Small dog park in the acre/ downtown area

Idea:

I think it would be nice to have a dog park where some dogs that don’t have backyards could run and play. This project would include researching potential locations for a new dog park, and perhaps even do a day-long event in the space for dog owners and their dogs, serving drinks and food, to [Read more…]

Benefit:

my idea would help dog owners let their dogs running play in a safe area

Location:

Acre.

Flags of the Acre

Idea:

Add flags and art banners to the lampposts along Upper Merrimack Street between City Hall and University Crossing. The art would be inspired by the folks of many backgrounds, races, and ethnicities of the Acre. If there’s enough interest, we could also add history/fact signs similar to the Visualize Lowell’s Black History tour.

Benefit:

It would encourage people of different types to come together around the art and flags. It would add color and vibrancy to the walking route between downtown and the university and also show off the unique character of the Acre.

Location:

Acre.

Acre Play way

Idea:

Convert one of the canal walkways (in the Acre) to a family-friendly Play Way with sensory pathways, seating, play-friendly/interactive sculptures and art installations, and maybe a garden.

Benefit:

Beautification of an under-utilized area that improves a space and makes it more welcoming and engaging to families, as well as a community space for events.

Location:

Acre, OldIdea.

Hot Art

Idea:

Paint murals on surfaces that are hotter than surrounding areas with reflective paint that makes the surface cooler. Have events where kids can use temperature tools to see the difference.Put in environmental justice areas like Acre of Highlands

Benefit:

This is a good way to introduce the tech of reflective paint to help with heat islands in the city. LA has done this on schoolyard walls and other surfaces.

Location:

Acre, Citywide, Lower Highlands, OldIdea.

Merrimack Street Rotating Cultural Exhibit!

Idea:

Work with the Adult Ed center across from the Library to install an outdoor “rotating cultural exhibit.” This would include a couple of structures that could be chained to the fence that would hold items behind plexiglass, frames to be attached to the fence that could hold informational panels, and perhaps some planters for small [Read more…]

Benefit:

This would be a low-cost way to celebrate Lowell’s diversity and create some visual interest and excitement connecting downtown with “Upper Merrimack Street” walking toward UMass Lowell. If the materials are high enough quality and draw a lot of attention, perhaps it would also contribute to interest in redeveloping abandoned [Read more…]

Location:

Acre.

Pilot for a District-Wide Mural Project

Idea:

Lynn had a large mural project, Beyond Walls, that drew a lot of publicity! We could kick off a Lowell mural project with Lowell artists. This could include small walls outside the historic district such as working with a property owner on Appleton Street, or it could include murals on plywood or on banners that [Read more…]

Benefit:

Beautifying the already beautiful city, tourist target. A small pilot mural project could start the conversation for a bigger grant with a big kick-off that could redefine and draw tourists to new districts.

Location:

Acre, Downtown / JAM, OldIdea.

Fire & Water: Feasibility Campaign

Idea:

Providence, RI, has a large “WaterFire” festival that includes lighting torches in their canal. A working group would make a plan and then share the plan at an event utilizing fire pits (perhaps for toasting marshmallows!) beside a canal, coordinated with the City of Lowell and other groups.

Benefit:

Build toward a permanent installation that could be lit annually. Draw income, good press.

Location:

Acre, OldIdea.

Canal Power Demonstration

Idea:

Work with Enel to create a temporary exhibit that is powered by waterpower. A streetlamp could be powered, or cell phone charging station, or maybe a LED sign that provides up-to-date information about the canal system. This could be a demonstration but also start a campaign for waterpower awareness of costs and benefits!

Benefit:

We have enough flowing water in our canals to power Lowell for Free, and likely the surrounding areas..why are we not benefitting from our already existing canal system..GO GREEN! We could cut the cost of living, drive innovation, provide jobs, and be a beacon for advancing Eco friendly city life!

Location:

Acre, Downtown / JAM, OldIdea.

Bike Helmet Decoration

Idea:

Get everyone together to an event with foam, hot glue, small plastic toys. Families work together with their kids in creating fun and colorful bike helmets. Could take place at Western Ave Studios or another place.

Benefit:

Increased visibility and safety for kids on their bikes.

Location:

Acre, OldIdea.

Kids Dance Club with Juice

Idea:

We rent, borrow, occupy an empty space once a week or every two weeks. We play a variety of popular music. Families can come and grade-schoolers and middle schoolers dance just for fun and show off their moves. Juice and water are sold. A dance instructor and DJ make sure everyone’s having a good time.

Benefit:

Adults can go to dance clubs, but kids don't have a space to dance just for fun. If we provide that space, kids can learn from one another, and maybe this could even be a gateway into starting lessons for dance, music production, or other creative arts. Judgement free zone [Read more…]

Location:

Acre, Downtown / JAM, OldIdea.