Entrances to an area play an immeasurable role in making a site feel welcoming and secure for those in the community. These entrances can vary from giving off a warm and welcoming impression to giving an aggressive keep out statement. When looking at the area in and around Troost Park, whether it is from the aspect of commercial accesses, residential areas or the open spaces of the park, one can see either numerous entrances or a lack thereof. When analyzing the current elements, they seem to either push one away or give the feeling that there is nothing enticing about the area.
For example, the commercial Wonder Bread building that has been converted into lofts has several entrances ranging from doorways, loading docks, to fenced sidewalk entrances. Although, the doorways are fairly welcoming and the sidewalk entrances have low-rise fencing on the backside, the loading docks still remain, seeming cold and industrial. Simply switching out the style of some of the garage doors would dramatically change the appearance and also create a more inviting feeling, yet still provide a secure feeling. This concept can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, below.
When looking at the back area of the Kansas City Board of Education building, one observes a considerably more aggressive approach. Below in Figure 3, one quickly notices barbed wire above the chain link fencing. One also notices warning and keep out signs at the gate entrances. The same outcome could be achieved in a much more aesthetically manner if the type of material used would be switched to that displayed in Figure 4.
The residential entrances in the neighborhood can be improved in much the same way. Figure 5 depicts a residential entrance made of chain link fence encircling the property edge with an added privacy fence in the background. Chain link fencing is flexible, and over time has the tendency to lose its straight clean lines and commences to twisting and warping out of shape. Figure 6 demonstrates how to create a sense of security for one’s property while using materials that are more durable and aesthetically appealing.
After looking at a few areas, there are several lacking any sort of entrance other than a sidewalk around the space. The lack of any type of tangible entrance can give the impression of nonuse and create an atmosphere that encourages criminal activity. Figure 7 is a picture of a present-day area of Troost Park. This picture suggests how the park may be interpreted as neglected and impassive. Although not all fencing can provide true security nor deter certain unwanted persons from an area populated with children, it can be a deterrent and provide a perimeter so children cannot easily run out into the streets. Figure 8 is an example of how a structure can deliver a welcoming feeling while showing that the area is maintained; all while improving the value of the neighborhood. Even creating a simple entrance down to the lake, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, can alter how the lake is viewed. If people can easily get to it, it will be enjoyed while also improving the value of the neighborhood.
It doesn’t take a major rebuild to renew an area. The role entrances play cannot be ignored. Simple changes, as discussed, can have a major and long-lasting influence on those who live in the neighborhood and on the neighborhood itself.
