Pop Up Demonstration Parklet Anaconda Montana
Pop-Up Demonstration Parklet, Anaconda, Montana Publications and Resources
The lack of inviting and truly walkable or bikeable roadways
Limited connectivity between the residential, commercial and recreational zones An irony about the city's problems is that Anaconda was initially a walkable community. "It was built in 1894," noted . "It developed into an automobile community. For a long time we've had this discussion to stop the pass through, to create the feeling to get out of the car.'' In 2014, the A-DLC received a award, which gave rise to the (BAAT).
Volunteers then brought in rugs and furniture, plants and art — including a pop-up mural.
The organizers put up temporary "Walk Anaconda" signs to direct people to key destinations in the community.
Initially, police and fire department representatives expressed concerns about the safety of the parklet installation, including the , with their main concern being about the turning capability of large trucks. This led to the fire department actually getting into their trucks and an ambulance to attempt to make the turn. By chance, a large motorhome also made the turn from another angle. Each vehicle was able to make the turns, although the fire truck did nick one of the white tapelines delineating the bulb-out. Image from the Anaconda Downtown Master Plan (March 2016) A "before" and proposed "after" for Main Street. The focused on understanding how people engage in main streets, specifically on shopping, dining and stopping. Approximately 30 workshop attendees then participated in a and visited the parklet demonstration site, where the group stayed for about an hour and people purchased ice cream from a new shop located on the parklet's corner.
Incorporating traffic calming devices (bulb-outs, island refuges and parklets)
Increasing crosswalk functionality
Establishing bike routes or access
Increasing safety and connectivity between residences, downtown and recreational areas
Encouraging new uses for vacant or demolished lots
Building support from the MDT to execute streetscape amenities, since much of Anaconda's downtown is along an MDT right-of-way
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Project Pop-Up Parklet
Location Park Avenue Anaconda Montana
Photo courtesy Building Active Anaconda Team The Park Avenue parklet attracts a crowd.The Goal
Make downtown Anaconda, Montana, a desirable, pedestrian-friendly destinationThe Backstory
(A-DLC) — population 9,329 — is a consolidated city-county government with Anaconda, Montana's ninth most populous city, at its heart. Over the past several decades, life in the once-bustling downtown has greatly diminished, leaving behind a community characterized by a struggling economy, poor health record, and a vehicle-oriented, sedentary lifestyle. Among the city's challenges: Montana Highway 1, a fast-moving thoroughfare with non-stopping traffic run through Anaconda's commercial area via two separated, one-way avenuesThe lack of inviting and truly walkable or bikeable roadways
Limited connectivity between the residential, commercial and recreational zones An irony about the city's problems is that Anaconda was initially a walkable community. "It was built in 1894," noted . "It developed into an automobile community. For a long time we've had this discussion to stop the pass through, to create the feeling to get out of the car.'' In 2014, the A-DLC received a award, which gave rise to the (BAAT).
The Project
The community outreach efforts of BAAT identified speed and the lack of pedestrian-friendly roadways as the primary reasons residents don't visit and walk around the downtown. The BAAT team worked with the nonprofit to run a community-based workshop in September 2014 with a focus on creating a walkable downtown. The groups decided to to create a , which is typically a site that has been created from a small piece of land, such as a former parking space.The Timing
The was ready for visitors on September 23, 2014.The Logistics
The parklet project, which was built near Park and Oak streets, required outlining the parklet, crosswalks and curb extensions with white duct tape.Volunteers then brought in rugs and furniture, plants and art — including a pop-up mural.
The organizers put up temporary "Walk Anaconda" signs to direct people to key destinations in the community.
Initially, police and fire department representatives expressed concerns about the safety of the parklet installation, including the , with their main concern being about the turning capability of large trucks. This led to the fire department actually getting into their trucks and an ambulance to attempt to make the turn. By chance, a large motorhome also made the turn from another angle. Each vehicle was able to make the turns, although the fire truck did nick one of the white tapelines delineating the bulb-out. Image from the Anaconda Downtown Master Plan (March 2016) A "before" and proposed "after" for Main Street. The focused on understanding how people engage in main streets, specifically on shopping, dining and stopping. Approximately 30 workshop attendees then participated in a and visited the parklet demonstration site, where the group stayed for about an hour and people purchased ice cream from a new shop located on the parklet's corner.
Costs and Crew
The project had limited funding, but the Building Active Anaconda Team was able to utilize skilled volunteers and generous business donations to complete the installation.Outcomes and Next Steps
The success of the impromptu large trucks test proved helpful in moving the project forward. As a direct result of the Anaconda Main Street Workshop and parklet demonstration, a different, but overlapping, group called the obtained county approval and funding for a parklet to be placed where the pilot pop-up project occurred. The local job corps' welding program helped with the construction. The Accelerate Anaconda Committee also secured nearly $33,000 to develop for Anaconda. Funding sources included community development block grants, the , the , the and private community funders. The assorted groups were also successful in petitioning the to paint bike lanes west of town and (shared vehicle and bicycle lanes) east and through the downtown. As of early 2016, the groups have not secured pedestrian curb extensions from the MDT, but the Accelerate Anaconda Committee reports that it "will not stop working for them." The temporary parklet was permanently installed in 2016.Other Solutions
The following efforts would also be helpful to Anaconda: Increasing streetscape amenitiesIncorporating traffic calming devices (bulb-outs, island refuges and parklets)
Increasing crosswalk functionality
Establishing bike routes or access
Increasing safety and connectivity between residences, downtown and recreational areas
Encouraging new uses for vacant or demolished lots
Building support from the MDT to execute streetscape amenities, since much of Anaconda's downtown is along an MDT right-of-way
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AARP Members: For questions about your benefits, AARP The Magazine or the AARP Bulletin, visit the page or call 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277). Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures