2016 Awards for PlaceWorks Projects
Congratulations to our clients! Thank you for your vision and collaboration, as well as the opportunity to serve your communities and to further our mission to “envision and create great places.”
Vacaville General Plan
Hard-Won Victory Award, California Chapter APA
Hard-Won Victory Award, California APA, Northern Section
The citizens and city council of Vacaville shared a vision of downtown revitalization, infill redevelopment, increased bikeability and walkability, and a balance of new neighborhoods and agricultural preservation at the city’s edge. Some new ideas met significant opposition before being accepted and endorsed, and the general plan was able to provide some closure and consensus on other, long-standing issues. This was the first update of the city’s general plan since 1990.
Los Angeles County Master Plan for Sustainable Parks & Recreation
Exceptional Urban Forestry Program Award, California Urban Forests Council
Innovation in Green Community Planning Award of Merit, California APA, Los Angeles Section
The master plan actually combines master plans for six unincorporated communities in Los Angeles County, all of which are underserved by parks and open space. The planning process incorporated intensive community outreach in English and Spanish, including community tours and workshops, outreach fairs, and an online youth engagement contest. The master plan focuses on three high-priority park projects in each of the six communities, with clear steps and strategies for near-term implementation.
Tesoro Viejo Specific Plan
Innovation in Green Community Planning Award, California APA, Central Section
The Tesoro Viejo Specific Plan is the centerpiece of the Rio Mesa Area Plan, which guides expected growth north of the Fresno Metro area. Tesoro Viejo prioritizes environmental, social, and economic health with an integrated system of natural and planned open spaces, mixed-use centers, civic uses, commercial and industrial areas, and residential neighborhoods contoured within the site’s topography.
Oroville Area Urban Greening Plan
Innovation in Green Community Planning Award, California APA, Sacramento Valley Section
The Oroville Area Urban Greening Plan tackles complex issues faced by many former mining, railroad, and manufacturing communities. To improve public health and create a more enjoyable outdoor environment, “greening” the community entails goals such as increasing shade for pedestrians and bicyclists, green space for outdoor activities, and green infrastructure for stormwater management.
Yucaipa General Plan
Comprehensive Planning Award of Merit: Small Jurisdiction, California APA, Inland Empire Section
A unique aspect of this general plan is that it defines the path from a historically rural community to a model suburban community. The city had to balance its priorities—protecting valuable park and open spaces, focusing development to improve underserved neighborhoods, expanding Uptown, and developing a modern industrial and regional commercial core. The general plan also includes an overlay district for the expanding community college.
Salinas Forest Assessment and Urban Greening Plan
Astounding Urban Forestry Project Award, California Urban Forests Council
The forest assessment and urban greening plan increase and connect parks and open space, create community gathering spaces, provide safe and accessible multimodal transportation, and enhance the urban forest. Pilot projects for three neighborhood study areas will serve as a template for later, citywide urban greening efforts. An intensive community engagement process ensures that the pilot plans are shaped by the neighborhoods themselves as stewards of existing and new green spaces.
Healthy Montclair
Health Innovations Prize, Center for Civic Policy Leadership
PlaceWorks supported the city’s “Healthy Montclair” initiative with a GIS-based analysis of community health. A multisector collaboration used the analysis and corresponding needs assessment to develop responsive programs. The findings were packaged into reader-friendly “health briefs” for schools, businesses, civic leaders, and residents. Two Healthy Montclair summits—one in English, one in Spanish—showcased the health briefs and how the city planned to address local health issues.