Imagine a quiet, shady space in the downtown area of a city where you can take a break, sit down near a fountain, relax, and read a book. On a book.
That’s what I found when I walked about downtown Ypsilanti, Michigan this weekend.
Tucked away next to the Ypsilanti District Library is their park plaza, featuring a beautiful landscaped space with evergreens, shade trees, brightly colored flowers, potted vegetables, and a fountain along with several tables and chairs.
As you walk to the back of the park, you’ll find a semi-circle of child seating in the shape of colorful stacked books.
Dedicated in 2006, the park plaza was:
developed as a downtown oasis, a place where Ypsilanti residents might linger, play chess on game tables, drink coffee, read library materials, and generally enjoy the feel of Ypsilanti
The book-shaped seating was created for the special outdoor storytime for children.
Only one other person was at the park when I visited; I sat down and enjoyed the shade and the quiet sounds of the fountain.
I imagine the plaza is a popular place during the week for downtown workers, residents, families, and children for lunch, games, and reading.
If you’ve visited Ypsilanti, have you found your way to the park plaza next to the library?
