The Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association announced today that Levitt Pavilion in Downtown Arlington has been designated a Great Public Space by the state chapter’s Great Places in Texas program.
Great Places in Texas exemplify exceptional character and highlight the role planners and planning play in creating communities of lasting value. This year marks the third year of the Great Places in Texas program, which is modeled from the American Planning Association’s ongoing Great Places in America program.
“It is clear that the Levitt Pavilion was one of the major economic and social catalysts to the redevelopment efforts seen in Downtown Arlington today” said Doug McDonald, AICP, APA-Texas Chapter President. “The space has brought people back to the core of Arlington to enjoy arts and entertainment and has become a favorite gathering place for everyone.”
Through Great Places in Texas, the Texas Chapter of APA recognizes unique and authentic characteristics found in three essential components of all communities — streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces. APA Great Places offer better choices for where and how people work and live every day, places that are enjoyable, safe, and desirable. Such places are defined by many characteristics, including architectural features, accessibility, functionality, and community involvement.
Chet Garner, creator, producer, writer, and editor and host of the 7-time Lone Star Emmy Award winning “The Daytripper” is the spokesperson for the program. The five other Great Places in Texas designees for 2019 are:
- Downtown Bastrop - Bastrop, Texas
- Downtown Nacogdoches – Nacogdoches, Texas
- Discovery Green - Houston, Texas
- San Jacinto Plaza – El Paso, Texas
- Hill Country Mile – Boerne, Texas
Representatives from the City of Arlington will be in Austin, Texas on April 1 to accept the award as part of the American Planning Association – Texas Chapter’s Planners’ Day at the State Capitol. Recognition will be given in both the House and Senate Chambers, and representatives will be meeting with Senator Kelly Hancock and Representative Tony Tinderholt who represent Arlington’s Levitt Pavilion.
For more information about the 2019 Great Places in Texas, as well as a list of the Great Places in America designees located in the state, visit www.greatplacesintexas.com.
The American Planning Association and its professional institute, the American Institute of Certified Planners, are dedicated to advancing the art, science and profession of good planning -- physical, economic, and social -- so as to create communities that offer better choices for where and how people work and live. Members of APA help create communities of lasting value and encourage civic leaders, business interests, and citizens to play a meaningful role in creating communities that enrich people's lives.
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