The Mirror Pond Plaza Committee has posted a survey about the condition of the Mirror Pond Plaza, the public space between Crow’s Feet Commons and Dojo at the top of Drake Park.
The survey questions include:
“Are you happy with the current atmosphere of the Mirror Pond Plaza?”
…and includes space for public comment.
“The Plaza is a public space that is available for rental for activities. What would you expect to pay to use the Mirror Pond Plaza?”
…which makes it sound as if the city is considering renting the space for events.
“Do you see a problem with one business or entity controlling the events in Mirror Pond Plaza”
…which sounds like a referral to the recent termination of the lease that Crow’s Feet Commons held on the plaza. Read the full story here.
What do you think the city should do with Mirror Pond Plaza? Comment below.
This article appears in Nov 19-26, 2014.
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Hello,
Just to be clear, the Mirror Pond Plaza Committee, part of the nonprofit advocacy organization, The Downtown Bend Business Association is conducting this survey. The City is NOT. This is an important distinction because we trying to have a community conversation that is driven by the community. It’s not ‘what should the City do’, it’s ‘what does the community want and help us get there’.
Thanks,
DBBA
I believe that the Crows Feet Commons folks have done an excellent job at creating a comfortable space, engaging the public, and creating a variety of events for all to enjoy. The public space has inherent challenges, due to it’s location next to the public park. We should not expect a business like Crows Feet to “police” the space, that is not their job. Instead we should applaud their efforts and support further events and growth. What would we expect to pay to rent the space for events? Most local non-profits don’t have a huge fund for space rental, so I can’t speak to that, but perhaps a percentage of the event’s proceeds would be fair to accept as payment. I didn’t see anyone else stepping up to take on the challenges of utilizing that space, and I don’t think leadership by committee is ever a good idea. I believe if Crows Feet is willing to continue planning and scheduling for the space, I don’t see a problem with letting them keep doing what they are great at. Their events and use of the space reflect the community of Bend in a positive way.