Great Places Contest Highlights Region's Best Public Spaces

We all know a great community when we see one, but what exactly makes it so unique?  Many factors contribute to the vitality of a community, from its amenities, natural areas, and built environments to its architectural flair and the energy of its citizens.  Great Places are those public spaces that stand at the intersection of these factors, fostering social interactions and creating a sense of community. 

The Nashua Regional Planning Commission (NRPC) is celebrating the region’s communities by holding a Great Places Contest as part of National Community Planning Month in October.  One Great Place will be selected from each NRPC member community, including Amherst, Brookline, Hollis, Hudson, Litchfield, Lyndeborough, Mason, Merrimack, Milford, Mont Vernon, Nashua, Pelham, and Wilton.  Citizens are invited to nominate their favorite Great Place by visiting www.nashuarpc.org/greatplaces.  Nomination forms will also be available at libraries throughout the region.  All nominations must be received by September 8. 

Great Places are at the heart of our region’s vibrant, livable cities and towns and they are as unique as the communities they reside in.  Great Places can range from town commons, parks, and conservation areas, to farmers’ markets, public buildings, and historic sites, as well as anything in between.  While no two Great Place are exactly alike, they all utilize interesting features and design elements, support a variety of activities, and have distinctive characteristics and traits. 

National Community Planning Month, sponsored by the American Planning Association, is designed to raise awareness of planning achievements across the country and to recognize the many local projects that make our communities wonderful places to live and work.  Last year, NRPC marked National Community Planning Month with the debut of its Great Streets Program.  One Great Street was selected from each member community based on citizens’ nominations and a driving tour was developed to highlight these streets across the region (please visit www.nashuarpc.org/greatstreets for more details).  It soon became clear that the Nashua Region’s community assets extended beyond its streets, so this year NRPC is broadening its scope to celebrate the region’s Great Places. 

For more information about the Great Places Contest, please visit www.nashuarpc.org/greatstreets or contact Jill Simonetti, Public Outreach Coordinator, at jills@nashuarpc.org or 603-883-0366 x27.