A pedestrian plaza is a high quality public space that can be created around underutilized walking accessible areas, within roadway roundabouts or at major intersections and bowties. In addition to sometimes providing open spaces for low income neighborhoods, pedestrian plazas can also improve the overall aesthetic of the surrounding area boosting economic vitality, pedestrian mobility and safety for pedestrians. Most plazas are created out of a collaboration between local non-profit applicants and city officials which requires approval from the city.
Pedestrian plazas in the United States
New York City has 49 completed public spaces including Times Square pedestrian plaza. Other examples include Campus Martius Park in Detroit, Michigan and Sunset Triangle Plaza in Silver Lake, Los Angeles, California.