By: Marisela Castañeda

In my mapping project I looked at existing green spaces within the Cass Corridor. Currently there are many open green spaces in the Cass Corridor but most of these spaces are misused serving as makeshift parking lots and illegal dumping sights. Although these green spaces are open and accessible to the public they are not managed, not maintained, and they do not form a green network.

I believe that these open green spaces should prioritize people over cars and materials and this is where gardens and public art comes into play. Parks help to promote exercise and recreation activities and gardens provide food and create a space for us to reconnect to the land. Meanwhile, public art promotes community engagement and encourages walkability within the area. Parks, gardens, and public art are complementary elements that work together to build a green network in the Cass Corridor.

---

Marisela completed this mini mapping project as part of the “Data, Mapping, and Research Justice” workshop offered through Co.Open and Allied Media Projects. Sign up for the March workshop session and learn more at: http://coopen.co