As part of the educational content for New Mexico MainStreets Summer Leadership Network Meeting in 2018, Raton MainStreet and the City of Raton worked with NMMS technical assistance to develop designs for multiple placemaking installations, including a 3D “floating” crosswalk, wayfinding footprints, painted games, and portable benches/planters made out of wooden pallets.
Conference attendees had the opportunity to experience placemaking firsthand while they painted the crosswalk, wayfinding footprints, and ground-level games in Raton’s Great Blocks project area adjacent to their Railroad Depot.
The 3D crosswalk creates a selfie-worthy traffic calming feature, while painted footprints lead transit station travelers to local businesses for coffee and curios. Painted games such as checkers and “cha-cha” dance instructions provide activities while they wait for their bus or train, and the pallet benches provide shaded seating. City officials have reported that these installations have been so popular, they are currently looking for ways to make them more permanent.
This project maintained enthusiasm for the more permanent Great Blocks installation, the first phase of which was constructed this spring. The Great Blocks project addresses pedestrian access and safety, traffic calming, and overall comfort for Raton’s downtown.
Step by step instructions for both the pallet benches and 3D crosswalk can be made available by contacting Amy Bell at amy@groundworkstudionm.com.
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