Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Placemaking Capstone topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee reviews UW student placemaking plan for downtown New London
Summary
Committee members reviewed a University of Wisconsin student capstone that proposes pocket parks, a green corridor and improved Riverwalk connections for downtown New London; members encouraged staff to consider elements for future planning and grants.
The New London Economic Development Committee reviewed a University of Wisconsin capstone project that proposes a downtown placemaking plan connecting Pearl Street, Shawano Street and North Water Street and expanding pedestrian access to the Riverwalk.
The student, Milo, developed a design that emphasizes historical preservation, pocket parks, a green-infused corridor and improved connections between North Water Street and the Berninger Riverwalk. Committee members and staff said the plan is a useful, no-cost resource they can draw ideas from while the city pursues additional planning and grant opportunities.
Ginger, who presented the project materials to the committee, noted the plan was a student capstone and that some site assumptions are conceptual. She specifically cautioned that the city does not own all land shown in the concept and said the project should be treated as a source of ideas rather than a final design. Ginger told the committee, "To have this in our pocket for free is really worth its weight in gold," and encouraged members to review the full document via the link in her memo.
The student's analysis included community demographics (median age ~40; 18.4% of residents 65 and older; median disposable income around $50,000), regional soil and floodplain constraints, and plantings recommendations focused on low-maintenance perennials. The design also explored a pedestrian bridge across a small river inlet, a feature presenters called attractive but likely expensive.
Committee members raised practical concerns including parking and property control. Kim (the Deerwolf Garden representative) said her team is examining ways to use vendor layouts and nearby street stalls to meet parking needs and will map options. The committee discussed integrating the capstone's ideas into upcoming planning steps and using grant resources and staff time to refine feasible elements like pocket parks, seating, and native plantings.
The committee asked staff to keep the concept in mind as the city's parks and planning work continues and to share the document with the new grant writer when she begins work.
