The City of Champaign continues to make progress on a Placemaking Plan for a new civic plaza in the heart of downtown Champaign. The project is now entering its second phase with another series of exciting community engagement opportunities. The public is encouraged to join in the effort and to share its ideas on what it would like to see in a new downtown plaza.
The City wants to hear from its residents and visitors and asks members of the public to complete a quick visual-preference survey at PlanOurPlaza.com. Survey participants can quickly review pictures that show various options for activities or amenities that could be in the plaza, and then are asked to select three options they like the best. The public can also sign up to receive project updates via email at the same website. Interactive community design workshops and other creative input opportunities will be announced soon and will be held this spring.
The renaissance of downtown Champaign has resulted in an increase in restaurants, employers, residences and activities. As interest and investment in downtown continues to grow, the creation of a civic plaza presents an opportunity to ensure that the area offers something for community members of all ages and lifestyles. This space will be an engaging, inclusive destination for special events as well as everyday enjoyment.
Since launching this effort late last year, City staff, along with consultants MKSK, Inc., have been analyzed existing conditions and conducted preliminary information gathering. In addition to advisory and focus group meetings, project team members collected ideas at community events and through area service clubs. This engagement process has begun to reveal how residents and visitors would like to use a downtown gathering space. More public input is needed so the project team can create a concept that reflects what the community would like to see, feel and experience in their downtown plaza.
Media Contact: Lacey Rains Lowe, Senior Planner | 217-403-8800