Claremont City Center

The small park and memorial in the center of a roundabout in downtown Claremont, NH, is a failed public space. The location of this park is a great opportunity to ameliorate the center of town and further improve the quality of life in Claremont, but this is not taken advantage of with this memorial area. It is not obvious that this park is unpleasant from the outside, however, once entering the space it is clear that it was designed without much thought. This makes the park detrimental to the surrounding city of Claremont.

When entering the park, the fountain is the first feature of the public space you notice. It makes the space feel good to a certain extent, but it is is not enough to make you want to stay. When walking further into the space you begin to notice the flaws in the park. Not only is the design of the park strange to walk around in, but the space feels barren. An area that could be used to

increase the size of the park is instead used for parking. The park is full of awkward angles and inconsistent shade. There are no benches or anywhere to sit. The fountain leaks onto the bricks below, which is evidence of negligence. From the outside, this park may seem pleasant, but as a public space, it fails. There is nothing to make someone want to stay and enjoy the park.

The lack of benches is one of the most surprising characteristics of this park. Even someone who does not understand how design affects the pleasantness of a public space knows the value of benches and greenery. These details make people who walk by want to stay and enjoy the scenery. This area is clearly haphazardly made. Although, I am not sure exactly why this space was built without benches or much care, I believe that one of the causes of the lack of seating is to dissuade loitering in the center of town. I then realized that the absence of benches was a greater issue throughout all of downtown Claremont. I noticed many people sitting on ledges that stick out from the city buildings. Even if there are not places to sit, people will still find a way to be able to sit down as they walk around town. Then only positive enjoyment of the public space is deterred with the removal of benches.

There is not much that can be done to change the design of the park, however there are simple things that can be added to develop the public space. Things like artwork or a bulletin board that improve community can be included. Benches can be added. Even the parking lot can be changed into an extension of the public space by planting trees or shrubbery. More care should be taken into the design of public spaces like these that are directly in the center of town and are seen by everyone who passes by. Pleasant public spaces in downtown areas improve connections by allowing people to meet and enjoy public events. They enhance the quality of life of those who live nearby by encouraging people to spend time outside and take more care in appreciating their city.