Public spaces this summer

I rode my bike to the Mill City Farmer’s Market last weekend in downtown Minneapolis. It was different than it was last summer but also kind of the same. The entrance was staffed with a person who made sure I was wearing a mask and not eating or drinking anything – iced teas and coffees dotted the table next to her. The vendors’ tables were spaced out and customers meandered less and walked with purpose more. People shopped efficiently and kept moving. But people chatted with vendors and bought flowers and vegetables. There were food trucks outside of the market along 2nd St. and people were sitting on curbs eating and talking.

I’ve heard that downtown Stillwater has closed streets this summer in order to make room for restaurant and café tables. Tables are spread out, ordering might be different, but like last summer, people are sitting outside with friends, relaxing together, feeling the city around them, watching people walk by.

I’ve been thinking about what we are experiencing during the covid pandemic that I’d like to carry forward into more normal times. People want to use public spaces together. When cities take a chance on changing public spaces - closing streets to provide space for restaurants and closing parkways to cars to provide space for walkers and bikers - we find it’s what people want.

-Julia