Knowledge Center
Public Space Management and Operations
Operations of a place requires the daily management of the physical space, whether publicly or privately owned, that encompasses cleaning, beautification, wayfinding, infrastructure maintenance, outreach, green space, and parking. Place managers address both the actual and perceived safety and security issues of a place by providing services, outreach and facilities. Place managers foster relationships with local and regional providers to share resources and information with the goal of cultivating safe and vibrant communities. Clean and safe teams have evolved within some districts to include engagement and intervention for those in need within our urban places.
Baird Urban Sports Park
The Baird Urban Sports Park was created to capture downtown Louisville’s urban experience and historic character while expanding and reimagining its use. What was an underutilized and undeveloped 20,000 square-foot vacant lot in the heart of downtown is now a public urban sports park, intended to encourage public community use through open play hours, and offer a unique downtown experience.
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The Community Engagement Team
The Community Engagement Team (CET) is a unique, business-led outreach team that provides rapid response support and intervention for non-violent crisis situations and traditional street outreach services in Downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The CET partners with Toronto Police to divert vulnerable individuals from the criminal justice system and into local community support programs.
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Bloor-Annex BIA Parkettes
Four parkettes, situated at five-minute walking intervals from one another, transformed what was formerly underutilized and impervious areas in the Bloor-Annex neighbourhood into dynamic public amenity spaces. The collaborative and cross-disciplinary approach to the project helped incorporate new methods and techniques into the design process that highlight’s Bloor-Annex’s uniqueness.
We’d love for you to see this member-only resource to help make a difference in your district. Make sure you are logged in or join IDA to learn more about how members get sh*t done!
Advancing Places: Urban Acupuncture & the Archaeology of Local Knowledge
Within the realm of placemaking, there are many techniques and strategies to use to improve the quality of life, well-being, and health of people living, working, and visiting downtowns around the world. This webinar explores two case studies, demonstrating innovative and out-of-the-box solutions hoping to inspire others to create their own placemaking projects and programs. We will explore urban acupuncture, a process consisting of small-scale interventions that serve as a catalyst.
Read MoreAdvancing Places: Talking Trash Part 2, Collective Composting in your District
In July 2022, IDA presented part one of Advancing Places: Talking Trash Recycling and Compacting where we explored recycling, managing ambassadors and clean teams. Join IDA and the US Composting Council along with two of their members for part two where we will learn about the importance of composting in cities, neighborhoods and downtown districts. We will learn about the latest trends in composting and how to go about setting up a program.
Read MorePublic Safety Initiatives
Clean and Safe has long played a central role in place management, but public safety has taken on increasing importance amidst the protracted return to work, increases in homelessness, and efforts to square law enforcement practices with demands for social justice.
Read MorePlacemaking & Operations Gone Wrong!
Learn from numerous practitioners working in the areas of placemaking and operations when their best laid plans just didn’t go the way they wanted.
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The Surprise & Delight of Placemaking
Placemaking and activations can take many shapes and forms. Join this session to learn from seasoned professionals with a wide range of experience activating public spaces. With a focus on producing unique urban experiences and animating streets, parks, and public spaces, these panelists work to create opportunities for pedestrians to engage with public art, performances and events. Learn about their audiences and how they determine when and where to produce different activations
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Principals & Practices of Operations
Operations in place management covers a wide scope of work from cleaning and maintenance to providing on-street services addressing safety and quality of life issues. For new professionals to be successful in their role as operations staff they need to have an understanding of building and running a successful operations program that caters to the unique challenges and opportunities in their districts.
We’d love for you to see this member-only resource to help make a difference in your district. Make sure you are logged in or join IDA to learn more about how members get sh*t done!
Place Management After Dark – Nightlife Challenges and Opportunities
An entertainment district means foot traffic, economic development, amenities and a unique set of challenges. Many districts – large and small – are developing new strategies to engage with their nighttime economy in terms of operations, placemaking and security. Come learn from experiences in Denver, Austin and Minneapolis to gain insights into managing a successful, safe and fun district.
We’d love for you to see this member-only resource to help make a difference in your district. Make sure you are logged in or join IDA to learn more about how members get sh*t done!
