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I was recently in South Beach, Miami and having been to Florida a number of times, I was pleasantly surprised by how this area differs from the stereotyped remainder of the State.\u00a0\u00a0 A few things in particular were worth noting as examples of what this area has really done well.\u00a0 Of course the enjoyment of public space is always easier in fair weather, but even given that natural advantage, as you stroll around this area it’s clear that South Beach has taken a number of strategies that planners dream about, and has run with them.<\/p>\n
Here are my five favourite things about South Miami Beach:<\/p>\n
5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Useable park space<\/strong><\/p>\n Lummus Park is a 100 metre wide swath of green space<\/a> that runs for 9 blocks long and separates the bustling Ocean Drive from the beach. \u00a0Contained within this linear green space are a number of useable areas including work-out space or playgrounds<\/a> for grown-ups.\u00a0Volley-ball courts also line this space between the road and the beach.\u00a0 In my opinion, in an urban setting, the more usable the green space is – the better, and that includes not forgetting that kids aren\u2019t the only ones who like to play outside.<\/p>\n 4. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Lincoln Road Mall<\/strong><\/p>\n This pedestrian mall runs for 8 blocks perpendicular to Ocean Drive<\/a>, and can\u2019t help but be compared to Sparks Street for those coming from Ottawa.\u00a0\u00a0 When I was in graduate school, and studying pedestrian spaces, one simple way of evaluating blocks was the \u201cdoor handle tool\u201d.\u00a0 The more doors contained within a block, the more people will be drawn to that space out of sheer interest (relates to establishment diversity).\u00a0 Lincoln Road has got this down pat \u2013 narrow store frontages accompanied by outdoor patios.\u00a0 Functions are smartly combined such as large round bollards doubling as seating or public art as climbing apparatus\u2019 for kids.\u00a0 Security is visible patrolling leisurely through the space on bikes.\u00a0 The space is bustling, crowded and no space is wasted, used for patios, bike racks, sandwich boards, public art and landscaping.\u00a0 And laneways located north and south of the space handle things like parking access and garbage.<\/p>\n 3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Parking arrangement<\/strong><\/p>\n The bustling Ocean Drive contains mainly boutique hotels with little separation distance between buildings.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Cars are accommodated, but are forced to drive at a snail\u2019s pace due to the narrow space allocated for driving.\u00a0 Metred on-street parking exists on both sides and pedestrians cross the street randomly because traffic is moving so slowly.\u00a0 Most of the little hotels have a valet parking space in front and here\u2019s the kicker \u2013 most of the hotels don\u2019t actually have their own parking.\u00a0 There is a PUBLIC parking lot a few blocks away on less prime real estate where the hotel valets actually use for their parking area.\u00a0 So parking has been taken out of the equation of the hotels and grouped together in one lovely publicly organized structure complete with priority parking for hybrid vehicles.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The winner in this scenario is the pedestrian who can stroll un-interrupted for 10 blocks or so.\u00a0 And one of my favourite features again \u2013 the rear lane to handle garbage and loading.<\/p>\n 2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Miami Beach Architectural Historic District<\/strong><\/p>\n The architecture in this area is as undeniably interesting as the story behind its preservation.\u00a0 From their website: \u201cMiami Design Preservation League is a non-profit organization devoted to preserving, protecting, and promoting the cultural, social, economic, environmental and architectural integrity of the Miami Beach Architectural Historic District. Originally organized by Barbara Capitman and friends in 1976, it is the oldest Art Deco Society in the World.\u201d http:\/\/www.mdpl.org\/<\/a> I won\u2019t go into detail except to say that the Historic District has done a great job of promoting itself.\u00a0 Art Deco weekend occurs every year and draws hundreds of thousands of fans.\u00a0 The Art Deco welcome centre is smack dab in the middle of the action and the self-guided tour that provides visitors with iPods and lets them stroll around the District at their own pace is a great idea.\u00a0\u00a0 This Historic District has not been sterilized, but is using education and adaptive re-use to create a truly successful space.<\/p>\n 1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Deco bike share program<\/strong><\/p>\n Where to start on this impressive program… http:\/\/www.decobike.com\/<\/a> Miami Beach has rolled out bike sharing in a way that should make us stop and pay attention.\u00a0 There are 100 \u2013 that\u2019s right 100 deco bike share stations<\/a> set up in an area that measures about 12 square kilometres.\u00a0 The bikes are so convenient that by 3pm on a Monday, the first two stations we passed only had two bikes left each and people that work for the program were seen walking two or three bikes at a time around between stations just to try and satisfy the demand.\u00a0 The bikes are sturdy, no gears, your clothes are protected from the chains, there is a great big basket for your bags, the program is super easy to use with a credit card, cheap ($4 for half-hour, $6 for an hour, or $15\/month unlimited pass for residents) and it just makes tons of sense.\u00a0 You can feel the optimism in the air as tourists and residents alike are curiously embracing this as an alternative to driving short distances, walking long distances or taking a taxi.\u00a0 The bikes are covered with advertising, which quite frankly, I\u2019m indifferent about if it\u2019s part of the model that makes the program work.\u00a0 It also doesn\u2019t hurt that a wide bike path is included in Lummus Park allowing for an alternative to riding on the road.\u00a0 People were riding these bikes everywhere and embracing this new concept and it was fantastic to see and take part in.<\/p>\n Of course, I can hear the naysayers already. “Florida benefits from a glorious climate, Miami is just catering to tourists, people don\u2019t actually live there”, etc.\u00a0 But let\u2019s just bask in some optimism for a moment, and celebrate positive things when we see them \u2013 this is a place that makes it fun to spend the days walking (or biking).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"