Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 01/09/2025

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I' 1 f' I i III I G4k l y„ r r 1 F I I (V olfll Iul�l '� 1 d i 11 ull q ' r " r I / L IIII n � r I q.l Mgiil I I YI 11III I 11 EUr r B I, i rynnarr J ^ I A. Gateway, Traffic Calming and Wayfinding: This point in Northfield represents a major gateway to downtown and transition from one side of the river to another. It is a wide right of way and could benefit from traffic calming measures, wayfinding and gateway elements to introduce downtown and encourage drivers to slow down in the zone. The pieces at this juncture could also incorporate ideas of scale and light to have a dramatic presence. B. Infrastructural: The interesting grade changes at this site offer an opportunity to integrate artistic elements into the retaining walls and transitions between built environment and the river. C. Linear and Dispersed: Along the river walk, it is suggested to build off current creative interventions with unified materiality and creative interpretation of the river. D. Rest and Regeneration as Ecology: This wide open space hosts events and is an important civic space, but there is opportunity here for creating passive and artful ways to interact with the space less formally when it is not being programmed. There are also opportunities here and along both banks of the river to incorporate ecological function into art. E. Light and Scale: There is an opportunity to enhance Northfield's current riverfront art collection with larger scale pieces and light. These elements would establish a sense of place as one enters downtown. The current art collection scattered along the river's edge has a consistent scale and size, and the collection could benefit from a large scale or electrified addition. There should be thought given to the types of lights used by the river and on roadways so that they do not cause distraction to drivers or harm to wildlife. F. Historical Contemporary: The parking lot and commercial node in this area are charming, but lack an edge. The character, like other parts of downtown, have a unique historical and human scale. Art could help transition to the character and create an edge in this transitional geography. G. Interactive and Temporal: There are opportunities within the new development sites of downtown to activate spaces in interactive and temporal ways to draw users to the new spaces and create a variety of experiences for visitors. Interactive art would be an especially great fit throughout Northfield, building on the strong culture of education and learning in town. H. Traffic Calming and Wayfinding: Bright, written, visual cues are recommended to connect users between downtown and the river. I. Infrastructural: A new bridge crossing is a great opportunity to integrate art into infrastructure. This is an opportunity for artists to work with engineers in the design and fabrication process.