Lively public spaces adjacent to public transit hubs

April 5, 2024 9:34 AM

I'm looking for examples of lively and pleasant public spaces (parks, squares, whatever) that are adjacent to or part of a transit hub.

Lively as in, a place that lots of folks actually want to hang out due to stuff going on, pleasant surroundings, whatever. Not *just* that people have to be there to catch a train.

North American examples preferred, but open to other countries too. Especially interested in examples from medium and smaller cities, maybe <1 million population.

Thank you!

posted by ambulanceambiance to Grab Bag (11 answers total)

Best answer: Decatur, GA's downtown square. The MARTA train station is located directly beneath it, and the bus stops are right next to it. The square hosts dozens of street festivals every year and 4th of July fireworks and is also lined by restaurants with outdoor seating. One side includes the county courthouse and Eddie's Attic, a great music venue. It is the center of the city's life.
posted by hydropsyche at 9:45 AM on April 5 [3 favorites]

Yerba Buena Gardens in SF is about a block from a BART station and all the Muni lines that run along Market Street.
posted by suelac at 10:07 AM on April 5 [1 favorite]

Dupont Circle and Eastern Market (on weekends) in Washington, D.C. They have eponymous Metro stations within a block.
posted by jgirl at 10:48 AM on April 5

Cal Anderson Park in Seattle is right next to the Capitol Hill station of Sound Transit light rail, and Pioneer Courthouse Square in Portland is bracketed by both eastbound and westbound Max light rail stations.
posted by pdb at 10:58 AM on April 5

Boston Common, which is also right next to Boston Public Garden (very serene).
posted by Melismata at 11:00 AM on April 5 [2 favorites]

Boston Common and Public Garden are the most central green spaces in Boston, and they're adjacent to Park Street, one of the four central city T (subway) stations where you can transfer between lines.
posted by Bryant at 11:01 AM on April 5 [3 favorites]

Union Square Park in NYC sits above a station served by 8 subway lines
posted by ejs at 11:07 AM on April 5

The ferry building in San Francisco is a lovely place to hang out and watch the water and has great food. In addition to being a ferry terminal, it’s immediately adjacent to several bus lines and a short walk from a BART (subway) stop.
posted by maleficent at 11:49 AM on April 5 [2 favorites]

Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver (population ~90K but in Metro Vancouver area). Home to SeaBus terminal, connection to ground buses, waterfront boardwalk, and large public area and marketplace.
posted by lookoutbelow at 12:58 PM on April 5 [2 favorites]

Yes, seconding Dupont Circle in Washington, DC. The Dupont Circle metro station and several bus lines are readily accessible. The circle itself is a park with trees and flowering bushes, benches and picnic tables. It's one of the only places I know of in the city that truly seems to be shared by people of all generations and walks of life. On any given day you'll probably see young parents playing with their babies on picnic blankets, local old timers playing chess, tourists eating salad, hippies playing guitar or hanging out in their hammocks, and people sleeping rough. Sometimes there are public events, protests, parties, and vigils.

I guess it depends on your definition of "adjacent" and "transit hub" but I got a very similar vibe off Trinity Bellwoods Park in Toronto and it's certainly very transit accessible.
posted by capricorn at 1:43 PM on April 5

Denver's Union Station is a handsome downtown building with restaurants, hotel and is a hub for light rail & bus service.
posted by It's_pecano at 7:37 AM on April 6