The Power of 10 is an idea developed and promoted by the Project for Public Spaces:
http://www.pps.org/articles/the-power-of-10/
From the Project for Public Spaces web site:
“At the core of the Power of 10 is the idea that any great place itself needs to offer at least 10 things to do or 10 reasons to be there. These could include a place to sit, playgrounds to enjoy, art to touch, music to hear, food to eat, history to experience, and people to meet. Ideally, some of these activities are unique to that particular spot and are interesting enough to keep people coming back. The local folks who use the space most regularly are the best source of ideas for what uses will work best.”
“It’s the Placemakers’ role to encourage everyone to think about what’s special in their communities. How many quality places are located nearby, and how are they connected? Are there places that should be more meaningful but aren’t? Answering these questions can help residents and stakeholders determine -both individually and collectively- where they need to focus their energies.”
“Whether you’re talking about places in a given neighborhood or great neighborhoods within a city, “10” can also refer to the ultimate goals of variety and choice. When we talk about the “Power of 10,” we are stressing the fact that we should always think of how Placemaking can be accomplished at all scales.”
The idea of the Power of 10 can be used to create activity in Law Park, for example. While continuing and celebrating existing attractions such as fishing, walking along the lake, and water ski shows, new attractions could be added, such as a playground, live music, food, benches and chairs, boat rental, etc.
The beauty of the Power of 10 is that it can be done on a low budget: food can be provided by a food cart, musicians can set up on on the ground or on a temporary stage, chairs can be set out, boats can be rented.
If a more ambitious plan for Law Park takes shape, such as the covering of John Nolan Drive and the railroad tracks, the Power of 10 can be used as a guiding principle. An outdoor cafe, amphitheater, boat house, benches, and other amenities that attract people will make for a vibrant, well-used place. Perhaps Law Park can be a location for Chris Berg’s idea of a outdoor cafe along a bike path.
The Power of 10 can also be a guiding principle for redevelopment of the Government East parking ramp and the back of the Madison Municipal Building on Pickney St. Including many reasons for people to be there will make for a lively place. Think of it as taking mixed use to it’s maximum potential. A hotel, retail, restaurants, plaza, market, train station and other attractions all in one place will make this a wonderful place for residents and visitors. I still believe that this site would be ideal for a public market and (former) Mayor Dave’s Obihiro Idea of restaurant incubators.
