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The City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division is looking for volunteers willing to spend four hours of their time observing how people use downtown public spaces. For information about volunteering and to sign up, visit www.fwcommunitydevelopment.org and click on the volunteer link.

Volunteers are needed to take part in a Public Space / Public Life Survey, which will document how people use spaces like Freimann Square, the Indiana Michigan Power Center Plaza, the Courthouse Green and others. During a four hour shift, volunteers will take note of whether people are walking, biking, socializing or using the public space in other ways. The volunteers will not approach or talk with anyone, they will simply observe what happens in the spaces.

Volunteers should be 18 years of age or older and will be assigned to one of ten downtown public spaces. Approximately 60 volunteers are needed.

Once all the data is collected, Gehl, a leading expert organization on creating vibrant, sustainable, people-focused cities, will analyze the results and then recommend ways to make downtown spaces work better for people. Suggestions could include everything from more seating and lighting to bike lanes and public art. The end goal is to create a place that is memorable, enjoyable and accessible for residents and visitors.

The Public Space / Public Life project is being primarily funded by the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne/Knight Foundation. The City of Fort Wayne is providing support and additional funding.

Gehl was founded in 2000 with the goal of creating cities for people. Their work includes the transformation of New York’s Times Square into a gathering space for people to walk, socialize, bike and rest. To learn more about Gehl, visit www.gehlpeople.com.

Download the Information Flier Here.

Visit the Volunteer Sign Up Form Here.