawn defined by trees at the north east was the most popular area for lounging on the lawn
ldquoKites is what really brings me here because this brings families together - children to the old they all fly they all have fun This builds your self-esteem because when you flying it you feel so good about your accomplishments this is something yoursquore doing A kid two years old was just flying a kite Donrsquot say you canrsquot do it you can do anything you put your mind tordquo- Kevin the Kiteman
36
To watch Kevin the Kitemanrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPkevin
ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo shows a group of Camden youth how to fly a kite
37
THE PICNIC TABLESThe Picnic Tables were popular for sitting chatting and for having a meal at lunchtime Set up as a communal table along Market Street the location was intended to engage passersby and customers of the restaurants along Market Street In designing this space we wanted to test the viability of outdoor dining along this burgeoning restaurant corridor The consistent use of the tables proved this amenity is in-demand among daily park users While the picnic tables did provide a comfortable place to sit and while people did eat meals there the space could have been enhanced through the principle of triangulation further detailed later in this report As an arrangement of elements this space was not multi-dimensional in nature and could be enlivened in future iterations through the addition of other complementary elements (a food vendor for example) to create a better sense of place Intensive improvements here will interface with an existing demand making investment at the Market Street edge of the park a high-impact improvement
38
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
study findings
ITERATIVE PLACEMAKING
Roosevelt Plaza Park was unique in that its simple inexpensive amenities test-drove public space improvements to see what did and didnrsquot work before implementing either another round of pop-up interventions or more substantial capital improvements This strategy referred to as ldquoiterative placemakingrdquo has the benefit of producing a public space that is bold innovative and responds directly to the user as the ephemeral nature of the improvements takes the risk out of traditional capital-intensive park projects
To analyze the use of Roosevelt Plaza Park and to inform recommendations for future interventions the team of Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnership Group Melvin Design and Sikora Wells Appel devised a unique methodology that used both qualitative and quantitative data to analyze the site The initial methodology was inspired by noted urbanist and public space researcher William Whytersquos seminal ldquoThe Social Life of Small Urban Spacesrdquo relying primarily on time-lapse photography and observations to analyze the site from above and at a distance Yet after the pop-up interventions were constructed the team realized that the initial methodology treated the park more like a petri dish than a public space This conclusion led to the refinement of the methodology to ensure not just the quantitative but the qualitative human story of the park was captured
STUDY METHODOLOGY
in 5 months the team collected
500+hours of timelapse
footage
124visitor surveys amp
feedback postcards submitted
121mapping surveys
completed
3818park users and
activities mapped
26
Data collection methoDology
For the teamrsquos analysis of Roosevelt Plaza Park the team recognized that the study had to tell a story through both quantitative data and qualitative observations and user feedback To accomplish this a multi-pronged strategy was devised that used several different tools to analyze the site
time-lapse photography
The initial methodology relied primarily on time-lapse photography to capture user movement activities and interactions in the space The team quickly found that William Whytersquos primary disclaimer of this technique that recording the film is easy and that evaluation is the hard part was as true using modern equipment in the 21st century as it was for Whyte in the 1970rsquos However while there were limitations to what could be observed using time-lapse photography it was a valuable tool for seeing that which is invisible to the human eye in real-time The ability to capture imagery of the entire site all-at-once and play back video of park users at hyper-speed allowed the team to observe patterns of movement usage throughout the day and patterns influenced by environmental conditions that would have otherwise been invisible And while the time-lapse photography was limited when mounted from a site-wide vantage point in the windows of City Hall our team recorded additional video with cameras mounted directly in the park in order to make more direct activity-focused area-specific observations Throughout this process both the Mayorrsquos Office and the Camden County Administration Offices were incredibly generous with their window-space by allowing the team to mount our cameras from their offices
To watch timelapse footage visit httptinyurlcomRPPtimelapse
27
Mapping Surveys
Roosevelt Plaza Park is cleaned and maintained by the Camden Special Services District (CSSD) who staffed the pop-up with an employee throughout the week with more limited hours on weekends Time-lapse photography is limited in its ability to see the close-up and personal and so the design team met with CSSD staff to get their help in filling out on-the-ground mapping surveys of user activity at the park While the survey was limited by the hours during the day that CSSD staff worked the CSSD did an exceptional job of capturing data that recorded the type of user location and what they were doing at the park This data was coded in digital maps produced by the design team that allowed for the exploration of a number of different variables and conditions observed in more than 50 mapping surveys
Visitor Surveys
In addition to the mapping surveys CSSD staff also helped to complete visitor surveys that recorded additional information about users that would have not been obtained through observation Initially the survey was only provided through an online survey platform but the team realized that an online survey was not the right platform for effectively reaching the constituency that uses the park Revising the strategy a paper copy of the survey was produced that CSSD staff helped distribute to more than 50 park visitors
28
Feedback Postcards
One of the most successful tools for obtaining user feedback was the custom feedback postcard tool developed by the design team Mounted on a central planted tote within the park this tool consisted of four simple elements a set of colorful pop-up park postcards with two questions on the back pens a mailbox and explanatory signage The postcard sought to find out what people liked most about the pop-up interventions and what they would like to see in the future The team received more than 70 postcards and with several more hopefully taken as souvenirs by park users - a covert way for the design team to spread the word about the park
29
PUBLIC CHALKBOARDSTo collect feedback on park usersrsquo hopes and dreams for the space two community chalkboards were installed at the pop-up The first was mounted to the back of the piano and the second chalkboard was installed in front of the park and served as a place for people to contribute their drawings hopes and names to the space
30
POP-UP STORIESPerhaps the most powerful qualitative feedback the design team collected was through a series of testimonial interviews conducted with park users which the design team turned into mini-documentaries dubbed ldquoPop-Up Storiesrdquo Speaking one-on-one with park users the design team was inspired to record and create mini-documentaries detailing the stories of several different park users This work most accurately captured the human impact of Roosevelt Plaza Park which the team found to be extremely powerful given the many decades of decline and disinvestment experienced by the City of Camden and its residents
31
the tote veranda the grove
the lawn
picnic tables
32
The park interventions while interrelated created a variety of different spaces in order to test user preferences and patterns at the pop-up What follows is a discussion and analysis of the teamrsquos observations of each of the ldquooutdoor roomsrdquo
THE GROVEPerhaps the most defined of the lsquooutdoor roomsrsquo the Grove was bordered by custom-design corrugated planter boxes the outdoor piano and sprinkled with IBC tote planters Our mapping survey showed that this area was a popular draw for a lunch-time crowd and the wider tables were successful in accommodating and encouraging groups of up to four people per table with visitors spending anywhere between 10-45 minutes on average at a table
A review of timelapse photography mounted on a nearby IBC Tote reveals some of the rhythms of the Grove Groups of people congregate at all times of the day but itrsquos shortly after noon when this area is at its peak and when lunch-time crowds fill nearly all the available tables with takeout food purchased from local restaurants Also notable is the diversity of this group consisting of professionals students and everyday residents
INTERVENTION AREAS
picnic tables
33
THE PIANOOne of the most loved features of the Grove was undoubtedly the outdoor piano which immediately attracted pianists dancers and conversation from the moment it was installed The addition of the piano was inspired jointly by the rich musical history of the City and the diverse population that occupied the park and its surroundings We thought ndash ldquowhat interactive design element could transcend social class race even languagerdquo The answer we came up with was to do something with music We hoped that the addition of an outdoor piano would encourage the diverse group of park users (eg the homeless clinic patients students professionals judges etc) to stop play a tune and interact In this sense the piano was a major success
Consider one mid-September afternoon at the piano Over the course of these four hours on a sunny September day we observed two primary pianists one a clinic patient and one a local minister who played for extended periods of 1-2 hours Both talented musicians their playing attracted over 20 other individuals which included a mix of professionals people eating lunch local residents other clinic patients and several other curious pianists to the site The most common sight to see were groups of 2-4 individuals spontaneously interacting with each other and the pianist A resident remarked to us that the piano allowed people of any stripe to step outside of their normal element and to be looked at not by how they dressed or talked but by what they could do and what they were capable of
34
ldquoEste parque me trae alegriacutea y amor hellip para mostrarle a estas personas aquiacute que estaacuten con cosas difiacutecilesmdashcomo las drogas Para mi con mi instrumento un piano les ensentildeoacute amorhellip Yo veo como ellos buscan el amor y el apoyo de otras personas El privilegio para mi vida es llenar con voces muacutesica la ciudad de aquiacute Camden helliprdquo- Junior Osvaldo Cruz
english translationldquoThis park brings me joy and love to show these people here who are going through difficult things-like drugs For me with my instrument the piano I can show them love I see how they seek love and support from others My lifersquos privilege is to fill this city Camden with music and voices ldquo
If viewing on a PDF click here to hear a sample of the outdoor piano being played
Junior Osvaldo Cruz brought music and joy to the pop-up park no matter the season
35
4276221
THE LAWNWhile not a lsquodesignedrsquo space our analysis found that the lawn is an area with potential for future interventions with a very light touch At 75000 square feet most of which is well-maintained largely unobstructed lawn Roosevelt Plaza Park is one of the largest usable green spaces in the City and arguably its most accessible sitting at the nexus of several commercial corridors transit lines and easily accessed on foot or by bicycle
Our team observed that the pop-up helped spur unplanned organic use of the lawn spaces which had not been occurring prior to the interventions Basking in the sun on an Adirondack chair a game of Frisbee outdoor Tai Chi and a gentleman called ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo who regularly showed up teach children and spread the joy of flying kites were some of the most notable people and activities that took advantage of the lawnrsquos uniquely wide open spaces and expansive views of City Hall
Though the design focused on the north west portion of the lawn by defining that space with the pop-up elements observation showed that the open lawn spaces south of the Tote Veranda was popular for active uses such as kite-flying and Frisbee The small strip of lawn defined by trees at the north east was the most popular area for lounging on the lawn
ldquoKites is what really brings me here because this brings families together - children to the old they all fly they all have fun This builds your self-esteem because when you flying it you feel so good about your accomplishments this is something yoursquore doing A kid two years old was just flying a kite Donrsquot say you canrsquot do it you can do anything you put your mind tordquo- Kevin the Kiteman
36
To watch Kevin the Kitemanrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPkevin
ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo shows a group of Camden youth how to fly a kite
37
THE PICNIC TABLESThe Picnic Tables were popular for sitting chatting and for having a meal at lunchtime Set up as a communal table along Market Street the location was intended to engage passersby and customers of the restaurants along Market Street In designing this space we wanted to test the viability of outdoor dining along this burgeoning restaurant corridor The consistent use of the tables proved this amenity is in-demand among daily park users While the picnic tables did provide a comfortable place to sit and while people did eat meals there the space could have been enhanced through the principle of triangulation further detailed later in this report As an arrangement of elements this space was not multi-dimensional in nature and could be enlivened in future iterations through the addition of other complementary elements (a food vendor for example) to create a better sense of place Intensive improvements here will interface with an existing demand making investment at the Market Street edge of the park a high-impact improvement
38
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
ITERATIVE PLACEMAKING
Roosevelt Plaza Park was unique in that its simple inexpensive amenities test-drove public space improvements to see what did and didnrsquot work before implementing either another round of pop-up interventions or more substantial capital improvements This strategy referred to as ldquoiterative placemakingrdquo has the benefit of producing a public space that is bold innovative and responds directly to the user as the ephemeral nature of the improvements takes the risk out of traditional capital-intensive park projects
To analyze the use of Roosevelt Plaza Park and to inform recommendations for future interventions the team of Cooperrsquos Ferry Partnership Group Melvin Design and Sikora Wells Appel devised a unique methodology that used both qualitative and quantitative data to analyze the site The initial methodology was inspired by noted urbanist and public space researcher William Whytersquos seminal ldquoThe Social Life of Small Urban Spacesrdquo relying primarily on time-lapse photography and observations to analyze the site from above and at a distance Yet after the pop-up interventions were constructed the team realized that the initial methodology treated the park more like a petri dish than a public space This conclusion led to the refinement of the methodology to ensure not just the quantitative but the qualitative human story of the park was captured
STUDY METHODOLOGY
in 5 months the team collected
500+hours of timelapse
footage
124visitor surveys amp
feedback postcards submitted
121mapping surveys
completed
3818park users and
activities mapped
26
Data collection methoDology
For the teamrsquos analysis of Roosevelt Plaza Park the team recognized that the study had to tell a story through both quantitative data and qualitative observations and user feedback To accomplish this a multi-pronged strategy was devised that used several different tools to analyze the site
time-lapse photography
The initial methodology relied primarily on time-lapse photography to capture user movement activities and interactions in the space The team quickly found that William Whytersquos primary disclaimer of this technique that recording the film is easy and that evaluation is the hard part was as true using modern equipment in the 21st century as it was for Whyte in the 1970rsquos However while there were limitations to what could be observed using time-lapse photography it was a valuable tool for seeing that which is invisible to the human eye in real-time The ability to capture imagery of the entire site all-at-once and play back video of park users at hyper-speed allowed the team to observe patterns of movement usage throughout the day and patterns influenced by environmental conditions that would have otherwise been invisible And while the time-lapse photography was limited when mounted from a site-wide vantage point in the windows of City Hall our team recorded additional video with cameras mounted directly in the park in order to make more direct activity-focused area-specific observations Throughout this process both the Mayorrsquos Office and the Camden County Administration Offices were incredibly generous with their window-space by allowing the team to mount our cameras from their offices
To watch timelapse footage visit httptinyurlcomRPPtimelapse
27
Mapping Surveys
Roosevelt Plaza Park is cleaned and maintained by the Camden Special Services District (CSSD) who staffed the pop-up with an employee throughout the week with more limited hours on weekends Time-lapse photography is limited in its ability to see the close-up and personal and so the design team met with CSSD staff to get their help in filling out on-the-ground mapping surveys of user activity at the park While the survey was limited by the hours during the day that CSSD staff worked the CSSD did an exceptional job of capturing data that recorded the type of user location and what they were doing at the park This data was coded in digital maps produced by the design team that allowed for the exploration of a number of different variables and conditions observed in more than 50 mapping surveys
Visitor Surveys
In addition to the mapping surveys CSSD staff also helped to complete visitor surveys that recorded additional information about users that would have not been obtained through observation Initially the survey was only provided through an online survey platform but the team realized that an online survey was not the right platform for effectively reaching the constituency that uses the park Revising the strategy a paper copy of the survey was produced that CSSD staff helped distribute to more than 50 park visitors
28
Feedback Postcards
One of the most successful tools for obtaining user feedback was the custom feedback postcard tool developed by the design team Mounted on a central planted tote within the park this tool consisted of four simple elements a set of colorful pop-up park postcards with two questions on the back pens a mailbox and explanatory signage The postcard sought to find out what people liked most about the pop-up interventions and what they would like to see in the future The team received more than 70 postcards and with several more hopefully taken as souvenirs by park users - a covert way for the design team to spread the word about the park
29
PUBLIC CHALKBOARDSTo collect feedback on park usersrsquo hopes and dreams for the space two community chalkboards were installed at the pop-up The first was mounted to the back of the piano and the second chalkboard was installed in front of the park and served as a place for people to contribute their drawings hopes and names to the space
30
POP-UP STORIESPerhaps the most powerful qualitative feedback the design team collected was through a series of testimonial interviews conducted with park users which the design team turned into mini-documentaries dubbed ldquoPop-Up Storiesrdquo Speaking one-on-one with park users the design team was inspired to record and create mini-documentaries detailing the stories of several different park users This work most accurately captured the human impact of Roosevelt Plaza Park which the team found to be extremely powerful given the many decades of decline and disinvestment experienced by the City of Camden and its residents
31
the tote veranda the grove
the lawn
picnic tables
32
The park interventions while interrelated created a variety of different spaces in order to test user preferences and patterns at the pop-up What follows is a discussion and analysis of the teamrsquos observations of each of the ldquooutdoor roomsrdquo
THE GROVEPerhaps the most defined of the lsquooutdoor roomsrsquo the Grove was bordered by custom-design corrugated planter boxes the outdoor piano and sprinkled with IBC tote planters Our mapping survey showed that this area was a popular draw for a lunch-time crowd and the wider tables were successful in accommodating and encouraging groups of up to four people per table with visitors spending anywhere between 10-45 minutes on average at a table
A review of timelapse photography mounted on a nearby IBC Tote reveals some of the rhythms of the Grove Groups of people congregate at all times of the day but itrsquos shortly after noon when this area is at its peak and when lunch-time crowds fill nearly all the available tables with takeout food purchased from local restaurants Also notable is the diversity of this group consisting of professionals students and everyday residents
INTERVENTION AREAS
picnic tables
33
THE PIANOOne of the most loved features of the Grove was undoubtedly the outdoor piano which immediately attracted pianists dancers and conversation from the moment it was installed The addition of the piano was inspired jointly by the rich musical history of the City and the diverse population that occupied the park and its surroundings We thought ndash ldquowhat interactive design element could transcend social class race even languagerdquo The answer we came up with was to do something with music We hoped that the addition of an outdoor piano would encourage the diverse group of park users (eg the homeless clinic patients students professionals judges etc) to stop play a tune and interact In this sense the piano was a major success
Consider one mid-September afternoon at the piano Over the course of these four hours on a sunny September day we observed two primary pianists one a clinic patient and one a local minister who played for extended periods of 1-2 hours Both talented musicians their playing attracted over 20 other individuals which included a mix of professionals people eating lunch local residents other clinic patients and several other curious pianists to the site The most common sight to see were groups of 2-4 individuals spontaneously interacting with each other and the pianist A resident remarked to us that the piano allowed people of any stripe to step outside of their normal element and to be looked at not by how they dressed or talked but by what they could do and what they were capable of
34
ldquoEste parque me trae alegriacutea y amor hellip para mostrarle a estas personas aquiacute que estaacuten con cosas difiacutecilesmdashcomo las drogas Para mi con mi instrumento un piano les ensentildeoacute amorhellip Yo veo como ellos buscan el amor y el apoyo de otras personas El privilegio para mi vida es llenar con voces muacutesica la ciudad de aquiacute Camden helliprdquo- Junior Osvaldo Cruz
english translationldquoThis park brings me joy and love to show these people here who are going through difficult things-like drugs For me with my instrument the piano I can show them love I see how they seek love and support from others My lifersquos privilege is to fill this city Camden with music and voices ldquo
If viewing on a PDF click here to hear a sample of the outdoor piano being played
Junior Osvaldo Cruz brought music and joy to the pop-up park no matter the season
35
4276221
THE LAWNWhile not a lsquodesignedrsquo space our analysis found that the lawn is an area with potential for future interventions with a very light touch At 75000 square feet most of which is well-maintained largely unobstructed lawn Roosevelt Plaza Park is one of the largest usable green spaces in the City and arguably its most accessible sitting at the nexus of several commercial corridors transit lines and easily accessed on foot or by bicycle
Our team observed that the pop-up helped spur unplanned organic use of the lawn spaces which had not been occurring prior to the interventions Basking in the sun on an Adirondack chair a game of Frisbee outdoor Tai Chi and a gentleman called ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo who regularly showed up teach children and spread the joy of flying kites were some of the most notable people and activities that took advantage of the lawnrsquos uniquely wide open spaces and expansive views of City Hall
Though the design focused on the north west portion of the lawn by defining that space with the pop-up elements observation showed that the open lawn spaces south of the Tote Veranda was popular for active uses such as kite-flying and Frisbee The small strip of lawn defined by trees at the north east was the most popular area for lounging on the lawn
ldquoKites is what really brings me here because this brings families together - children to the old they all fly they all have fun This builds your self-esteem because when you flying it you feel so good about your accomplishments this is something yoursquore doing A kid two years old was just flying a kite Donrsquot say you canrsquot do it you can do anything you put your mind tordquo- Kevin the Kiteman
36
To watch Kevin the Kitemanrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPkevin
ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo shows a group of Camden youth how to fly a kite
37
THE PICNIC TABLESThe Picnic Tables were popular for sitting chatting and for having a meal at lunchtime Set up as a communal table along Market Street the location was intended to engage passersby and customers of the restaurants along Market Street In designing this space we wanted to test the viability of outdoor dining along this burgeoning restaurant corridor The consistent use of the tables proved this amenity is in-demand among daily park users While the picnic tables did provide a comfortable place to sit and while people did eat meals there the space could have been enhanced through the principle of triangulation further detailed later in this report As an arrangement of elements this space was not multi-dimensional in nature and could be enlivened in future iterations through the addition of other complementary elements (a food vendor for example) to create a better sense of place Intensive improvements here will interface with an existing demand making investment at the Market Street edge of the park a high-impact improvement
38
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
Data collection methoDology
For the teamrsquos analysis of Roosevelt Plaza Park the team recognized that the study had to tell a story through both quantitative data and qualitative observations and user feedback To accomplish this a multi-pronged strategy was devised that used several different tools to analyze the site
time-lapse photography
The initial methodology relied primarily on time-lapse photography to capture user movement activities and interactions in the space The team quickly found that William Whytersquos primary disclaimer of this technique that recording the film is easy and that evaluation is the hard part was as true using modern equipment in the 21st century as it was for Whyte in the 1970rsquos However while there were limitations to what could be observed using time-lapse photography it was a valuable tool for seeing that which is invisible to the human eye in real-time The ability to capture imagery of the entire site all-at-once and play back video of park users at hyper-speed allowed the team to observe patterns of movement usage throughout the day and patterns influenced by environmental conditions that would have otherwise been invisible And while the time-lapse photography was limited when mounted from a site-wide vantage point in the windows of City Hall our team recorded additional video with cameras mounted directly in the park in order to make more direct activity-focused area-specific observations Throughout this process both the Mayorrsquos Office and the Camden County Administration Offices were incredibly generous with their window-space by allowing the team to mount our cameras from their offices
To watch timelapse footage visit httptinyurlcomRPPtimelapse
27
Mapping Surveys
Roosevelt Plaza Park is cleaned and maintained by the Camden Special Services District (CSSD) who staffed the pop-up with an employee throughout the week with more limited hours on weekends Time-lapse photography is limited in its ability to see the close-up and personal and so the design team met with CSSD staff to get their help in filling out on-the-ground mapping surveys of user activity at the park While the survey was limited by the hours during the day that CSSD staff worked the CSSD did an exceptional job of capturing data that recorded the type of user location and what they were doing at the park This data was coded in digital maps produced by the design team that allowed for the exploration of a number of different variables and conditions observed in more than 50 mapping surveys
Visitor Surveys
In addition to the mapping surveys CSSD staff also helped to complete visitor surveys that recorded additional information about users that would have not been obtained through observation Initially the survey was only provided through an online survey platform but the team realized that an online survey was not the right platform for effectively reaching the constituency that uses the park Revising the strategy a paper copy of the survey was produced that CSSD staff helped distribute to more than 50 park visitors
28
Feedback Postcards
One of the most successful tools for obtaining user feedback was the custom feedback postcard tool developed by the design team Mounted on a central planted tote within the park this tool consisted of four simple elements a set of colorful pop-up park postcards with two questions on the back pens a mailbox and explanatory signage The postcard sought to find out what people liked most about the pop-up interventions and what they would like to see in the future The team received more than 70 postcards and with several more hopefully taken as souvenirs by park users - a covert way for the design team to spread the word about the park
29
PUBLIC CHALKBOARDSTo collect feedback on park usersrsquo hopes and dreams for the space two community chalkboards were installed at the pop-up The first was mounted to the back of the piano and the second chalkboard was installed in front of the park and served as a place for people to contribute their drawings hopes and names to the space
30
POP-UP STORIESPerhaps the most powerful qualitative feedback the design team collected was through a series of testimonial interviews conducted with park users which the design team turned into mini-documentaries dubbed ldquoPop-Up Storiesrdquo Speaking one-on-one with park users the design team was inspired to record and create mini-documentaries detailing the stories of several different park users This work most accurately captured the human impact of Roosevelt Plaza Park which the team found to be extremely powerful given the many decades of decline and disinvestment experienced by the City of Camden and its residents
31
the tote veranda the grove
the lawn
picnic tables
32
The park interventions while interrelated created a variety of different spaces in order to test user preferences and patterns at the pop-up What follows is a discussion and analysis of the teamrsquos observations of each of the ldquooutdoor roomsrdquo
THE GROVEPerhaps the most defined of the lsquooutdoor roomsrsquo the Grove was bordered by custom-design corrugated planter boxes the outdoor piano and sprinkled with IBC tote planters Our mapping survey showed that this area was a popular draw for a lunch-time crowd and the wider tables were successful in accommodating and encouraging groups of up to four people per table with visitors spending anywhere between 10-45 minutes on average at a table
A review of timelapse photography mounted on a nearby IBC Tote reveals some of the rhythms of the Grove Groups of people congregate at all times of the day but itrsquos shortly after noon when this area is at its peak and when lunch-time crowds fill nearly all the available tables with takeout food purchased from local restaurants Also notable is the diversity of this group consisting of professionals students and everyday residents
INTERVENTION AREAS
picnic tables
33
THE PIANOOne of the most loved features of the Grove was undoubtedly the outdoor piano which immediately attracted pianists dancers and conversation from the moment it was installed The addition of the piano was inspired jointly by the rich musical history of the City and the diverse population that occupied the park and its surroundings We thought ndash ldquowhat interactive design element could transcend social class race even languagerdquo The answer we came up with was to do something with music We hoped that the addition of an outdoor piano would encourage the diverse group of park users (eg the homeless clinic patients students professionals judges etc) to stop play a tune and interact In this sense the piano was a major success
Consider one mid-September afternoon at the piano Over the course of these four hours on a sunny September day we observed two primary pianists one a clinic patient and one a local minister who played for extended periods of 1-2 hours Both talented musicians their playing attracted over 20 other individuals which included a mix of professionals people eating lunch local residents other clinic patients and several other curious pianists to the site The most common sight to see were groups of 2-4 individuals spontaneously interacting with each other and the pianist A resident remarked to us that the piano allowed people of any stripe to step outside of their normal element and to be looked at not by how they dressed or talked but by what they could do and what they were capable of
34
ldquoEste parque me trae alegriacutea y amor hellip para mostrarle a estas personas aquiacute que estaacuten con cosas difiacutecilesmdashcomo las drogas Para mi con mi instrumento un piano les ensentildeoacute amorhellip Yo veo como ellos buscan el amor y el apoyo de otras personas El privilegio para mi vida es llenar con voces muacutesica la ciudad de aquiacute Camden helliprdquo- Junior Osvaldo Cruz
english translationldquoThis park brings me joy and love to show these people here who are going through difficult things-like drugs For me with my instrument the piano I can show them love I see how they seek love and support from others My lifersquos privilege is to fill this city Camden with music and voices ldquo
If viewing on a PDF click here to hear a sample of the outdoor piano being played
Junior Osvaldo Cruz brought music and joy to the pop-up park no matter the season
35
4276221
THE LAWNWhile not a lsquodesignedrsquo space our analysis found that the lawn is an area with potential for future interventions with a very light touch At 75000 square feet most of which is well-maintained largely unobstructed lawn Roosevelt Plaza Park is one of the largest usable green spaces in the City and arguably its most accessible sitting at the nexus of several commercial corridors transit lines and easily accessed on foot or by bicycle
Our team observed that the pop-up helped spur unplanned organic use of the lawn spaces which had not been occurring prior to the interventions Basking in the sun on an Adirondack chair a game of Frisbee outdoor Tai Chi and a gentleman called ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo who regularly showed up teach children and spread the joy of flying kites were some of the most notable people and activities that took advantage of the lawnrsquos uniquely wide open spaces and expansive views of City Hall
Though the design focused on the north west portion of the lawn by defining that space with the pop-up elements observation showed that the open lawn spaces south of the Tote Veranda was popular for active uses such as kite-flying and Frisbee The small strip of lawn defined by trees at the north east was the most popular area for lounging on the lawn
ldquoKites is what really brings me here because this brings families together - children to the old they all fly they all have fun This builds your self-esteem because when you flying it you feel so good about your accomplishments this is something yoursquore doing A kid two years old was just flying a kite Donrsquot say you canrsquot do it you can do anything you put your mind tordquo- Kevin the Kiteman
36
To watch Kevin the Kitemanrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPkevin
ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo shows a group of Camden youth how to fly a kite
37
THE PICNIC TABLESThe Picnic Tables were popular for sitting chatting and for having a meal at lunchtime Set up as a communal table along Market Street the location was intended to engage passersby and customers of the restaurants along Market Street In designing this space we wanted to test the viability of outdoor dining along this burgeoning restaurant corridor The consistent use of the tables proved this amenity is in-demand among daily park users While the picnic tables did provide a comfortable place to sit and while people did eat meals there the space could have been enhanced through the principle of triangulation further detailed later in this report As an arrangement of elements this space was not multi-dimensional in nature and could be enlivened in future iterations through the addition of other complementary elements (a food vendor for example) to create a better sense of place Intensive improvements here will interface with an existing demand making investment at the Market Street edge of the park a high-impact improvement
38
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
Mapping Surveys
Roosevelt Plaza Park is cleaned and maintained by the Camden Special Services District (CSSD) who staffed the pop-up with an employee throughout the week with more limited hours on weekends Time-lapse photography is limited in its ability to see the close-up and personal and so the design team met with CSSD staff to get their help in filling out on-the-ground mapping surveys of user activity at the park While the survey was limited by the hours during the day that CSSD staff worked the CSSD did an exceptional job of capturing data that recorded the type of user location and what they were doing at the park This data was coded in digital maps produced by the design team that allowed for the exploration of a number of different variables and conditions observed in more than 50 mapping surveys
Visitor Surveys
In addition to the mapping surveys CSSD staff also helped to complete visitor surveys that recorded additional information about users that would have not been obtained through observation Initially the survey was only provided through an online survey platform but the team realized that an online survey was not the right platform for effectively reaching the constituency that uses the park Revising the strategy a paper copy of the survey was produced that CSSD staff helped distribute to more than 50 park visitors
28
Feedback Postcards
One of the most successful tools for obtaining user feedback was the custom feedback postcard tool developed by the design team Mounted on a central planted tote within the park this tool consisted of four simple elements a set of colorful pop-up park postcards with two questions on the back pens a mailbox and explanatory signage The postcard sought to find out what people liked most about the pop-up interventions and what they would like to see in the future The team received more than 70 postcards and with several more hopefully taken as souvenirs by park users - a covert way for the design team to spread the word about the park
29
PUBLIC CHALKBOARDSTo collect feedback on park usersrsquo hopes and dreams for the space two community chalkboards were installed at the pop-up The first was mounted to the back of the piano and the second chalkboard was installed in front of the park and served as a place for people to contribute their drawings hopes and names to the space
30
POP-UP STORIESPerhaps the most powerful qualitative feedback the design team collected was through a series of testimonial interviews conducted with park users which the design team turned into mini-documentaries dubbed ldquoPop-Up Storiesrdquo Speaking one-on-one with park users the design team was inspired to record and create mini-documentaries detailing the stories of several different park users This work most accurately captured the human impact of Roosevelt Plaza Park which the team found to be extremely powerful given the many decades of decline and disinvestment experienced by the City of Camden and its residents
31
the tote veranda the grove
the lawn
picnic tables
32
The park interventions while interrelated created a variety of different spaces in order to test user preferences and patterns at the pop-up What follows is a discussion and analysis of the teamrsquos observations of each of the ldquooutdoor roomsrdquo
THE GROVEPerhaps the most defined of the lsquooutdoor roomsrsquo the Grove was bordered by custom-design corrugated planter boxes the outdoor piano and sprinkled with IBC tote planters Our mapping survey showed that this area was a popular draw for a lunch-time crowd and the wider tables were successful in accommodating and encouraging groups of up to four people per table with visitors spending anywhere between 10-45 minutes on average at a table
A review of timelapse photography mounted on a nearby IBC Tote reveals some of the rhythms of the Grove Groups of people congregate at all times of the day but itrsquos shortly after noon when this area is at its peak and when lunch-time crowds fill nearly all the available tables with takeout food purchased from local restaurants Also notable is the diversity of this group consisting of professionals students and everyday residents
INTERVENTION AREAS
picnic tables
33
THE PIANOOne of the most loved features of the Grove was undoubtedly the outdoor piano which immediately attracted pianists dancers and conversation from the moment it was installed The addition of the piano was inspired jointly by the rich musical history of the City and the diverse population that occupied the park and its surroundings We thought ndash ldquowhat interactive design element could transcend social class race even languagerdquo The answer we came up with was to do something with music We hoped that the addition of an outdoor piano would encourage the diverse group of park users (eg the homeless clinic patients students professionals judges etc) to stop play a tune and interact In this sense the piano was a major success
Consider one mid-September afternoon at the piano Over the course of these four hours on a sunny September day we observed two primary pianists one a clinic patient and one a local minister who played for extended periods of 1-2 hours Both talented musicians their playing attracted over 20 other individuals which included a mix of professionals people eating lunch local residents other clinic patients and several other curious pianists to the site The most common sight to see were groups of 2-4 individuals spontaneously interacting with each other and the pianist A resident remarked to us that the piano allowed people of any stripe to step outside of their normal element and to be looked at not by how they dressed or talked but by what they could do and what they were capable of
34
ldquoEste parque me trae alegriacutea y amor hellip para mostrarle a estas personas aquiacute que estaacuten con cosas difiacutecilesmdashcomo las drogas Para mi con mi instrumento un piano les ensentildeoacute amorhellip Yo veo como ellos buscan el amor y el apoyo de otras personas El privilegio para mi vida es llenar con voces muacutesica la ciudad de aquiacute Camden helliprdquo- Junior Osvaldo Cruz
english translationldquoThis park brings me joy and love to show these people here who are going through difficult things-like drugs For me with my instrument the piano I can show them love I see how they seek love and support from others My lifersquos privilege is to fill this city Camden with music and voices ldquo
If viewing on a PDF click here to hear a sample of the outdoor piano being played
Junior Osvaldo Cruz brought music and joy to the pop-up park no matter the season
35
4276221
THE LAWNWhile not a lsquodesignedrsquo space our analysis found that the lawn is an area with potential for future interventions with a very light touch At 75000 square feet most of which is well-maintained largely unobstructed lawn Roosevelt Plaza Park is one of the largest usable green spaces in the City and arguably its most accessible sitting at the nexus of several commercial corridors transit lines and easily accessed on foot or by bicycle
Our team observed that the pop-up helped spur unplanned organic use of the lawn spaces which had not been occurring prior to the interventions Basking in the sun on an Adirondack chair a game of Frisbee outdoor Tai Chi and a gentleman called ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo who regularly showed up teach children and spread the joy of flying kites were some of the most notable people and activities that took advantage of the lawnrsquos uniquely wide open spaces and expansive views of City Hall
Though the design focused on the north west portion of the lawn by defining that space with the pop-up elements observation showed that the open lawn spaces south of the Tote Veranda was popular for active uses such as kite-flying and Frisbee The small strip of lawn defined by trees at the north east was the most popular area for lounging on the lawn
ldquoKites is what really brings me here because this brings families together - children to the old they all fly they all have fun This builds your self-esteem because when you flying it you feel so good about your accomplishments this is something yoursquore doing A kid two years old was just flying a kite Donrsquot say you canrsquot do it you can do anything you put your mind tordquo- Kevin the Kiteman
36
To watch Kevin the Kitemanrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPkevin
ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo shows a group of Camden youth how to fly a kite
37
THE PICNIC TABLESThe Picnic Tables were popular for sitting chatting and for having a meal at lunchtime Set up as a communal table along Market Street the location was intended to engage passersby and customers of the restaurants along Market Street In designing this space we wanted to test the viability of outdoor dining along this burgeoning restaurant corridor The consistent use of the tables proved this amenity is in-demand among daily park users While the picnic tables did provide a comfortable place to sit and while people did eat meals there the space could have been enhanced through the principle of triangulation further detailed later in this report As an arrangement of elements this space was not multi-dimensional in nature and could be enlivened in future iterations through the addition of other complementary elements (a food vendor for example) to create a better sense of place Intensive improvements here will interface with an existing demand making investment at the Market Street edge of the park a high-impact improvement
38
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
Feedback Postcards
One of the most successful tools for obtaining user feedback was the custom feedback postcard tool developed by the design team Mounted on a central planted tote within the park this tool consisted of four simple elements a set of colorful pop-up park postcards with two questions on the back pens a mailbox and explanatory signage The postcard sought to find out what people liked most about the pop-up interventions and what they would like to see in the future The team received more than 70 postcards and with several more hopefully taken as souvenirs by park users - a covert way for the design team to spread the word about the park
29
PUBLIC CHALKBOARDSTo collect feedback on park usersrsquo hopes and dreams for the space two community chalkboards were installed at the pop-up The first was mounted to the back of the piano and the second chalkboard was installed in front of the park and served as a place for people to contribute their drawings hopes and names to the space
30
POP-UP STORIESPerhaps the most powerful qualitative feedback the design team collected was through a series of testimonial interviews conducted with park users which the design team turned into mini-documentaries dubbed ldquoPop-Up Storiesrdquo Speaking one-on-one with park users the design team was inspired to record and create mini-documentaries detailing the stories of several different park users This work most accurately captured the human impact of Roosevelt Plaza Park which the team found to be extremely powerful given the many decades of decline and disinvestment experienced by the City of Camden and its residents
31
the tote veranda the grove
the lawn
picnic tables
32
The park interventions while interrelated created a variety of different spaces in order to test user preferences and patterns at the pop-up What follows is a discussion and analysis of the teamrsquos observations of each of the ldquooutdoor roomsrdquo
THE GROVEPerhaps the most defined of the lsquooutdoor roomsrsquo the Grove was bordered by custom-design corrugated planter boxes the outdoor piano and sprinkled with IBC tote planters Our mapping survey showed that this area was a popular draw for a lunch-time crowd and the wider tables were successful in accommodating and encouraging groups of up to four people per table with visitors spending anywhere between 10-45 minutes on average at a table
A review of timelapse photography mounted on a nearby IBC Tote reveals some of the rhythms of the Grove Groups of people congregate at all times of the day but itrsquos shortly after noon when this area is at its peak and when lunch-time crowds fill nearly all the available tables with takeout food purchased from local restaurants Also notable is the diversity of this group consisting of professionals students and everyday residents
INTERVENTION AREAS
picnic tables
33
THE PIANOOne of the most loved features of the Grove was undoubtedly the outdoor piano which immediately attracted pianists dancers and conversation from the moment it was installed The addition of the piano was inspired jointly by the rich musical history of the City and the diverse population that occupied the park and its surroundings We thought ndash ldquowhat interactive design element could transcend social class race even languagerdquo The answer we came up with was to do something with music We hoped that the addition of an outdoor piano would encourage the diverse group of park users (eg the homeless clinic patients students professionals judges etc) to stop play a tune and interact In this sense the piano was a major success
Consider one mid-September afternoon at the piano Over the course of these four hours on a sunny September day we observed two primary pianists one a clinic patient and one a local minister who played for extended periods of 1-2 hours Both talented musicians their playing attracted over 20 other individuals which included a mix of professionals people eating lunch local residents other clinic patients and several other curious pianists to the site The most common sight to see were groups of 2-4 individuals spontaneously interacting with each other and the pianist A resident remarked to us that the piano allowed people of any stripe to step outside of their normal element and to be looked at not by how they dressed or talked but by what they could do and what they were capable of
34
ldquoEste parque me trae alegriacutea y amor hellip para mostrarle a estas personas aquiacute que estaacuten con cosas difiacutecilesmdashcomo las drogas Para mi con mi instrumento un piano les ensentildeoacute amorhellip Yo veo como ellos buscan el amor y el apoyo de otras personas El privilegio para mi vida es llenar con voces muacutesica la ciudad de aquiacute Camden helliprdquo- Junior Osvaldo Cruz
english translationldquoThis park brings me joy and love to show these people here who are going through difficult things-like drugs For me with my instrument the piano I can show them love I see how they seek love and support from others My lifersquos privilege is to fill this city Camden with music and voices ldquo
If viewing on a PDF click here to hear a sample of the outdoor piano being played
Junior Osvaldo Cruz brought music and joy to the pop-up park no matter the season
35
4276221
THE LAWNWhile not a lsquodesignedrsquo space our analysis found that the lawn is an area with potential for future interventions with a very light touch At 75000 square feet most of which is well-maintained largely unobstructed lawn Roosevelt Plaza Park is one of the largest usable green spaces in the City and arguably its most accessible sitting at the nexus of several commercial corridors transit lines and easily accessed on foot or by bicycle
Our team observed that the pop-up helped spur unplanned organic use of the lawn spaces which had not been occurring prior to the interventions Basking in the sun on an Adirondack chair a game of Frisbee outdoor Tai Chi and a gentleman called ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo who regularly showed up teach children and spread the joy of flying kites were some of the most notable people and activities that took advantage of the lawnrsquos uniquely wide open spaces and expansive views of City Hall
Though the design focused on the north west portion of the lawn by defining that space with the pop-up elements observation showed that the open lawn spaces south of the Tote Veranda was popular for active uses such as kite-flying and Frisbee The small strip of lawn defined by trees at the north east was the most popular area for lounging on the lawn
ldquoKites is what really brings me here because this brings families together - children to the old they all fly they all have fun This builds your self-esteem because when you flying it you feel so good about your accomplishments this is something yoursquore doing A kid two years old was just flying a kite Donrsquot say you canrsquot do it you can do anything you put your mind tordquo- Kevin the Kiteman
36
To watch Kevin the Kitemanrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPkevin
ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo shows a group of Camden youth how to fly a kite
37
THE PICNIC TABLESThe Picnic Tables were popular for sitting chatting and for having a meal at lunchtime Set up as a communal table along Market Street the location was intended to engage passersby and customers of the restaurants along Market Street In designing this space we wanted to test the viability of outdoor dining along this burgeoning restaurant corridor The consistent use of the tables proved this amenity is in-demand among daily park users While the picnic tables did provide a comfortable place to sit and while people did eat meals there the space could have been enhanced through the principle of triangulation further detailed later in this report As an arrangement of elements this space was not multi-dimensional in nature and could be enlivened in future iterations through the addition of other complementary elements (a food vendor for example) to create a better sense of place Intensive improvements here will interface with an existing demand making investment at the Market Street edge of the park a high-impact improvement
38
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
PUBLIC CHALKBOARDSTo collect feedback on park usersrsquo hopes and dreams for the space two community chalkboards were installed at the pop-up The first was mounted to the back of the piano and the second chalkboard was installed in front of the park and served as a place for people to contribute their drawings hopes and names to the space
30
POP-UP STORIESPerhaps the most powerful qualitative feedback the design team collected was through a series of testimonial interviews conducted with park users which the design team turned into mini-documentaries dubbed ldquoPop-Up Storiesrdquo Speaking one-on-one with park users the design team was inspired to record and create mini-documentaries detailing the stories of several different park users This work most accurately captured the human impact of Roosevelt Plaza Park which the team found to be extremely powerful given the many decades of decline and disinvestment experienced by the City of Camden and its residents
31
the tote veranda the grove
the lawn
picnic tables
32
The park interventions while interrelated created a variety of different spaces in order to test user preferences and patterns at the pop-up What follows is a discussion and analysis of the teamrsquos observations of each of the ldquooutdoor roomsrdquo
THE GROVEPerhaps the most defined of the lsquooutdoor roomsrsquo the Grove was bordered by custom-design corrugated planter boxes the outdoor piano and sprinkled with IBC tote planters Our mapping survey showed that this area was a popular draw for a lunch-time crowd and the wider tables were successful in accommodating and encouraging groups of up to four people per table with visitors spending anywhere between 10-45 minutes on average at a table
A review of timelapse photography mounted on a nearby IBC Tote reveals some of the rhythms of the Grove Groups of people congregate at all times of the day but itrsquos shortly after noon when this area is at its peak and when lunch-time crowds fill nearly all the available tables with takeout food purchased from local restaurants Also notable is the diversity of this group consisting of professionals students and everyday residents
INTERVENTION AREAS
picnic tables
33
THE PIANOOne of the most loved features of the Grove was undoubtedly the outdoor piano which immediately attracted pianists dancers and conversation from the moment it was installed The addition of the piano was inspired jointly by the rich musical history of the City and the diverse population that occupied the park and its surroundings We thought ndash ldquowhat interactive design element could transcend social class race even languagerdquo The answer we came up with was to do something with music We hoped that the addition of an outdoor piano would encourage the diverse group of park users (eg the homeless clinic patients students professionals judges etc) to stop play a tune and interact In this sense the piano was a major success
Consider one mid-September afternoon at the piano Over the course of these four hours on a sunny September day we observed two primary pianists one a clinic patient and one a local minister who played for extended periods of 1-2 hours Both talented musicians their playing attracted over 20 other individuals which included a mix of professionals people eating lunch local residents other clinic patients and several other curious pianists to the site The most common sight to see were groups of 2-4 individuals spontaneously interacting with each other and the pianist A resident remarked to us that the piano allowed people of any stripe to step outside of their normal element and to be looked at not by how they dressed or talked but by what they could do and what they were capable of
34
ldquoEste parque me trae alegriacutea y amor hellip para mostrarle a estas personas aquiacute que estaacuten con cosas difiacutecilesmdashcomo las drogas Para mi con mi instrumento un piano les ensentildeoacute amorhellip Yo veo como ellos buscan el amor y el apoyo de otras personas El privilegio para mi vida es llenar con voces muacutesica la ciudad de aquiacute Camden helliprdquo- Junior Osvaldo Cruz
english translationldquoThis park brings me joy and love to show these people here who are going through difficult things-like drugs For me with my instrument the piano I can show them love I see how they seek love and support from others My lifersquos privilege is to fill this city Camden with music and voices ldquo
If viewing on a PDF click here to hear a sample of the outdoor piano being played
Junior Osvaldo Cruz brought music and joy to the pop-up park no matter the season
35
4276221
THE LAWNWhile not a lsquodesignedrsquo space our analysis found that the lawn is an area with potential for future interventions with a very light touch At 75000 square feet most of which is well-maintained largely unobstructed lawn Roosevelt Plaza Park is one of the largest usable green spaces in the City and arguably its most accessible sitting at the nexus of several commercial corridors transit lines and easily accessed on foot or by bicycle
Our team observed that the pop-up helped spur unplanned organic use of the lawn spaces which had not been occurring prior to the interventions Basking in the sun on an Adirondack chair a game of Frisbee outdoor Tai Chi and a gentleman called ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo who regularly showed up teach children and spread the joy of flying kites were some of the most notable people and activities that took advantage of the lawnrsquos uniquely wide open spaces and expansive views of City Hall
Though the design focused on the north west portion of the lawn by defining that space with the pop-up elements observation showed that the open lawn spaces south of the Tote Veranda was popular for active uses such as kite-flying and Frisbee The small strip of lawn defined by trees at the north east was the most popular area for lounging on the lawn
ldquoKites is what really brings me here because this brings families together - children to the old they all fly they all have fun This builds your self-esteem because when you flying it you feel so good about your accomplishments this is something yoursquore doing A kid two years old was just flying a kite Donrsquot say you canrsquot do it you can do anything you put your mind tordquo- Kevin the Kiteman
36
To watch Kevin the Kitemanrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPkevin
ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo shows a group of Camden youth how to fly a kite
37
THE PICNIC TABLESThe Picnic Tables were popular for sitting chatting and for having a meal at lunchtime Set up as a communal table along Market Street the location was intended to engage passersby and customers of the restaurants along Market Street In designing this space we wanted to test the viability of outdoor dining along this burgeoning restaurant corridor The consistent use of the tables proved this amenity is in-demand among daily park users While the picnic tables did provide a comfortable place to sit and while people did eat meals there the space could have been enhanced through the principle of triangulation further detailed later in this report As an arrangement of elements this space was not multi-dimensional in nature and could be enlivened in future iterations through the addition of other complementary elements (a food vendor for example) to create a better sense of place Intensive improvements here will interface with an existing demand making investment at the Market Street edge of the park a high-impact improvement
38
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
POP-UP STORIESPerhaps the most powerful qualitative feedback the design team collected was through a series of testimonial interviews conducted with park users which the design team turned into mini-documentaries dubbed ldquoPop-Up Storiesrdquo Speaking one-on-one with park users the design team was inspired to record and create mini-documentaries detailing the stories of several different park users This work most accurately captured the human impact of Roosevelt Plaza Park which the team found to be extremely powerful given the many decades of decline and disinvestment experienced by the City of Camden and its residents
31
the tote veranda the grove
the lawn
picnic tables
32
The park interventions while interrelated created a variety of different spaces in order to test user preferences and patterns at the pop-up What follows is a discussion and analysis of the teamrsquos observations of each of the ldquooutdoor roomsrdquo
THE GROVEPerhaps the most defined of the lsquooutdoor roomsrsquo the Grove was bordered by custom-design corrugated planter boxes the outdoor piano and sprinkled with IBC tote planters Our mapping survey showed that this area was a popular draw for a lunch-time crowd and the wider tables were successful in accommodating and encouraging groups of up to four people per table with visitors spending anywhere between 10-45 minutes on average at a table
A review of timelapse photography mounted on a nearby IBC Tote reveals some of the rhythms of the Grove Groups of people congregate at all times of the day but itrsquos shortly after noon when this area is at its peak and when lunch-time crowds fill nearly all the available tables with takeout food purchased from local restaurants Also notable is the diversity of this group consisting of professionals students and everyday residents
INTERVENTION AREAS
picnic tables
33
THE PIANOOne of the most loved features of the Grove was undoubtedly the outdoor piano which immediately attracted pianists dancers and conversation from the moment it was installed The addition of the piano was inspired jointly by the rich musical history of the City and the diverse population that occupied the park and its surroundings We thought ndash ldquowhat interactive design element could transcend social class race even languagerdquo The answer we came up with was to do something with music We hoped that the addition of an outdoor piano would encourage the diverse group of park users (eg the homeless clinic patients students professionals judges etc) to stop play a tune and interact In this sense the piano was a major success
Consider one mid-September afternoon at the piano Over the course of these four hours on a sunny September day we observed two primary pianists one a clinic patient and one a local minister who played for extended periods of 1-2 hours Both talented musicians their playing attracted over 20 other individuals which included a mix of professionals people eating lunch local residents other clinic patients and several other curious pianists to the site The most common sight to see were groups of 2-4 individuals spontaneously interacting with each other and the pianist A resident remarked to us that the piano allowed people of any stripe to step outside of their normal element and to be looked at not by how they dressed or talked but by what they could do and what they were capable of
34
ldquoEste parque me trae alegriacutea y amor hellip para mostrarle a estas personas aquiacute que estaacuten con cosas difiacutecilesmdashcomo las drogas Para mi con mi instrumento un piano les ensentildeoacute amorhellip Yo veo como ellos buscan el amor y el apoyo de otras personas El privilegio para mi vida es llenar con voces muacutesica la ciudad de aquiacute Camden helliprdquo- Junior Osvaldo Cruz
english translationldquoThis park brings me joy and love to show these people here who are going through difficult things-like drugs For me with my instrument the piano I can show them love I see how they seek love and support from others My lifersquos privilege is to fill this city Camden with music and voices ldquo
If viewing on a PDF click here to hear a sample of the outdoor piano being played
Junior Osvaldo Cruz brought music and joy to the pop-up park no matter the season
35
4276221
THE LAWNWhile not a lsquodesignedrsquo space our analysis found that the lawn is an area with potential for future interventions with a very light touch At 75000 square feet most of which is well-maintained largely unobstructed lawn Roosevelt Plaza Park is one of the largest usable green spaces in the City and arguably its most accessible sitting at the nexus of several commercial corridors transit lines and easily accessed on foot or by bicycle
Our team observed that the pop-up helped spur unplanned organic use of the lawn spaces which had not been occurring prior to the interventions Basking in the sun on an Adirondack chair a game of Frisbee outdoor Tai Chi and a gentleman called ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo who regularly showed up teach children and spread the joy of flying kites were some of the most notable people and activities that took advantage of the lawnrsquos uniquely wide open spaces and expansive views of City Hall
Though the design focused on the north west portion of the lawn by defining that space with the pop-up elements observation showed that the open lawn spaces south of the Tote Veranda was popular for active uses such as kite-flying and Frisbee The small strip of lawn defined by trees at the north east was the most popular area for lounging on the lawn
ldquoKites is what really brings me here because this brings families together - children to the old they all fly they all have fun This builds your self-esteem because when you flying it you feel so good about your accomplishments this is something yoursquore doing A kid two years old was just flying a kite Donrsquot say you canrsquot do it you can do anything you put your mind tordquo- Kevin the Kiteman
36
To watch Kevin the Kitemanrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPkevin
ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo shows a group of Camden youth how to fly a kite
37
THE PICNIC TABLESThe Picnic Tables were popular for sitting chatting and for having a meal at lunchtime Set up as a communal table along Market Street the location was intended to engage passersby and customers of the restaurants along Market Street In designing this space we wanted to test the viability of outdoor dining along this burgeoning restaurant corridor The consistent use of the tables proved this amenity is in-demand among daily park users While the picnic tables did provide a comfortable place to sit and while people did eat meals there the space could have been enhanced through the principle of triangulation further detailed later in this report As an arrangement of elements this space was not multi-dimensional in nature and could be enlivened in future iterations through the addition of other complementary elements (a food vendor for example) to create a better sense of place Intensive improvements here will interface with an existing demand making investment at the Market Street edge of the park a high-impact improvement
38
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
the tote veranda the grove
the lawn
picnic tables
32
The park interventions while interrelated created a variety of different spaces in order to test user preferences and patterns at the pop-up What follows is a discussion and analysis of the teamrsquos observations of each of the ldquooutdoor roomsrdquo
THE GROVEPerhaps the most defined of the lsquooutdoor roomsrsquo the Grove was bordered by custom-design corrugated planter boxes the outdoor piano and sprinkled with IBC tote planters Our mapping survey showed that this area was a popular draw for a lunch-time crowd and the wider tables were successful in accommodating and encouraging groups of up to four people per table with visitors spending anywhere between 10-45 minutes on average at a table
A review of timelapse photography mounted on a nearby IBC Tote reveals some of the rhythms of the Grove Groups of people congregate at all times of the day but itrsquos shortly after noon when this area is at its peak and when lunch-time crowds fill nearly all the available tables with takeout food purchased from local restaurants Also notable is the diversity of this group consisting of professionals students and everyday residents
INTERVENTION AREAS
picnic tables
33
THE PIANOOne of the most loved features of the Grove was undoubtedly the outdoor piano which immediately attracted pianists dancers and conversation from the moment it was installed The addition of the piano was inspired jointly by the rich musical history of the City and the diverse population that occupied the park and its surroundings We thought ndash ldquowhat interactive design element could transcend social class race even languagerdquo The answer we came up with was to do something with music We hoped that the addition of an outdoor piano would encourage the diverse group of park users (eg the homeless clinic patients students professionals judges etc) to stop play a tune and interact In this sense the piano was a major success
Consider one mid-September afternoon at the piano Over the course of these four hours on a sunny September day we observed two primary pianists one a clinic patient and one a local minister who played for extended periods of 1-2 hours Both talented musicians their playing attracted over 20 other individuals which included a mix of professionals people eating lunch local residents other clinic patients and several other curious pianists to the site The most common sight to see were groups of 2-4 individuals spontaneously interacting with each other and the pianist A resident remarked to us that the piano allowed people of any stripe to step outside of their normal element and to be looked at not by how they dressed or talked but by what they could do and what they were capable of
34
ldquoEste parque me trae alegriacutea y amor hellip para mostrarle a estas personas aquiacute que estaacuten con cosas difiacutecilesmdashcomo las drogas Para mi con mi instrumento un piano les ensentildeoacute amorhellip Yo veo como ellos buscan el amor y el apoyo de otras personas El privilegio para mi vida es llenar con voces muacutesica la ciudad de aquiacute Camden helliprdquo- Junior Osvaldo Cruz
english translationldquoThis park brings me joy and love to show these people here who are going through difficult things-like drugs For me with my instrument the piano I can show them love I see how they seek love and support from others My lifersquos privilege is to fill this city Camden with music and voices ldquo
If viewing on a PDF click here to hear a sample of the outdoor piano being played
Junior Osvaldo Cruz brought music and joy to the pop-up park no matter the season
35
4276221
THE LAWNWhile not a lsquodesignedrsquo space our analysis found that the lawn is an area with potential for future interventions with a very light touch At 75000 square feet most of which is well-maintained largely unobstructed lawn Roosevelt Plaza Park is one of the largest usable green spaces in the City and arguably its most accessible sitting at the nexus of several commercial corridors transit lines and easily accessed on foot or by bicycle
Our team observed that the pop-up helped spur unplanned organic use of the lawn spaces which had not been occurring prior to the interventions Basking in the sun on an Adirondack chair a game of Frisbee outdoor Tai Chi and a gentleman called ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo who regularly showed up teach children and spread the joy of flying kites were some of the most notable people and activities that took advantage of the lawnrsquos uniquely wide open spaces and expansive views of City Hall
Though the design focused on the north west portion of the lawn by defining that space with the pop-up elements observation showed that the open lawn spaces south of the Tote Veranda was popular for active uses such as kite-flying and Frisbee The small strip of lawn defined by trees at the north east was the most popular area for lounging on the lawn
ldquoKites is what really brings me here because this brings families together - children to the old they all fly they all have fun This builds your self-esteem because when you flying it you feel so good about your accomplishments this is something yoursquore doing A kid two years old was just flying a kite Donrsquot say you canrsquot do it you can do anything you put your mind tordquo- Kevin the Kiteman
36
To watch Kevin the Kitemanrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPkevin
ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo shows a group of Camden youth how to fly a kite
37
THE PICNIC TABLESThe Picnic Tables were popular for sitting chatting and for having a meal at lunchtime Set up as a communal table along Market Street the location was intended to engage passersby and customers of the restaurants along Market Street In designing this space we wanted to test the viability of outdoor dining along this burgeoning restaurant corridor The consistent use of the tables proved this amenity is in-demand among daily park users While the picnic tables did provide a comfortable place to sit and while people did eat meals there the space could have been enhanced through the principle of triangulation further detailed later in this report As an arrangement of elements this space was not multi-dimensional in nature and could be enlivened in future iterations through the addition of other complementary elements (a food vendor for example) to create a better sense of place Intensive improvements here will interface with an existing demand making investment at the Market Street edge of the park a high-impact improvement
38
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
The park interventions while interrelated created a variety of different spaces in order to test user preferences and patterns at the pop-up What follows is a discussion and analysis of the teamrsquos observations of each of the ldquooutdoor roomsrdquo
THE GROVEPerhaps the most defined of the lsquooutdoor roomsrsquo the Grove was bordered by custom-design corrugated planter boxes the outdoor piano and sprinkled with IBC tote planters Our mapping survey showed that this area was a popular draw for a lunch-time crowd and the wider tables were successful in accommodating and encouraging groups of up to four people per table with visitors spending anywhere between 10-45 minutes on average at a table
A review of timelapse photography mounted on a nearby IBC Tote reveals some of the rhythms of the Grove Groups of people congregate at all times of the day but itrsquos shortly after noon when this area is at its peak and when lunch-time crowds fill nearly all the available tables with takeout food purchased from local restaurants Also notable is the diversity of this group consisting of professionals students and everyday residents
INTERVENTION AREAS
picnic tables
33
THE PIANOOne of the most loved features of the Grove was undoubtedly the outdoor piano which immediately attracted pianists dancers and conversation from the moment it was installed The addition of the piano was inspired jointly by the rich musical history of the City and the diverse population that occupied the park and its surroundings We thought ndash ldquowhat interactive design element could transcend social class race even languagerdquo The answer we came up with was to do something with music We hoped that the addition of an outdoor piano would encourage the diverse group of park users (eg the homeless clinic patients students professionals judges etc) to stop play a tune and interact In this sense the piano was a major success
Consider one mid-September afternoon at the piano Over the course of these four hours on a sunny September day we observed two primary pianists one a clinic patient and one a local minister who played for extended periods of 1-2 hours Both talented musicians their playing attracted over 20 other individuals which included a mix of professionals people eating lunch local residents other clinic patients and several other curious pianists to the site The most common sight to see were groups of 2-4 individuals spontaneously interacting with each other and the pianist A resident remarked to us that the piano allowed people of any stripe to step outside of their normal element and to be looked at not by how they dressed or talked but by what they could do and what they were capable of
34
ldquoEste parque me trae alegriacutea y amor hellip para mostrarle a estas personas aquiacute que estaacuten con cosas difiacutecilesmdashcomo las drogas Para mi con mi instrumento un piano les ensentildeoacute amorhellip Yo veo como ellos buscan el amor y el apoyo de otras personas El privilegio para mi vida es llenar con voces muacutesica la ciudad de aquiacute Camden helliprdquo- Junior Osvaldo Cruz
english translationldquoThis park brings me joy and love to show these people here who are going through difficult things-like drugs For me with my instrument the piano I can show them love I see how they seek love and support from others My lifersquos privilege is to fill this city Camden with music and voices ldquo
If viewing on a PDF click here to hear a sample of the outdoor piano being played
Junior Osvaldo Cruz brought music and joy to the pop-up park no matter the season
35
4276221
THE LAWNWhile not a lsquodesignedrsquo space our analysis found that the lawn is an area with potential for future interventions with a very light touch At 75000 square feet most of which is well-maintained largely unobstructed lawn Roosevelt Plaza Park is one of the largest usable green spaces in the City and arguably its most accessible sitting at the nexus of several commercial corridors transit lines and easily accessed on foot or by bicycle
Our team observed that the pop-up helped spur unplanned organic use of the lawn spaces which had not been occurring prior to the interventions Basking in the sun on an Adirondack chair a game of Frisbee outdoor Tai Chi and a gentleman called ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo who regularly showed up teach children and spread the joy of flying kites were some of the most notable people and activities that took advantage of the lawnrsquos uniquely wide open spaces and expansive views of City Hall
Though the design focused on the north west portion of the lawn by defining that space with the pop-up elements observation showed that the open lawn spaces south of the Tote Veranda was popular for active uses such as kite-flying and Frisbee The small strip of lawn defined by trees at the north east was the most popular area for lounging on the lawn
ldquoKites is what really brings me here because this brings families together - children to the old they all fly they all have fun This builds your self-esteem because when you flying it you feel so good about your accomplishments this is something yoursquore doing A kid two years old was just flying a kite Donrsquot say you canrsquot do it you can do anything you put your mind tordquo- Kevin the Kiteman
36
To watch Kevin the Kitemanrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPkevin
ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo shows a group of Camden youth how to fly a kite
37
THE PICNIC TABLESThe Picnic Tables were popular for sitting chatting and for having a meal at lunchtime Set up as a communal table along Market Street the location was intended to engage passersby and customers of the restaurants along Market Street In designing this space we wanted to test the viability of outdoor dining along this burgeoning restaurant corridor The consistent use of the tables proved this amenity is in-demand among daily park users While the picnic tables did provide a comfortable place to sit and while people did eat meals there the space could have been enhanced through the principle of triangulation further detailed later in this report As an arrangement of elements this space was not multi-dimensional in nature and could be enlivened in future iterations through the addition of other complementary elements (a food vendor for example) to create a better sense of place Intensive improvements here will interface with an existing demand making investment at the Market Street edge of the park a high-impact improvement
38
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
THE PIANOOne of the most loved features of the Grove was undoubtedly the outdoor piano which immediately attracted pianists dancers and conversation from the moment it was installed The addition of the piano was inspired jointly by the rich musical history of the City and the diverse population that occupied the park and its surroundings We thought ndash ldquowhat interactive design element could transcend social class race even languagerdquo The answer we came up with was to do something with music We hoped that the addition of an outdoor piano would encourage the diverse group of park users (eg the homeless clinic patients students professionals judges etc) to stop play a tune and interact In this sense the piano was a major success
Consider one mid-September afternoon at the piano Over the course of these four hours on a sunny September day we observed two primary pianists one a clinic patient and one a local minister who played for extended periods of 1-2 hours Both talented musicians their playing attracted over 20 other individuals which included a mix of professionals people eating lunch local residents other clinic patients and several other curious pianists to the site The most common sight to see were groups of 2-4 individuals spontaneously interacting with each other and the pianist A resident remarked to us that the piano allowed people of any stripe to step outside of their normal element and to be looked at not by how they dressed or talked but by what they could do and what they were capable of
34
ldquoEste parque me trae alegriacutea y amor hellip para mostrarle a estas personas aquiacute que estaacuten con cosas difiacutecilesmdashcomo las drogas Para mi con mi instrumento un piano les ensentildeoacute amorhellip Yo veo como ellos buscan el amor y el apoyo de otras personas El privilegio para mi vida es llenar con voces muacutesica la ciudad de aquiacute Camden helliprdquo- Junior Osvaldo Cruz
english translationldquoThis park brings me joy and love to show these people here who are going through difficult things-like drugs For me with my instrument the piano I can show them love I see how they seek love and support from others My lifersquos privilege is to fill this city Camden with music and voices ldquo
If viewing on a PDF click here to hear a sample of the outdoor piano being played
Junior Osvaldo Cruz brought music and joy to the pop-up park no matter the season
35
4276221
THE LAWNWhile not a lsquodesignedrsquo space our analysis found that the lawn is an area with potential for future interventions with a very light touch At 75000 square feet most of which is well-maintained largely unobstructed lawn Roosevelt Plaza Park is one of the largest usable green spaces in the City and arguably its most accessible sitting at the nexus of several commercial corridors transit lines and easily accessed on foot or by bicycle
Our team observed that the pop-up helped spur unplanned organic use of the lawn spaces which had not been occurring prior to the interventions Basking in the sun on an Adirondack chair a game of Frisbee outdoor Tai Chi and a gentleman called ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo who regularly showed up teach children and spread the joy of flying kites were some of the most notable people and activities that took advantage of the lawnrsquos uniquely wide open spaces and expansive views of City Hall
Though the design focused on the north west portion of the lawn by defining that space with the pop-up elements observation showed that the open lawn spaces south of the Tote Veranda was popular for active uses such as kite-flying and Frisbee The small strip of lawn defined by trees at the north east was the most popular area for lounging on the lawn
ldquoKites is what really brings me here because this brings families together - children to the old they all fly they all have fun This builds your self-esteem because when you flying it you feel so good about your accomplishments this is something yoursquore doing A kid two years old was just flying a kite Donrsquot say you canrsquot do it you can do anything you put your mind tordquo- Kevin the Kiteman
36
To watch Kevin the Kitemanrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPkevin
ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo shows a group of Camden youth how to fly a kite
37
THE PICNIC TABLESThe Picnic Tables were popular for sitting chatting and for having a meal at lunchtime Set up as a communal table along Market Street the location was intended to engage passersby and customers of the restaurants along Market Street In designing this space we wanted to test the viability of outdoor dining along this burgeoning restaurant corridor The consistent use of the tables proved this amenity is in-demand among daily park users While the picnic tables did provide a comfortable place to sit and while people did eat meals there the space could have been enhanced through the principle of triangulation further detailed later in this report As an arrangement of elements this space was not multi-dimensional in nature and could be enlivened in future iterations through the addition of other complementary elements (a food vendor for example) to create a better sense of place Intensive improvements here will interface with an existing demand making investment at the Market Street edge of the park a high-impact improvement
38
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
ldquoEste parque me trae alegriacutea y amor hellip para mostrarle a estas personas aquiacute que estaacuten con cosas difiacutecilesmdashcomo las drogas Para mi con mi instrumento un piano les ensentildeoacute amorhellip Yo veo como ellos buscan el amor y el apoyo de otras personas El privilegio para mi vida es llenar con voces muacutesica la ciudad de aquiacute Camden helliprdquo- Junior Osvaldo Cruz
english translationldquoThis park brings me joy and love to show these people here who are going through difficult things-like drugs For me with my instrument the piano I can show them love I see how they seek love and support from others My lifersquos privilege is to fill this city Camden with music and voices ldquo
If viewing on a PDF click here to hear a sample of the outdoor piano being played
Junior Osvaldo Cruz brought music and joy to the pop-up park no matter the season
35
4276221
THE LAWNWhile not a lsquodesignedrsquo space our analysis found that the lawn is an area with potential for future interventions with a very light touch At 75000 square feet most of which is well-maintained largely unobstructed lawn Roosevelt Plaza Park is one of the largest usable green spaces in the City and arguably its most accessible sitting at the nexus of several commercial corridors transit lines and easily accessed on foot or by bicycle
Our team observed that the pop-up helped spur unplanned organic use of the lawn spaces which had not been occurring prior to the interventions Basking in the sun on an Adirondack chair a game of Frisbee outdoor Tai Chi and a gentleman called ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo who regularly showed up teach children and spread the joy of flying kites were some of the most notable people and activities that took advantage of the lawnrsquos uniquely wide open spaces and expansive views of City Hall
Though the design focused on the north west portion of the lawn by defining that space with the pop-up elements observation showed that the open lawn spaces south of the Tote Veranda was popular for active uses such as kite-flying and Frisbee The small strip of lawn defined by trees at the north east was the most popular area for lounging on the lawn
ldquoKites is what really brings me here because this brings families together - children to the old they all fly they all have fun This builds your self-esteem because when you flying it you feel so good about your accomplishments this is something yoursquore doing A kid two years old was just flying a kite Donrsquot say you canrsquot do it you can do anything you put your mind tordquo- Kevin the Kiteman
36
To watch Kevin the Kitemanrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPkevin
ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo shows a group of Camden youth how to fly a kite
37
THE PICNIC TABLESThe Picnic Tables were popular for sitting chatting and for having a meal at lunchtime Set up as a communal table along Market Street the location was intended to engage passersby and customers of the restaurants along Market Street In designing this space we wanted to test the viability of outdoor dining along this burgeoning restaurant corridor The consistent use of the tables proved this amenity is in-demand among daily park users While the picnic tables did provide a comfortable place to sit and while people did eat meals there the space could have been enhanced through the principle of triangulation further detailed later in this report As an arrangement of elements this space was not multi-dimensional in nature and could be enlivened in future iterations through the addition of other complementary elements (a food vendor for example) to create a better sense of place Intensive improvements here will interface with an existing demand making investment at the Market Street edge of the park a high-impact improvement
38
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
THE LAWNWhile not a lsquodesignedrsquo space our analysis found that the lawn is an area with potential for future interventions with a very light touch At 75000 square feet most of which is well-maintained largely unobstructed lawn Roosevelt Plaza Park is one of the largest usable green spaces in the City and arguably its most accessible sitting at the nexus of several commercial corridors transit lines and easily accessed on foot or by bicycle
Our team observed that the pop-up helped spur unplanned organic use of the lawn spaces which had not been occurring prior to the interventions Basking in the sun on an Adirondack chair a game of Frisbee outdoor Tai Chi and a gentleman called ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo who regularly showed up teach children and spread the joy of flying kites were some of the most notable people and activities that took advantage of the lawnrsquos uniquely wide open spaces and expansive views of City Hall
Though the design focused on the north west portion of the lawn by defining that space with the pop-up elements observation showed that the open lawn spaces south of the Tote Veranda was popular for active uses such as kite-flying and Frisbee The small strip of lawn defined by trees at the north east was the most popular area for lounging on the lawn
ldquoKites is what really brings me here because this brings families together - children to the old they all fly they all have fun This builds your self-esteem because when you flying it you feel so good about your accomplishments this is something yoursquore doing A kid two years old was just flying a kite Donrsquot say you canrsquot do it you can do anything you put your mind tordquo- Kevin the Kiteman
36
To watch Kevin the Kitemanrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPkevin
ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo shows a group of Camden youth how to fly a kite
37
THE PICNIC TABLESThe Picnic Tables were popular for sitting chatting and for having a meal at lunchtime Set up as a communal table along Market Street the location was intended to engage passersby and customers of the restaurants along Market Street In designing this space we wanted to test the viability of outdoor dining along this burgeoning restaurant corridor The consistent use of the tables proved this amenity is in-demand among daily park users While the picnic tables did provide a comfortable place to sit and while people did eat meals there the space could have been enhanced through the principle of triangulation further detailed later in this report As an arrangement of elements this space was not multi-dimensional in nature and could be enlivened in future iterations through the addition of other complementary elements (a food vendor for example) to create a better sense of place Intensive improvements here will interface with an existing demand making investment at the Market Street edge of the park a high-impact improvement
38
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
To watch Kevin the Kitemanrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPkevin
ldquoKevin the Kitemanrdquo shows a group of Camden youth how to fly a kite
37
THE PICNIC TABLESThe Picnic Tables were popular for sitting chatting and for having a meal at lunchtime Set up as a communal table along Market Street the location was intended to engage passersby and customers of the restaurants along Market Street In designing this space we wanted to test the viability of outdoor dining along this burgeoning restaurant corridor The consistent use of the tables proved this amenity is in-demand among daily park users While the picnic tables did provide a comfortable place to sit and while people did eat meals there the space could have been enhanced through the principle of triangulation further detailed later in this report As an arrangement of elements this space was not multi-dimensional in nature and could be enlivened in future iterations through the addition of other complementary elements (a food vendor for example) to create a better sense of place Intensive improvements here will interface with an existing demand making investment at the Market Street edge of the park a high-impact improvement
38
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
THE PICNIC TABLESThe Picnic Tables were popular for sitting chatting and for having a meal at lunchtime Set up as a communal table along Market Street the location was intended to engage passersby and customers of the restaurants along Market Street In designing this space we wanted to test the viability of outdoor dining along this burgeoning restaurant corridor The consistent use of the tables proved this amenity is in-demand among daily park users While the picnic tables did provide a comfortable place to sit and while people did eat meals there the space could have been enhanced through the principle of triangulation further detailed later in this report As an arrangement of elements this space was not multi-dimensional in nature and could be enlivened in future iterations through the addition of other complementary elements (a food vendor for example) to create a better sense of place Intensive improvements here will interface with an existing demand making investment at the Market Street edge of the park a high-impact improvement
38
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
THE ADIRONDACK CHAIRSAs the most lightweight and flexible of the moveable furniture following the path of Adirondack chairs was incredibly informative in analyzing where people felt most comfortable relaxing in the space People used the chairs in all kinds of ways in groups alone to relax and even to nap What was notable was where the chairs all moved to The original arrangement clustered the Adirondack chairs near the center of the interventions as shown in the diagram to the right Gradually however the Adirondack chair cluster moved in a clockwise pattern a little bit each day until landing in its final resting place within the rectangular planted strip at the north east end of the park
This pattern seemed to have occurred for two reasons The first is shade Timelapse video revealed that the Adirondack chairs followed the clockwise pattern of the shadow cast from City Hallrsquos tower throughout the day In the afternoon when the shadows from City Hall had disappeared users grouped many of the Adirondack chairs around the little bit of shade they could find sometimes clustering 3-4 chairs under the shade of a single young tree
The second reason relates to where people tend to sit within a space William Whyte found that users of plazas in New York tend to gravitate towards the edges of spaces choosing rather to be observers in clusters looking in rather than the central main attraction If we look at a map of where people generally sat in Roosevelt Plaza Park including Adirondack chairs and other types of seating we see a ring forming around the central open space On beautiful evenings throughout the study period users would take advantage of the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline setting up the Adirondack chairs so they all faced west for a sort of sunset theater Overall we learned that the Adirondack chairs were a well-loved piece of the park and at a cost of $15 a piece a very sound investment The movement of the Adirondack chairs to the northeast rectangular area of the park informs us that it would be worthwhile to enhance that space for passive uses in the future It is also worth repeating that while the chairs would have been exceptionally easy to steal not a single chair left the site
MaleFemaleKid
Map of user location preference for moveable adirondack chairs
39
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
THE TOTE VERANDASitting at the intersection of two primary pathways the Tote Veranda functions as both a lsquoroomrsquo and a gateway accommodating both movement through the site and flexible seating options The tote veranda was the central organizing feature and the landmark that announced a new type of RPP Our mapping survey indicated that both the cafeacute tables and gliders were popular among users of this space though not as popular for lunch crowds as the Grove and Picnic Tables As an easily identifiable gathering place the main function that the Veranda ended up performing was to support programmed events
From this observation we can determine that future iterations or interventions in this area of the park should allow for free flow of movement and pedestrian activity while also offering amenities and seating for park users on a daily basis To accomplish this design interventions should help define space but should not include expansive walls or elements to severely restrict movement except for perhaps on the southern end of the plaza area Any element here must be flexible enough to accommodate both daily use and a gathering of 30 ndash 200 people
The interactive light display added a new dynamic to the Veranda after dark encouraging visitors to engage with the towers and discover their hidden function However while the interactive light display was very well received when seen peak visitor hours (approximately 8am to 5pm) at the park limit the potential audience for the lights For future displays educational signage may be helpful to inform park visitors about the interactive lights and how they work rather than letting people hear only by word of mouth
40
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
41
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
From our analysis several key themes emerged that helped us analyze the impact of park interventions as well as what aspects of the park worked well and what could be improved
A PARK TO BE PROUD OFPrior to construction some stakeholders expressed serious concerns that the park would be subject to vandalism at the outset Yet to date not a single incident of vandalism has occurred nor has a single chair been stolen (and the Adirondack chairs which are light would have been exceptionally easy to steal)
Our observations lead us to a few conclusions as to why fears of vandalism did not come to pass The first is that the park was designed with a high-quality aesthetic and a sense of trust that users would ultimately be good stewards of the space William Whyte noted in his observations that ldquoplaces designed with distrust get what they were looking forrdquo As such regular users of the pop-up soon developed a sense of ownership over the space and began to perform simple tasks to maintain the park (such as throwing out litter reporting park elements that looked scuffed or damaged etc) while their presence provided the ldquoeyes on the streetrdquo that the space lacked previously
The second factor was the presence of a visible maintenance arm and a park ldquomayorrdquo a term William Whyte used to describe friendly building guards newsstand operators food vendors or others whom function as communicators and ambassadors for the park Roosevelt Plaza Parkrsquos lsquomayorrsquo was Jennifer the CSSD employee charged with primary maintenance of the park Jennifer not only cleaned the park but befriended many of its visitors enthusiastically championed the project and was instrumental in all on-the-ground survey efforts As Jennifer befriended park users they became less likely to litter or to allow others to because they knew that any trash left in the park would have to be picked up by a friend Jenniferrsquos presence and enthusiasm for the park inspired a sense of community and ownership amongst regular park users
These findings indicate the presence of a friendly and active maintenance employee and a high-quality design is vital to engender a sense of ownership and community Damage that was sustained to park improvements was mostly limited to regular wear and tear and the exceptionally strong wind gusts that blow through the space
KEY OBSERVATIONSldquoIrsquove lived here in Camden a total of 27 years and wersquove never had anything like this The City of Camden has been neglected for so long because we are like ldquothe bad peoplerdquoand to have somebody just care enough to give this - itrsquos the smallest thing but itrsquos the biggest thingrdquo- Jennifer Wowk
40of park users said they loved the pop-up because it was clean safe and beautiful
40 it was a great place to meet friends sit and relax
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
42
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
To watch Jenniferrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPjennifer
Jennifer WowkCamden Special Services
District Ambassador
43
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
LOCAL amp FREQUENT VISITORSOverall most of the people who used Roosevelt Plaza Park were Camden residents Another group that was well represented were visitors who had to come downtown but that decided to stop by to check out the park A smaller number of visitors to the park included students nearby employees and visitors to waterfront attractions
Most visitors were regulars to the park as 78 of visitors came to the park 3-5 times per week From observations and talking to users we also noted that people generally spent longer amounts of time in the park than is typical for a downtown business district park or plaza
Nearly half of the parkrsquos visitors arrived on foot indicative of the fact that the park was primarily populated by Camden residents and also likely attributable to the observation that many arrived to the park from other nearby destinations such as City Hall the methadone clinic and nearby commercial and social services Bus and car were the next most popular forms of transportation to the park with 20 arriving by each mode evenly Bike commuters were well represented as well as 8 of visitors arrived by bicycle Interestingly despite the presence of the PATCO Station across the street only 4 of visitors arrived via PATCO A review of timelapse video shows that many PATCO riders likely donrsquot give the park a second look as most riders who stop at City Hall make a direct beeline north on 5th Street to classes jobs and other activities along Cooper Street
As for gender and age male and female visitors were fairly evenly split with about 40 of visitors being women and about 58 of visitors being men and 2 were children
These findings indicate that while the park was successful in serving local adult residents future interventions may strive to do more to attract other nearby user groups including local employees and students at nearby universities as well as children
78of park users visited the park 3-5 times a week for a variety of activities
49 walk
20 bus
19 car
8 bike
4 PATCO
modes of transportation
2kids
40women
58men
ONLY 7 OF THOSE SURVEYED REPORTED SIMPLY WALKING BY WITH MANY VISITORS SPENDING LONG PERIODS OF TIME
ENJOYING THE PARK WITH OLD AND NEW FRIENDS
44
16
4
5
67
RPP VISITORWATERFRONT VISITOR
DOWNTOWN VISITOR
STUDENT
WORK NEARBYof park visitors were Camden
residents
park users
44
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
PATHWAYS AND MEETING POINTSReviewing timelapse video of movement and interaction on the site reveals the pulse of life at Roosevelt Plaza Park throughout the day The two primary pathways utilized by park visitors are the narrow diagonal connecting the entrance of City Hall to 5th and Market Streets and the wide plaza space extending from City Hall to 5th Street Secondary pathways include the two pathways that run parallel to City Hallrsquos front faccedilade The narrow diagonal while officially terminating at the wide plaza in front f City Hall in essence extends to the eastern edge of the park as reflected in a desire line cut through the grass
These patterns are consistent at different intensities throughout the day and evening and are consistent with the land use patterns within Camdenrsquos downtown While there is a new Nursing School planned for the site just south of Roosevelt Plaza Park the lack of active uses there and concentration of active uses on Market Cooper Street and at City Hall focus activity towards the north end of the park These movement patterns reveal points of intersection or meeting points within space The Tote Veranda sits at the crossroads of both primary and secondary pathways and therefore functions as a natural hub of activity
Market Street Restaurants
Camden City Hall
Methadone Clinic
Primary Pathways
Secondary Pathways
PATCO City Hall
Station
Camden County Prosecutor
Future Site of Nursing School (Downtown Institutional Plan 2013)
NJ Tran
sit Rive
rline L
ightra
il
Meeting Point Clusters
Pop-Up Intervention Area
LEGEND
45
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
THE SOCIAL LIFE OF ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK
ldquoWersquore here everyday just to sit meet-up and sit around laugh and talk have a little lunch breakfast you knowthe restaurant across the street is getting our money every morningrdquo- Tracy Camden resident
40of park users loved loved the pop-up because it was a good place to sit and relax
William Whyte said that ldquothe best-used plazas are sociable spacesrdquo and in that sense Roosevelt Plaza Park was a very successful place Whyte noted the fact that the greatest attractor of people is other people an interesting contrast to the common perception that people visit parks to ldquoget away from it allrdquo While that sentiment may be true the presence of people makes spaces feel more comfortable for other potential users
One of the interesting things we observed at the park was that it was dominated by groups and not by lone individuals This was a notable change from conditions prior to the pop-up park where the barren user accommodations and isolated single benches made it more difficult or at least a lot less comfortable for groups of varying size to form spontaneously Flexible seating options and the creation of various ldquoroomsrdquo or space types within the park allowed for a design scheme that allowed small medium and large groups to feel comfortable As such visitors could easily move a chair aside if they wanted some space and breathing room but it was just as easy for friends to congregate around a picnic table cafe table or group of lawn chairs
40 it was clean safe and beautiful
14
6
itrsquos activites such as kites and the piano
it improved the City
MaleFemaleKid
Map of seating patterns in the park showing a tendency towards group interaction46
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
To watch the friendrsquos Pop-Up Story visit httptinyurlcomRPPfriends
A group of friends from Camden and Cherry Hill who enjoy meeting up in the park
47
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
TRIANGULATION amp SPECTACLESo what brought all these visitors and groups to the space To answer this question it is important to note William Whytersquos theory of triangulation
Triangulation works as a simple 1 + 2 = 3 equation First an arrangement of compatible design elements creates a ldquoplacerdquo (examples can include a coffee cart tables and chairs and shade structure to create an outdoor cafe) Second a component of spectacle or curiosity is added to the place (Whyte identifies spectacles as colorful characters sculptures entertainers even interesting vistas) These two elements add up to ldquotriangulationrdquo or the interaction and connection between strangers
By first creating a feeling of ldquoplacerdquo and then adding fun elements such as the piano and interactive lights Roosevelt Plaza Park prompted conversations between strangers from different walks of life The arrangement of elements such as seating shade planters and structure was intentionally designed to create outdoor rooms throughout the park each with their own character and feel The elements that elicited the most buzz were undoubtedly the tote towers piano and interactive lights but many regular visitors to the park were surprised and delighted to see such simple elements as the Adirondack chairs gliders picnic tables custom-designed planters and cafe seating suddenly ldquopop-uprdquo in a familiar space
3 Interaction amp connection between strangers
2 A spectacle or curiosity
1 Creation of a ldquoplacerdquo through design elements Triangulation in
Motion
48
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
ldquoTriangulation is the process by which some external stimulus provides a linkage between people and prompts strangers to talk to other strangers as if they knew each otherrdquo - William H Whyte
49
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
PROGRAMMINGOverall the greatest share of visitors to the park occurred in the morning and mid-day hours during the weekday and tapered off sharply in the afternoon and evening Part of this rhythm likely stems from existing patterns in place before the pop-up interventions The park which is County owned technically closes to visitors at dusk and there is a very small residential population within the immediate vicinity of the park reflecting the fact that land uses within Camdenrsquos downtown are dominated more so by jobs than they are by bedrooms This rhythm is also likely reinforced by City Hall and other nearby businesses and services that operate on a 9am-5pm schedule
While users remarked that they loved the interactive lighting elements of the park evening visits to see the lights were limited Whether this is an issue or not is a matter of choice A mid-September Third Thursday event was successful at bringing a large and diverse crowd to the park in the late afternoonevening through simple programming elements such as music interactive lights and inexpensive outdoor games and activities Because of the lack of a downtown residential population nearby regular programming would enable the park to serve more users in the evening during weekends and mid-day during the week
38of park users hope to see more programming and events in the future
ldquoItrsquos just good to see some positivity in the City Everybody comes here to have fun - parents come let their kids playitrsquos more enjoyable now this brings unityrdquo - Pat Camden resident
35 additional design features amp facilities
189
a playground and kid-friendly activities
safety improvements
50
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS amp DURABILITYThe effects of environmental conditions on the sitersquos use were fairly predictable with respect to temperature and precipitation Shade structures within the site did also have the effect of helping alleviate the impacts of direct sunlight The tote towers shade canopies and umbrellas in conjunction with comfortable seating options all helped encourage users to visit and spend more time in the park
The most important environmental condition to note was the impact of the heavy wind gusts experienced in the park By November wind gusts had damaged all of the yellow umbrellas in the Grove and one of the large blue umbrellas at the picnic tables The design team knowing that the pop-up was temporary chose high-quality residential umbrellas for these areas in order to stay in budget but future interventions should consider the importance of more durable shade structures if these elements are intended to last more than a few months
51
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
lessons learned
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
ldquoLook at everybody - how theyrsquore enjoying each other Itrsquos just an enjoyable placerdquo- Jennifer CSSD Ambassador
54
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
As was outlined in the Study Findings section of this report the Pop-up improvements to Roosevelt Plaza Park have clearly demonstrated the benefits of high-quality public space in downtown Camden RPP was transformed from a place which people were more likely to walk through to a popular destination activated with well appreciated amenities and lots of reasons for people to strike up a conversation The park has engaged the community and has proven that RPP can be a safe and sociable place at the front door of City Hall The success of the project and the extent to which it was quickly embraced by park users exceeded the expectations on all accounts
Perhaps most importantly the pop-up acted as an incremental step towards the future of RPP inviting the community to have confidence in the potential of the park The pop-up provided a low-risk and less controversial way to test what challenges might exist It helped identify community preconceptions and gathered those who might become stakeholders together It was an opportunity for the community to visualize what might eventually be
INCREMENTAL SUCCESS
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
Proven WinnersENGAGING AND INTERACTIVE ELEMENTSThe piano the interactive lighting experience events and feedback opportunities all engaged the community and proved to be a hit These elements could be enjoyed by anyone who wished to use them making the park an inviting community space that all kinds of individuals had the opportunity to be involved in
A SENSE OF TRUSTThe high level of design and finish of the pop-up did more than beautify the space it also invited stewardship of the park Park elements that could be easily damaged or stolen required a sense of ownership from the community if they were to be a success and the community in turn took great care of the park The appearance of trust in the community sets in motion a cycle of high expectations to be continually exceeded
TRIANGULATIONAt RPP several elements grouped together created exciting nodes within the park a social phenomenon often referred to as lsquotriangulationrsquo Opportunities might exist to capitalize on this force of nature and group amenities around existing site conditions that draw people to certain areas of the park For example the excellent view to the Philadelphia skyline along with the early-day shade from city hall might make the northeast corner of the park a great place to focus amenities
A COMFORTABLE PLACE TO BEImprovements that increased the basic comfort and usability of the park were among the most popular in our studies The shade structure and the blue chairs were a very popular part of the 2014 pop-up and several visitors commented that they would like to see a drinking fountain at RPP Park improvements should make the park a more comfortable place for people to be
LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE
56
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
ATTRACTIncrease the number of attractors amenities and activities at the park giving each potential visitor many reasons to stop by and multiple chances to find something unexpected As was famously said by William Whyte ldquothe biggest attractor of people is other peoplerdquo Leverage the social capital existing in downtown Camden by bringing the city together in front of City Hall Strive for a unique atmosphere that supports spontaneity and a sociable feel
TESTA 2013 MIT white-paper Places in the Making found that ldquoThe iterative actions and collaborations inherent in the making of places nourish communities and empower peoplerdquo This process is referred to as the virtuous cycle of placemaking Temporary experimental improvements not only give us an opportunity to learn about RPP they give the community a real world way to be engaged in longer-term development EVOLVEDonrsquot only hit repeat bring the next iteration to the next level Expand engagement in new ways and support this venture in the built elements of the park Include elements that can adapt as needed to changing park requirements
Placemaking Tactics
MAINTENANCE SAFETY AND AMBASSADORSThe positive impact of ongoing maintenance at the park cannot be overstated Beyond keeping the park tidy and performing itrsquos best the people who maintain the park become ambassadors to the community The presence of a familiar face someone who is there as a champion of the public space engenders trust and reinforces high expectations for the park and visitors alike
Security along with the perception that the park was a safe and peaceful place was also paramount to the success of the pop-up Additional security patrols helped to set a standard of accepted behavior at the park making the space more usable for everyone With a diverse population of visitors at various times throughout the day the community developed a sense of ownership but the park still remained a welcoming place for all visitors
57
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
Future improvements should be made with a floating touch leveraging the power of temporary elements to garner excitement Engage visitors be playful Create a buzz with design that is bold magnetic and sculptural The image of RPP should be a good one optimistic enjoyable inclusive and safe The next phase will build on the iterative placemaking process further exploring the needs and preferences of the community and carrying forward momentum
THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE AND COMMUNITY CAPACITY
At various venues around Camden creative programming has proven to engage visitors 2015 improvements should expand on the available activities at RPP Events and programed activities are needed in downtown Camdenrsquos open spaces and these should be supported in the physical park designs Opportunities to include vendors in the daily operations of the space should be explored
ldquoThere is endless opportunity to improve existing places through programming the making is never finishedrdquo ndash Places in the Making
Community engagement through programming brings an important layer to the placemaking process that should not be missed out on As explained by Elena Madison of the Project for Public Spaces placemaking has powerful potential to build the social capacity of a community when utilized as a platform for community engagement As Madison stated ldquoBuilding capacity is about convincing the community they can do it toordquo
At RPP the social successes of the 2014 pop-up point to a community that is ready to embrace and steward high quality public space The spirit of optimism and an eye toward what could be is already alive and well at RPP
ldquoDonrsquot say you canrsquot do it You can do anything you put your mind tordquo
- Kevin the Kite Man
ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING
58
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
ASESS WHETHER THE PIANO SHOULD RETURN THE PIANO SHELTER CAN BE MODIFIED TO BETTER PROTECT THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE ELEMENTS
PICNIC DININGContinue to provide dining with a design
that addresses the street
TOTES VERANDARe-assemble the totes into a new creative lsquolandmarkrsquo
ASESS THE CONDITION OF THE PATIO GLIDERSAND RE-USE AS DESIRED
5TH STREET
TO FEDERAL STREET EXIT
CITY HALL
2014 POP-UP FOCUS AREAS
PARK USE OBSERVATIONS
CIRCULATION
MA
RK
ET
ST
RE
ET
CAFE SEATING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SHOULD REMAIN
INFO TOTE WAS A SUCCESSFUL DATA-COLLECTION TOOL CONSIDER RE-USING OR TRYING OUT SIMILAR TOOLS
THE COMFORTABLE BLUE LOUNGE CHAIRS WERE SO POPULAR BRING THEM BACK AGAIN
BISTRO TABLES AND CHAIRS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION RE-USE THEM AS DESIRED
TOTE PLANTERS AND CUSTOM PLANTERS IN THE GROVE CAN REMAIN FOR NEXT YEAR PERENNIAL PLANTINGS WILL PERSIST ADD FLOWERS SEASONALLY AS NEEDED
REPURPOSE PLANTERS WITHIN RPP NEXT YEAR (TREES MAY OR MAY NOT REMAIN)
lsquoBLUE HOURrsquo WAS WELL APPRECIATED INCLUDE
INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS IN THE FUTURE
REMOVE PICNIC TABLES AND UMBRELLAS
PROVIDE MORE DURABLE DINING FURNITURE
ROOSEVELT PLAZA PARK POP UP IMPROVEMENTS
40 FEET20100 5 N
ACTIVE USESTHIS SPACE PROVED POPULAR
FOR ACTIVE USES SUCH AS KITE FLYING
DESIRE LINETHIS PATH IS THE MOST
HEAVILY USED YET ONE OF THE NARROWEST AT RPP
EVENTSTHIS OPEN SPACE WAS UTILIZED
FOR EVENTS SEVERAL TIMES OFTEN ACCOMODATING A TENT
PODIM AND SEATING
PASSIVE USESTHE COMBO OF EXCELLENT VIEWS
AND AMPLE SHADE MADE THIS AREA GOOD FOR PASSIVE USES
PLANTER GROVERepeat it next year
GATEWAYEnhance the
sense of arrival
POP-UP ANALYSISand recommendations for next year
59
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR
The design teamrsquos recommendations for the next phase are built upon our study of the initial pop-up park The recommendations below can be categorized as Improvement Priority (^) or Testing Priority () Improvement Priorities will provide needed amenities incrementally build on durable park improvements support the growing RPP community and carry enthusiasm for the park forward Testing Priorities will help the design team gain knowledge about items that have not yet been explored such as Can the park attract more PATCO riders Is this a place that will be popular with kids and families
60
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
1 Re-arrange the totes from the ldquoTote Verandardquo into a new creative structure on the plaza The landmark should provide a place to gather and support for programming events and vendors This may include a covered area electrical hookups or storage ^
2 The ldquoPlanter Groverdquo can remain as-is through the next iteration The corrugated metal planters piano canopy and tote planters are durable enough for at least another season Nearly all the plants are perennials so they will grow again next year and can be supplemented with limited annuals The orange chairs and gray tables along with the 70 lb steel umbrella stands can simply be re-used but the umbrellas should be replaced with a commercial-grade and wind-resistant version ^
61
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
3 Provide lightweight movable chairs and support passive uses in the northeast lawn panel Twenty-four blue Adirondacks were provided in 2014 and they were one of the most popular elements of the pop-up Consider doubling this number for the next round ^
29 of postcard respondents loved that RPP was a great place to sit and relax
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
4 Enhance the sense of arrival at 5th and Market Streets and make the park more welcoming to Patco users
5 Improve the Market Street edge with durable improvements focusing on outdoor dining Distribute these improvements using the principle of ldquotriangulationrdquo to make a bigger impact ^
Even though RPP is less than 50 feet away from Camdenrsquos central City Hall PATCO high speed line station (which averages
1000 weekday riders)
of park users arrived by PATCO
only 4
63
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
6 Provide engaging andor interactive elements including at least one instrument (as the piano was a huge success) Strive to include some playful unexpected features that bring a sense of spectacle Interactive public art can also greatly expand opportunities for engagement and an optimistic welcoming atmosphere
7 Include some elements for kids and families to test whether kids and families can be attracted to the park with amenities specifically geared towards them
176 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding a playground and other
kid-friendly activities
64
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
Almost 50 of all respondents (visitor surveys and postcards) suggested adding an
interactive element be it a water feature vendors programming or games
65
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
ldquoThe most successful placemaking initiatives transcend the lsquoplacersquo to forefront the lsquomakingrsquordquo- Places in the Making
66
A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
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A PLACEMAKING FRAMEWORK FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS
Over a period of several months we have observed patterns in the use of RPP that suggest the park could benefit in the long-term from the following development directions By taking on incremental steps with each phase the park will be better poised for permanently needed improvements and can reap the fringe benefits of the iterative placemaking process These directions should be tested through various iterations in the years to come In each reporting phase these observations should continue providing valuable information that will contribute to the eventual full build-out of the park
1 Study circulation and expand heavily used paths specifically the path that connects diagonally through the park from the intersection of 5th and Market Streets to City Hall
2 Invest in infrastructural improvements like a drinking fountain increased electrical capacity storage space and public restroom facilities
3 Build a mature tree canopy with tree plantings each year A long-term park plan will help to direct this effort
4 Maintain an open lawn space for a variety of passive and active uses
5 Integrate the plaza at the steps of City Hall with Roosevelt Plaza Park Remove barriers between the two spaces creating a unified Plaza Park with diverse zones of uses
6 Placemaking is a process Take each step in the development of the park as an opportunity to involve the community in the virtuous cycle of placemaking The placemaking process strengthens community ties to the space gives stakeholders an opportunity to be involved and helps the park to remain flexible and relevant Programming should become an expected part of the daily life of the park starting next year
67
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
Seeing park amenities literally ldquopop-uprdquo in an existing park over a matter of a few days is an exciting thing to witness Many of our survey respondents said they first found out about RPP because they saw it being built But implementing a park in such a short time does come with its own set of challenges In the short timeline and limited scope of a pop-up park setbacks and trade-offs could make a big impact on the vision of the project Making compromises to the benefit of the overall project will become an imperative part of the process communication and flexibility from team members will help to make the project a success
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
1 Be realistic with the scope and budget In order to help achieve this hold a 20 implementation budget contingency Hold the contingency all the way through the installation If the contingency is still available a quarter of the way through the duration of the pop-up use the extra funds to add value to the project add another element buy another type of furniture replace anything sub-par fund a survey hold an event hire a jazz band add seasonal flowers or print an informational pamphlet
2 Involve a contractor as part of the design team Implementing a pop-up is similar to the lsquodesign-buildrsquo process So construction considerations should be incorporated from the very beginning The contractor will attend design meetings and help identify how custom elements will be made They will provide the essential odd-jobs services through the installation in turn helping to keep the budget on-track and realistic
3 Put together the right team and get the right equipment for the job Understanding the skill sets of your installation team members (both hired and volunteer) will help you understand where the gaps are Be sure those who are providing you labor have the appropriate equipment and support Check ahead of time with the
foreman or manager of each crew to be sure that what you expect to be done is appropriate Donrsquot expect to save on the important installation costs just put a line for them in the budget Account for needed equipment rentals such as a truck with a lift gate loaders dollies or lifts
4 Ask for favors that add value Be creative Be resourceful Share the excitement of the pop-up with colleagues and friends For those who want to help find avenues of involvement that are straight-forward and donrsquot require a lot of coordination Favors can become lsquoThe Icing on the Cakersquo and help the project go above and beyond Some infrastructural elements would be difficult to achieve within a pop-up budget and timeline (electrical hookups for example) if they were not provided as a favor or as an lsquoin-kindrsquo service
5 Donrsquot count on favors for key activities If the project timeline or a major element of the install depends on it task it to someone who can be held responsible for it In the short installation timeline associated with a pop-up even small setbacks can throw off a bigger sequence ndash causing delays and unexpected costs Core improvements on which the rest of the pop-up is based should be installed and overseen by a member of the core team
6 Set a mandatory kick-off meeting About a week prior to the pop-up installation hold a mandatory construction kick-off meeting that includes all the parties involved in core installation activities the design team the client representative the project contractor any hired crew managers and any volunteer crew managers By the time of this meeting very few elements should be up in the air Distribute layout plans review installation tasks line-by-line provide images of mock-ups look at color samples sign off on plant selection confirm budget numbers and circulate a project contact sheet
7 Experiment (but not with everything)Be sure there are some elements that are sure-fire Use items you are familiar with that are sure to perform as you expect them to However the pop-up should not just resemble a temporary public space It should be special because it is temporary it should be an opportunity to experiment
69
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
REFERENCESProject for Public Spaces ldquoPlacemaking 101rdquo ppsorg 2014
Silerberg Susan Places in the Making How Placemaking Builds Places and Communities MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning 2013
Whyte William H The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces New York The Project for Public Spaces 1980
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
Blank Page
ldquoTo see this park utilized by the people that is a great step for Camden This without question is spiritually liftingrdquo- Kobie H Mack Sr(as quoted in a New York Times article about Camden)
