Field Trip Four

Where is the place in the city or urban space that makes you feel most comfortable and energized? How does the urban landscape make you feel? Does the presence of plants and trees in the city landscape provide you with a different feeling than those areas without any plants? Did you see evidence or wildlife in the city or urban space? Are there abundant urban parks and green spaces? Are you emotionally moved by the space in this place in a way that you feel a "sense of place" or connection to this community or place?

How much of the city space is devoted to vehicles….traffic, parking, service of vehicles compared to space for people to enjoy the city? How much does parking cost? Where is it most expensive? Least expensive? What is the biggest generator of parking need e.g. retailing businesses, service business, or government centers? Is there evidence of shared or cooperative parking arrangements between churches and businesses or government entities that use parking at different times? Is there convenient mass transit? Would you use it? Is it designed for pedestrians and bicyclists?

What is the current economic lifeblood of the city? How have shopping malls and strip developments along non-core city highways had an effect on the city? Is most of the cities tax base going toward growth or toward maintenance of the city? Is there vibrant well used residential living space in the inner core of the city? Where do people who live in the inner city shop for groceries? What fuels the finances for the city tax base and growth? Is the city trying to grow by increasing value of tax base (urban renewal or by annexation – expanding its boundaries to gain more property to tax, or both?

Are there signs of homelessness, graffiti, and crime in the urban spaces? If so, what indicators provide your evidence? Do you feel comfortable traveling in all parts of the city day or night? Are tourists safe in this urban area? Would you consider living in this urban space?

What did you learn from your observations and thinking? What was the most surprising thing you learned? Where is your favorite place in the city or urban landscape? Where is your least favorite place? What makes these places desirable or unpleasant? What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in the city or urban landscape rather than in the rural areas? Is this a sustainable city or urban system? Do people here feel very connected to the city exhibiting a "sense of place?" What evidence have you to support your impressions?

What recommendations for change and improvement would you like to see implemented in the urban system you observed? Are there specific place you recommend be changed on a priority basis? What suggestions would you make to the city or town council?