FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 29, 2024
Better Block Foundation
Thornton, CO – Together with you, The Better Block Foundation, and the city of Thornton, we are collaboratively working to re-envision the possibilities and connections in Eastlake.
This community-led placemaking event aims to temporarily activate the area around the intersection of First Street and Lake Avenue in the Eastlake community to garner community feedback and ideas for a long-term plan to better develop the area.
“We know Eastlake is a special neighborhood, says Krista Nightengale, executive director of the Better Block. “Our goal is to bring neighbors’ ideas to life through this installation to gather insight in how they’d like to see the area develop in the future.”
The Better Block is an international urban design nonprofit focused on bringing the community’s ideas to life through a 120-day process, which puts the community at the forefront of the planning process.
Over the next couple of months, the leadership team and community volunteers will learn about the importance of placemaking and planning out what the activation could look like with the goal to attract and engage locals and visitors alike. By collaborating with the city of Thornton, the community will bring the heart and soul to the final transformation.
“This collaborative effort aims to engage the community in envisioning and shaping the future of Eastlake, Colorado” says Adam Krueger, Thornton’s Economic Development Director. “Eastlake is a unique neighborhood, and with the input and creativity of our residents, we look forward to creating a vibrant, connected community space.”
The first step in the project is to seek community input via an initial pre-site survey. Take the Eastlake Street Fair survey by June 7, 2024 to share your ideas and to indicate your interest on getting further involved: betterblock.org/eastlake.
>> Link to Survey <<
About the Better Block Foundation
Better Block Foundation is an urban design nonprofit that educates, equips, and empowers communities and their leaders to reshape and reactivate built environments to promote the growth of healthy and vibrant neighborhoods. Find out more by visiting www.betterblock.org.
About the City of Thornton
Thornton, Colorado, the state’s sixth-largest city, has become a prime location for employers, retailers, and housing developers. Its diverse population enjoys a variety of socio-economic conditions, proximity to downtown Denver, Denver International Airport, and the Rocky Mountains. Thornton offers a mix of established and affordable new neighborhoods, contributing to a safe and active environment with numerous municipal services. The city boasts nearly 1,000 acres of public parks and extensive recreational facilities, including tennis courts, athletic fields, pools, and recreation centers. New community centers and libraries are also being developed. Founded in 1952 by Sam Hoffman and named after Governor Dan Thornton, the city was initially marketed as “The City of Planned Progress.” Today, Thornton continues to grow responsibly, expanding its services and programs to meet the needs of its residents. Visit www.thorntonco.gov to learn more about Thornton.