station exemplifies the economic ripple effects of transportation infrastructure investments. QUALITY OF LIFE Taunton’s investments in parks and recreational facilities demonstrate how mid-sized cities can enhance community well-being through strategic placemaking.“We are renovating a lot of our current parks that people have enjoyed since I was a little kid,” Mayor O’Connell explains. “The biggest one is Memorial Park, and we’re putting in about $4 million for renovation. It has a beautiful pond. We’re going to make a beautiful bandstand, outdoor space, and picnicking areas for people to really enjoy. I brought my kids there when they were little, so to be able to renovate that entire park for families to enjoy for generations to come is something that’s really important to us.” Such an intergenerational approach to public space design typifies contemporary understanding of parks as critical social infrastructure. The city is also creating new recreational spaces that respond to demographic trends. “We are creating a park really 214 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05
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