Resources

Placemaking Workshops

The MI Place partnership is holding a series of placemaking workshops throughout Michigan in 2015. The varied schedule of workshops feature introductory modules, as well as more advanced information.

View the complete schedule, and other details about the workshops here:

2015 Placemaking Workshops

Placemaking with Parks and Recreation

The future of Parks and Recreation is in placemaking, but what exactly IS placemaking? Residents want to live and visit destinations where they can walk, dine, shop, and recreate all in a central location. Vibrant, thriving communities are those that embrace a sense of cohesion and place, with a wide variety of activities and amenities.

How does Parks and Recreation fit into the picture? By working with state and local agencies as well as private enterprises, to create viable spaces for recreational opportunities - trails, greenways, blueways, parks, and playgrounds.

MRPA knows that our industry is more important than ever, but to ensure a seat at the table, we need to be well-versed in what matters now. Below are valuable resources regarding placemaking:  how-to guides, resource agencies, best-practices, and real-world examples of placemaking in action.

2015 PlacePlan Projects with Ties to Parks and Recreation

The PlanPlans listed below feature developments with parks and recreation components. Learn more about PlacePlans, and the rest of the 2015 class with the Michigan Municipal League.

Benton Harbor

Boyne City

Lathrup Village

Niles

Placemaking Resources: 

From the MI Place Initiative:

"What defines a community? It’s the common ground where people gather – from housing, squares, streets and plazas to parks, green spaces and waterfronts. We believe that by revitalizing communities and rebuilding neighborhoods, we can strengthen the entire state. Together with our many partners, we invest in Michigan communities to enhance the quality of life of our residents – and to attract and retain businesses, entrepreneurs and workers throughout the state.

To revitalize Michigan we must examine our state through a new lens, taking into account the types of places where New Economy workers, entrepreneurs and businesses want to locate, invest and expand.

This approach is commonly described as creating a “sense of place” or just “placemaking.” It’s a simple concept really, based on a single principle – people choose to settle in places that offer the amenities, social and professional networks, resources and opportunities to support thriving lifestyles. Michigan can attract and retain talent – especially young, knowledge-based talent – by focusing on how best to take advantage of the unique placemaking assets of our regional communities (miplace.org/placemaking)."