The Greenspace Project | Choosing a Location

Take a trip to your County Courthouse and ask the surveyers office for land availability plots in the region you plan to focus on. Also ask them to see a map of current greenspaces and their locations for your reference; this was useful during my process of identifying the site. The best way to find the surveyers office is to ask the front desk at the courthouse; they will be able to direct you towards the right office.

I visited and took measurements of several spaces before committing to the Liberty House; I walked around vacant areas, learned the topography, and documented my impressions through notes and photographs. Do the same and become familiar with the sites so as to choose an area with the most potential.

Narrow your options by talking and interviewing with residents in the areas you are most interested in.

I interviewed key city officials (these officials can be located within a directory on your city's website) so they knew I was interested in proposing a space. This will be helpful in finding information and contacts for your proposal. Networking is incredibly beneficial.

Ask city officials for materials to conduct research in terms of legal zoning requirements and in terms of community development goals, future projections, and plans. Materials that I found informative that you should ask for include:
* City/town comprehensive plan
* Municipality zoning regulations
* Parks and recreation comprehensive plan