Creative reuse. I’m all for it. That’s why I clicked the link on this article from Biz Monthly.
Generous donation establishes Howard County’s first bicycle traffic garden, George Berkheimer, Biz Monthly
Or maybe it was the pull quote in the tweet from Making Change that piqued my curiosity:
"A new Bicycle Traffic Garden for children at Huntington Park in Columbia provides an innovative model for the sustainable reuse of obsolete basketball and tennis courts."
Why would basketball courts and tennis courts ever become obsolete? They might age and require refurbishing, maybe. But - - in Howard County? Outdoor recreation facilities becoming obsolete? That puzzled me.
The new park itself is lovely. You can see for yourself in the photos posted by Howard County Recreation and Parks on Flicker.
Here’s one of them.
Image from HoCoGov website
Here’s a description from From HoCo Rec and Parks:
Built for young and inexperienced riders, the colorful and interactive traffic garden teaches new riders to follow directional signs, learn safe street skills, and encourage proper etiquette when riding. A first-of-its-kind in Howard County parks, the Department hopes to find additional locations in the future for similar bike-riding experiences and wants to remind visitors that a bicycle helmet is required.
Okay, I like it. But explain to me why this basketball court at Huntington Park was obsolete.
Nick Mooneyhan, Director of Recreation & Parks is quoted about the transformation on the County website:
Transforming an old basketball court that was no longer in use into Howard County’s first Bicycle Traffic Garden not only promotes sustainability, but also creates a dynamic and inclusive space for everyone. It’s a testament to the positive impact that can be achieved when we reimagine existing resources through collaborations.
Interesting. In the Biz Monthly article, George Berkheimer writes:
The idea presented itself after Howard County relocated Huntington Park’s basketball court to minimize noise for a nearby residential community. District 3 Councilwoman Christiana Rigby and her chief of staff, Colette Gelwicks, worked with Fionnuala Quinn, director of Virginia-based Discover Traffic Gardens, to design the concept.
…after Howard County relocated Huntington Park’s basketball court to minimize noise for a nearby residential community.
This space wasn’t obsolete. It was apparently in use enough that it was deemed a nuisance by nearby residents so it was…decommissioned?
I don’t know the particulars of this location. But I do know that there’s been a steady removal of basketball courts around the nation and even in Canada.
Is recreational basketball so noisy all by itself that it can’t successfully coexist adjacent to residential neighborhoods? Or is something else at play here?
Hmm.
Anyway, creative reuse. I like it. Here’s an event today that’s a win win for everyone:
Harriet Tubman Cultural Center (8045 Harriet Tubman Ln, Columbia)
Saturday, September 14th from 10:30am - 1:30pm.
Bring clothing you're ready to part with and a bag to bring home your clothing swap finds!
New and gently used clothing only. No undergarments, please.
This clothing swap is part of the interns' Climate Action Plan Project
Have a great Saturday!
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