2. Integrate the Lititz Run corridor and other civic spaces into the connected fabric of the downtown
Aerial Images Before and After
Lititz Springs Park has long been the jewel of the Lititz community. However, although the park is adjacent to the downtown, daily activities that occur in the park are usually not an integral part of the downtown experience.
Lititz Run – which runs through the middle of the community – is considered an asset, but little has been done to celebrate its existence. Many locations have even turned their back on it and added to its degradation.
Therefore, a key element of this master plan is to realize the prominence of our current open space and natural assets and weave them into the fabric of the thriving downtown so that each supports the other and their boundaries are indistinguishable. At the same time, it is important to protect our natural assets and resources. This can be accomplished through sustainable and green design practices.
Regarding other connections, Lititz is already a walkable community. A continuous streetscape treatment that creates a system of walkways and circuits will enhance walkability even more.
Alleys should assume their rightful position as service providers to the businesses fronting on the main streets, but the alleys should also be enhanced to add visual quality to the downtown and provide a clean, safe, and green pedestrian route.
Master Plan recommendations:
- Provide a hierarchy of green space, open space, and pedestrian routes throughout the downtown
- Maintain Lititz Springs Park as the largest green and civic space in the downtown
- Develop the Lititz Run corridor as a linear green space for passive and active recreation
- Extend pathway or walk system along the corridor for connection to existing trails in the community
- Create a new, more structured open space on the Long and Bomberger property
- Add outdoor dining, seating, window boxes, and container plantings to extend the park-like feel throughout the downtown as well as green and soften the hardscape of the core district
- Front buildings along the stream and provide visual access to Lititz Run
- Encourage sustainable design practices including the use of green roofs, green alleys, green surface parking, and pervious paving as well as other best management practice
The three over-arching goals of the master plan are:
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