Planning Association names the Square a Great Public Space
The Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association announced April 3 that it had designated the Georgetown Square as a Great Public Space in its Great Places in Texas program.
According to the organization, Great Places in Texas exemplify exceptional character and highlight the role planners and planning play in creating communities of lasting value.
“The Great Place in Texas award represents decades of great planning, investment and dedication to the crown jewel of our community by many City Councils, city staff, and boards and commissions—both present and past,” Georgetown Planning Director Sofia Nelson said.
The Square was one of six places designated in the first Great Places in Texas program, which was modeled after the American Planning Association’s ongoing Great Places in America program.
“Georgetown’s Town Square, termed ‘the Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas,’ truly is a great public space,” said Lori Schwarz, chair of the Great Places in Texas Selection Committee. “The historic Square is the focal point for community events and heritage preservation efforts, which provide opportunities for small business and restaurants to thrive in a vibrant pedestrian environment.”
Other Great Places in Texas designees include:
- Downtown McKinney
- North Richland Hills – HomeTown
- Fredericksburg – Main Street
- San Angelo River Walk
- Springtown Tabernacle
Through Great Places in Texas, the Texas Chapter of APA recognizes unique and authentic characteristics found in three essential components of all communities—streets, neighborhoods and public spaces. APA Great Places offer better choices for where and how people work and live every day, places that are enjoyable, safe, and desirable. Such places are defined by many characteristics, including architectural features, accessibility, functionality, and community involvement.
For more information about the 2017 Great Places in Texas, as well as a list of the Great Places in America designees located in the state, visit http://www.txplanning.org/great-places-in-texas/
