Thanks! I took the survey and thought it might be fun to talk about the options a little bit. Here are my answers to each of the pertinent questions:
1. Let us know which recreation activities and amenities you would like Downtown East Commons to include by checking your 3 highest priorities:
1A. I checked Playground and Sprayground/Spash Pad, and then wrote in Other - a water feature like a pond or stream. I'm not sure it couldn't be a combination of several of the items though.
2. Let us know which performances/events you would like Downtown East Commons to include by checking your 3 highest priorities:
2A. I checked Music Performances, Winter Markets/Winter Carnival (i.e. Christmas Village), and Familiy/Children Events & Activities
3. Let us know which education/interpretation activities and amenities you would like Downtown East Commons to include by checking your 3 highest priorities:
3A. I didn't really get what they were asking for, but selected Youth/School Programs, Sustainability, and Education Events (seemed to be the most general answer)
4. Let us know which special features/destination attractions you would like Downtown East Commons to include by checking your 3 highest priorities:
4A. I checked Great Lawn, Pavilion/Shade Structures, and Other - All of the above! This was one area where I really couldn't find the best 3 choices because nearly all of them seemed like must-haves. I really hope they seriously consider that option, because having all of the above or nearly all of the above would truly create an attraction and gathering place for all walks of life, kind of like the Lake Harriet Pavilion does now.
5. What is your favorite Minneapolis urban park, and why?
5A. The Grand Rounds, because it's a great place to people watch and exercise [that's highly centralized and accessible to everyone] that last part I added just now. I didn't think I would have that much space to write on the survey.
6. What is your favorite urban park anywhere, and why?:
6A. Central Park, NYC, because it's a natural gathering place and destination that ties urban features with nature (again, I didn't know how much I could write so I kept it short and sweet)
7. What word or phrase best describes what you think the Commons should be?:
7A. "Gathering place"
I was glad to see that they were taking the public's opinion into consideration like this and it makes me feel like I"m at least partially contributing to the development and outcome of the park. For most of the questions I had a very hard time limiting my answers to the best 3, because usually "All of the above" were noteworthy and should be considered. Particularly for #4, which included options for: Interactive Fountains, Public Arrt, Feature Lighting, Restaurants/Cafes/Beer Gardens (yes to all!), Casual Seating Options, Great Lawn, Public Restrooms (why is this even a question? Of course bathrooms are necessary, and they should be well maintained), Food Trucks, Urban Gardens, Pavilion/Shade Structures, Bike/Equipment Rentals (I originally had this checked as it's a natural place for all kinds of ride sharing features, incl. cars as well, but I figured most of the cyclists out there would make sure this gets consideration), a Stage, and finally Other. I don't see why just about all of this couldn't be featured at this park.