The City of Avondale Estates is known for its sense of community. Its greenspaces (tree lined streets, sidewalks, paths and parks) create multiple opportunities for neighbors to meet and get to know one another. The greenspaces are used as places to walk, jog, sit outside, play, hold public gatherings or simply enjoy nature. Residents of the City have the opportunity to learn more about these greenspaces at two upcoming public workshops hosted by the City’s Greenspace Ad Hoc Committee on Saturday, January 20 and Tuesday, January 23.
Chair of the Greenspace Ad Hoc Committee Brad Jones said, “Key to any well-planned community is the inclusion of greenspace and parkland. Proximity to parks, greenway trails, sidewalks, and other community held amenities are shown to increase property values and improve quality of life.”
As a way to engage community members, provide information about the current state and future plans for greenspace in Avondale Estates, and solicit feedback, the City’s Greenspace Ad Hoc Committee has scheduled these workshops. Those wanting to participate should register for one of the two sessions by visiting https://goo.gl/EHNmWB and selecting either the Saturday, January 20 session from 10 a.m. to noon or the Tuesday, January 23 session from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. A children’s corner with coloring activities has been planned at both sessions to accommodate parents wanting to attend.
In addition to providing residents beautiful spaces to view and enjoy outdoor recreation, these greenspaces reinforce the City’s image, enhance property values, manage stormwater runoff, filter non-point pollutants, establish animal and plant habits, and more. For committee member Dee Merriam, the benefits include, “creating the visual setting that establishes Avondale’s sense of place while providing places to meet our neighbors and become a community, rest from daily stress, play with our pets and families, and lead active lives.”
According to committee member Steve Sanchez, the City was designed to foster a strong sense of community and strategic greenspace was a part of the original design. “These open spaces are the cultural heart of the City where the neighborhood comes together to celebrate life, but it takes a concerted effort to provide adequate greenspace for a growing community and maintain these special places from the ravages of time and use.”
Committee member David Sacks echoed the historical significance of greenspace in Avondale Estates, explaining, “You can see in 1920s advertisements for Avondale Estates real estate, that the City was marketed as a place where you could enjoy all kinds of outdoor recreation, and just have a better quality of life, because of the beautiful surroundings, trees, fresh air, parks and playgrounds, etc.”
While the City’s Greenspace Ad Hoc Committee members are proud of the current greenspace available within Avondale Estates, they are keeping an eye on the future too. Merriam noted that new residential units currently under construction or proposed will bring more people to Avondale Estates. “Ensuring that Avondale Estates continues to be the special place we enjoy today requires intentional planning and public-sector leadership. The January 2018 workshops will help the City identify its needs and develop strategies to meet them.”