No matter where you are in the country, the pandemic has most certainly affected all of us. From minor inconveniences like wearing a face-covering in public to outright stay-at-home orders from local and state governments, we’ve all seen some sort of effect from what has amounted to a growing global situation.
However, as some parts of the country are still battling the coronavirus in earnest, others feel as though they’re on the back end of the curve and are starting to open things back up. That said, we have all likely learned how important public spaces are as part of our new normal.
Cities Making Room for Public Space
As the country slowly attempts to get back to normal, cities and communities are gathering together to open up more public space for people to enjoy the outdoors, albeit with some caveats. Naturally, social distancing is the name of the game in our new normal, so outdoor spaces are accommodating those requirements while also being receptive to outdoor enthusiasts.
Some cities and businesses are converting outdoor parking spaces into useful outdoor seating, dining, and recreation areas while maintaining some degree of space between parties. In addition to creating more space, these enterprising businesses and cities are encouraging people to enjoy the outdoors and get fresh air after months (in some cases) of isolation or quarantine.
Fewer Vehicles, More Pedestrians
Another fantastic way we’re seeing cities create more outdoor space is to actually close off once busy roads in order for pedestrians to use them exclusively. Major cities such as Seattle, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, New York City, and Long Beach, CA, have all made efforts to close city streets and allow pedestrians or cyclist to use them without having to worry about vehicle traffic.
This follows the trend of many European cities blocking off roads for cyclists and pedestrians and even going as far as to build permanent infrastructure for those activities. Time will tell whether or not these efforts have a lasting impact on both the health of residents as well as their overall activity levels.
Taking Things Outside
By both blocking off streets and creating “parklets” out of parking spaces, both businesses and communities can safely hold activities that they once held in intimate quarters indoors. Libraries, social clubs, and places of worship have leveraged these creative uses of public space to continue offering readings, meetings, and services.
If anything, the pandemic has opened up many people to creatively use the spaces we have available to us even if it was once thought as a single-purpose area. These innovative uses of square footage, while small in some areas, are making big and lasting impacts on the lives of those most affected by the pandemic.
Create Outdoor Space at Your Home
Outdoor public spaces are a great way to get away from your home and the feeling of being isolated or stuck indoors, but many of us have become more comfortable than ever in our homes. But this doesn’t mean you can’t create your own outdoor space or reinvent the space you already have. Even small changes can make lasting impacts for you and your family.
And if you’re looking for ways to make use of your outdoor space, or to get pre-qualified for a home with greater outdoor space, then consider getting in touch with Tidewater Mortgage Services, Inc. to help you find the financial solutions to move you in the right direction.
