2021 Pennsylvania Great Places
Congratulations to the 2021 Great Places in PA Award Winners!
The Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association is proud to announce the 2021 Great Places in PA. Great Places are unique, memorable places that display a wealth of best practices in community planning, serve as a community focal point, and strengthen the local economy. They also demonstrate the rewarding results that occur through planning, partnerships, and community engagement.
For 2021, eight Great Places were designated among three categories: Great Greenways/Trail (5), Great Public Spaces (2), and Great Streets (1). There are now 46 designated “Great Places in PA” located in 28 of the Commonwealth’s 67 counties.
In recognizing the 2021 Great Places, APA PA also celebrates the many community leaders and officials, professionals, and residents who contributed to making these places “great.”
A special thank-you is also extended to the dedicated panel of judges that volunteer their time to review and rate the nominations, as well as select the Great Places.
When traveling or seeking adventure, consider visiting PA’s “Great Places.” More information about the 2021 Great Places and previously designated Great Places is available on the website.
A special thanks to our 2021 Great Places judges
Chair of Great Places Initiative: Pam Shellenberger, AICP, York County Planning Commission
Judges:
Julie Fitzpatrick
PA Downtown Center, Executive Director
Tom Hylton
Save Our Land, Save Our Towns Inc., Founder
Lisa Kunst Vavro, RLA, ASLA
Penn State Center, Sustainable Communities & Engaged Scholarship Manager (retired)
Kate McMahon, AICP
NEPA Alliance, Senior Transportation Services Manager
David Schwartz, PE, AICP, PP
Bergmann, Associate
Travis Siegel
Northwest Commission, Regional Planning Manager
Jim Segedy, FAICP
The Planning Guild, Community Planning & Design Director
Dick Koch
Gannett Fleming (retired)
Stay tuned for the opportunity to nominate Great Places in 2022. It’s not too soon to start thinking about great places to nominate in your community. The categories will be Great Greenways/Trails and Great Public Spaces.
Great Greenways/Trails
A Great Greenway/Trail is linear parcel of land or right-of-way set aside to preserve/protect open space, scenic landscapes, historical resources, natural resources, and plant/animal habitats. It is easily accessible, serves to connect people and places, and is used by people of all ages. A great greenway/trail is an economic generator for communities and is often a focal point for social events and festivals that bring people together. The 2021 Great Greenways/Trails include the following.
Great Public Spaces
A Great Public Space is a vibrant place that fosters a sense of community through people of all ages gathering to play, socialize, enjoy a meal or concert, relax, or just enjoy the outdoors. It is a focal point for community events, which bring people together and bolster the economy. Below are the 2021 Great Public Spaces.
Great Streets
A Great Street comprises the entire three-dimensional visual corridor, including the public realm and how it relates to adjacent land uses. It is important for local businesses and helps to create a sense of community. Special emphasis is placed on “complete” streets that service and take into account all users, whether auto, pedestrian, bicycle, or transit. The 2021 Great Street is described below.