I’ve got some ideas but rather than offer them right now I’d rather comment on some of the ideas suggested in the Daily News.
Expanded Sculpture Park
Please no. I like sculptures, I really do. And I particulary enjoy the sculptures on the boardwalk over by the Black Cow. They are a nice little surprise as one walks toward the water, and I appreciate that. Would a few more hurt? Quite the contrary, but an entire area dedicated to sculptures seems like it would be widely seen but hardly used. I'd probably lump the Garden suggestion in here as well. A small one would be a nice feature, but gardens too often seem less inviting than less delicate uses.
Sitting area with benches
Benches should be part of everything, but is this really an idea?
Lecture space
Absolutely not. Go to the Firehouse or the high school if you want to lecture. This is the outdoors. Let's move around.
Historic recognition
If it's mixed in with larger uses, sure. But this should not be the primary focus of the Waterfront. Looking back is great--and necessary--and we do a lot of it in this town. And we should. But let's move forward (if I may borrow a line from friend and neighbor Ed Cameron.)
educational exhibit based on fishing/boat building heritage
Some pictures and posters might be nice. But let's not make this a history lesson. And if we want to honor our fishing heritage, let's keep the fishing boats and establish a fish market.
Memorialize location of historically significant waterfront buildings
We've got plenty of historical buildings that serve as such memorial. Let's not make the waterfront the Theme Park of What Was.
Delineation of historic shoreline
I like this idea. Could be done well with tiles, brick or some other surface. I think it would be an eye opener and a neat feature.
Pavilion
Nah, let's not try to recreate Revere Beach here (and I mean that in a good "in it's hey day" sort of way. I don't like creating "gathering places." Boston City Hall Plaza was supposed to be a gathering place. Other than the occassional questionable Pep Rally does it serve this purpose at all. As for it's providing protection against inclement weather, that's what our stores, restaurants and homes are for.
Harbormaster building
Hmmmm, probably not. Perhaps by Cashman.
Child playground
Full disclosure, I have a child. But nothing adds vitality and visitors like a playground. Ever go to Cashman on a nice sunny day. Great energy. But this would be part of a bigger puzzle.
Public rest-rooms
Sure.
Unprogrammed active recreation area
What does this mean?
Informal sports play area
Does this mean grass?
I'm getting winded. Let's wrap some of these up...
Yankee Homecoming events
Seems like there’s enough space now.
Visitor's/Information center, Kiosk/ map of downtown attractions, Ticket sales for boat tours
Sure, but this garnish. Where’s the beef?
Farmer's market
HERE IT IS.
I didn’t understand the resistance to the farmer's market at The Mall. Those arguing against it suggested it would draw business away from our locally owned businesses. But that wouldn’t be the case if our local farms sold their fruit and vegetables there. In fact they’d reach out to a people who might not otherwise make it to their farm stands. I don't see how this would be any different than the food vendors who stuff Market Square during long weekends. Don't they draw business from restaurants? If so why are they permitted.
This might work on the waterfront. A farmer's market as part of a larger marketplace where folks living here and elsewhere can find fresh local goods, fish off the boats, locally made goods/crafts, perhaps some art. Think Pike's Place in Seattle but with a lot less building.
Add in a playground and a few other features, including more open space, and we'll have an even greater treasure.
I think the worst thing we could do—and this is a tired argument—is overdo the parking. Is it practical? Yes. But big opportunities aren't always practical. They require leaps of faith, at least that's what folks around here through 30 or 40 years ago. That seems to be the overall message being conveyed by the Daily News' Port in Progress series.
If we pave it and park on it we’re going to miss a great opportunity to create something truly special, something no other city or town in the region or the state can really boast. If it’s done well enough the downtown will thrive, and we’ll find some other place to park our cars.
I can't wait for the 24th.
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