Leavitt Park - Integrated Public Space

The Robert H. Leavitt Park in downtown Lebanon is an excellent example of the

integration of a small park in a residential urban area. This park is located right along the street that is often busy with cars, which is a challenge that reduces the number of visitors to a public space. With the nearby construction currently going on Mascoma Street and Route 4, I thought no one would be willing to stop by the park. However, one of the first features I noticed about this park is that many passersby chose to take the path along the park rather than the sidewalk, even if it was slightly out of the way. Visitors did not necessarily sit down for a prolonged period of time in the space, but they gravitated towards the park. This is evidence of the successful design of this public space.

Obvious aesthetic elements that make the area successful are the benches, trees, and rock garden. The benches are placed in shady areas of the park, making them attractive to sit down upon. The trees seem to shield the area from the outside world. They also unify with the rock garden to create a pleasant green space. The cascading water running down the rock garden is inviting for its calming babbling.

The topography near the public space is also a factor in making the park an appealing

place. It sits on top of a small hill, bringing the park farther away from the road and the vehicles that drive by, therefore causing a minor illusion of privacy. The path that separates from the sidewalk encourages people to explore where it leads. The quiet residential area behind the park is also important in improving the surrounding space, and increases the likelihood that visitors will come to the area. The neighborhood makes the place seem quieter and more secluded, encouraging visitors to stroll by. However, the park does not disrupt the residential area and is smoothly blended into the surrounding environment. People do not feel that they have to walk around the park if they do not intend to stay in the space. They feel free to walk through it and enjoy the ambience however long they choose to visit.

Small public spaces are a challenge to make pleasant in a urban area, but can often make a big difference in improving the lifestyles of those who live near it. These kinds of spaces are difficult to integrate into an area because of practical factors, such as an inability to plant enough trees or place enough benches, but also because of the way the space flows into the area around it. This factor isn't as simple as making the park look like the surrounding neighborhood. For example, all-cement public spaces in the middle of large cities are often unpleasant to be in because they absorb a lot of heat or become really cold, and are uncomfortably hard. Instead, public areas should be welcoming and break up the surrounding space without feeling too out of the ordinary. As with Leavitt Park, people should want to take time out of their day to pass through and enjoy the space no matter the size or budget for the park.