GARBAGE DUMPSTER; SOMETHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY

I'm posting these images, because this is the first and only time I've seen a  garbage dumpster enclosure that tries to be a little decorative.   This dumpster is at a Portillo's restaurant in Rockford, Illinois.   I've never seen a dumpster with flowers / plantings along the upper edge of the enclosure.  

This could be worth attempting to improve the looks of your downtown if there dumpsters that are clearly visible.  Personal opinion; some manner of ground cover or vines would probably be a little more visible than flowers if you're driving by (but what do I know?).

Kudos to this business for at least trying.

A BLOG POSTING WORTH READING

101 small ways you can improve your city...

https://www.curbed.com/2016/9/22/13019420/urban-design-community-building-placemaking

DOWNTOWN TRASH RECEPTACLES (REVISITED)

This mini-park (for lack of a better word) is located in downtown Beloit, Wisconsin between two existing buildings. Of particular interest for this post is the trash receptacle within the park.  I've not seen this type of receptacle used very many places, but seems to be a useful homemade design which will outlast anything a community could buy commercially.

The all brick "shell" with a locked access door in the back, holds a traditional trash can.  The top is a cement slab.  It appears to have been here for quite some time and has held up very nicely.

Like any expenditure made by cities for their downtown, serious thought should be given as to how much it costs, how long the item will last and how much upkeep it will require.

PUBLIC SEATING; MADE MORE ENGAGING

On a recent trip into a Chicago suburb (Arlington Heights), I came across public seating that was installed in a manner that is not common in most communities.   Seating was arranged in a manner similar to a living room in a home.   This arrangement encourages groups of people to sit and interact.

Nothing earth shattering here, but I like the concept: