Water Fountain: Set in the center of the square’s southern half, a half-inch deep reflecting pool has jets that send arches of water skyward. But Jeremy Paris, executive director of the Group Plan Commission that spearheaded the makeover, is looking forward to winter when it becomes an ice skating rink. “There’s a romance to winter,” he says. “Having this ice skating rink in the middle is going to bring such life to the square.”
Concrete Risers: The curved precast concrete risers at the Mandel Concert Hill in the northeastern corner of the park create sought-after seating for concerts, events or a quiet lunch. “When the Cleveland Orchestra plays Public Square July 29, man, that’s going to be the spot you want,” Paris says.
Cafe: One surefire way to get people to come to a space: food and drink. So the cafe will offer seasonal menus of food for the whole family. But Paris thinks the cafe’s proximity to the water feature and full bar will be a draw for parents. “It’s a place to pick up a coffee,” he says. “But it’s a place that is going to be an attraction itself. You’ll be able to sit with a drink and watch your kids ice skate.”
Signature Tree: More than 150 dogwoods, lindens, London planes and other trees dot the square and its perimeter. But Paris hopes a red oak tree planted atop Overlook Hill in the northwest section will become a landmark. “We wanted to have some spots and places on Public Square that were draws,” he says.
Cobblestone Promenade: The 2,000-foot-long butterfly-shaped walkway flows through the entire park and connects the sections. Masons placed around 333,500 cobblestones by hand in a repeating pattern that creates an arching flow. “It creates a sense of movement,” Paris says of the pattern. “It’s really visually appealing.”
Gardens: At entry points in each corner of the square, perennial gardens will bloom with red, purple and white flowers every year. Built-in benches along both sides of the paths through the gardens are perfect for wasting a couple midday minutes. “It’s a way to step out of the city life and into the park life,” says Paris. “I think people are going to enjoy walking those gardens more than they think.”