Comments on: Turf to tough out one more winter

By: Kathy J

Kathy J — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 23:33:09 +0000

Those who were not around when the Armory was here clearly are clueless on how much that was used (nonstop!) and what an essential part it was to our community. From the Ethnic Heritage Festival to indoor Craft Shows to weddings to polka dances, it had it all that and then some. It was rundown, but it was well-used. Right now downtown SS has to beg for public meeting and they are double/triple booked often. Try to plan anything downtown for over 100 folks and see how far a nonprofit budget takes you.

Just one example of how the Civic Center can address an immediate need: the AFI’s annual Silverdocs Fest has totally outgrown all the available meeting spaces, hotel rooms, and screens – and they are begging for more places to show films and hold talks.

As to the whole Central Park thing – come down Georgia to Jesup (yes, just one S) Blair Park – much more apropos comparison in layout and landscaped city setting — though it is too far from where the “action” is to get used by anyone not interested in the playground or soccer fields. A pity. I’m hoping while TPTB construct the civic center and plaza that the SSJazzFest is moved down to Jesup Blair to give South SS some exposure.

By: WeCanDoBetter

WeCanDoBetter — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 15:30:20 +0000

The outside ice rink will only be used 2 out of the 12 months during the year. Then what? Does anyone know what the civic center will be used for? I think people love the idea of a civic center but are clueless to what types of events and activities will actually be held there. The reality is that there will be very little activity going on there…unless they put slot machines in the civic center. Better yet, get rid of the planned civic center and put a casino in its place. That would surely activate the area.

By: b

Sun, 02 Dec 2007 06:54:35 +0000

Copy & paste this link to your browser for an 11 page slide show on the proposed project.

http://www.machado-silvetti.com/projects/silver_spring/index.php

By: b

Sun, 02 Dec 2007 06:35:48 +0000

Agreed, Rock Creek Park is no Central Park. I was just trying to give some prospective. Some have gotten the idea that a large green ashtray in the middle of 2 city blocks is our Central Park, when it is more like Van Gogh’s missing ear.

By: Niko

Niko — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 22:24:37 +0000

Its an outdoor ice rink.

By: Springvale Roader

Springvale Roader — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 15:26:44 +0000

B, I love the idea of a European-style piazza (square) in DTSS, which is why I cited Washington Square Park in NYC as a model.

I haven’t seen any proposed plans for the Civic Center, etc., but if it’s a piazza-style proposal, then count me in. Go ahead and roll up the astroturf and send it back to Home Depot. Public squares are some of the best & liveliest places in cities.

I do feel compelled to point out that Central Park is to Rock Creek Park as a Rembrandt is to spilled paint.

By: Can it be

Can it be — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 14:36:59 +0000

Can it be that, someone else in Silver Spring looks out side the box and sees the positive side of a civic center and ice rink? Thanks for the post “b”. I can’t wait until we have a civic center and an outdoor skating rink so I can take my family there. It’s much better than saying, “hey guys, lets enjoy the day on the green turf that’s dirty and vandalized.”

By: b

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 23:40:31 +0000

Maybe I’m missing something, but, a green (petro-chemical)carpet doesn’t make it a green space. The plaza & civic center will have benches, trees (more than now), and will be much more accessable to families (and family members of all ages), than a sun-bleached carpet. This is ment to be like the plazas in Spain, which are the center of every major city there. Gathering places for all ages, 24/7. The only people flexable enough to sit-down on the carpet and enjoy it now are the young. The new plaza will be more family friendly, and accessable to all generations. As far as the homeless, well they are already there, and any place you have a demand for drugs, you will find drug dealers. A civic center won’t draw them, customers will (again, already there). Finally, there is a wonderfull park next to the Silver Spring library, just 1 block away, and for those hooked on NY,NY, Rock Creek Park is closer than Central Park is to most residents of NYC. We have a 1 block strip! Where are we going to put a Central Park in DTSS without evicting all the retailers?
Thank-You.

By: Springvale Roader

Springvale Roader — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 02:00:35 +0000

IHY, I would add “Adega” restaurant to the list of real and genuine places in the new DTSS. It’s a great alternative to the Hellsworth Drive Moe’s Family Feedbags.

By: Easley

Easley — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 23:35:49 +0000

I’m a bit late to this discussion…is the ice rink indoors or outdoors? Because an outdoor seasonal rink in that area would rock.