Introduction In the 2016 flood recovery planning process, residents identified converting repetitive flood loss properties to green space as a park enhancement and beautification goal. With the purpose of increasing resilience in Denham Springs, this chapter will show how strategic planning that considers stormwater management, transportation and mobility, and active lifestyles needs, can lead to intentional infrastructure investments with multiple benefits for improved community health and wellbeing. Converting flood-prone areas to open-space can improve quality of life for both residents moving out of flood prone locations and the community as a whole if the land is designed and maintained as an amenity to support connectivity and active, healthy lifestyles. This chapter offers a long-term vision for the future of this neighborhood as a resilient, family-oriented destination for all community members. The purpose of this plan is to continue the conversation and process of adapting to water and strengthening community wellbeing and resilience. The concepts and strategies presented in the previous section will be applied to one location, Spring Park, but many have wider applicability to the community at large, such as installing bioswales as buffers between bike and car lanes. Additionally, the design elements and strategies can be applied in different ways. Identifying places in the community where these ideas can be applied will be important toward increasing the resilience of the entire community, not just areas in close proximity to this particular neighborhood.
Vision for Expanding Historic Spring Park
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