Dynamite Square and Seaside Circle
— by Mike Bowermaster — 17 December 2009 — 6 comments below »
In the site plan below I’ve proposed a few names for our future waterfront…
Looking for cool, relevant, meaningful, and significant naming of our waterfront.
I feel the transit plaza is the heart of our waterfront because of the importance of the train and ferry station and the adjacent community building which could also be thought of as a town hall. Town halls, train stations, or churches have historically defined central town squares. Dynamite is one of the most important words for our area, and I feel warrants association with the importance of our central transit plaza.
The bus loop demands a name describing its shape and proximity to the water. I thought about “waterfront loop,” but wanted it to have a more cozy coastal feel like Seaside Circle. Seaside is also very relevant being the name of the first New Urbanism town.
The new park between Refugio Creek and the parking garage is a fantastic perspective viewpoint for looking back towards the train station and tower. While Station View Park describes this well, it’s a name I’m not that attached to (perhaps Tower View is better).
I do hope these three suggested names — Dynamite Square, Seaside Circle, and Station (or Tower) View Park — help inspire the meaningful naming of our waterfront.
Question: Where does John Muir Parkway end, and Seaside Circle begin?
Now that I have thought about it more, the street should be named Waterside Circle — not Seaside — so people will know it is on the water. This is a critical flaw.
Dynamite Square seems perfect to me. I hadn’t known that Seaside Circle was the name of the first New Urbanism town, so that might be pretty cool, but I’m bothered a bit that this is a bay, not a sea. I like Waterside Circle. Bayside Circle? San Pablo Circle? I’m not so excited about Station View Park. Is there someone who has been instrumental in the early days of getting this underway, maybe back in the Charette days, who could be honored in the name of this park?
@Jeff Boore – Interesting comment about Seaside. The town in Florida is next to a small lake and more predominately is on the Gulf of Mexico. Are either of those considered “seas”? Waterside like Station View Park to me seems too cerebral and not titles that will organically grow into household names. I really like the idea about naming these places after someone prominent to the history of our waterfront. I’ve been trying to finger who brought New Urbanism here, and buy her a pint at the Powder Keg…
I’m not thrilled with “Seaside” especially since it isn’t seaside. Historically speaking, the City of Hercules has a long held tradition of naming streets after local historic figures who have made a contribution to the community. With a history going back to the late 1800’s we have Hispanic as well as Chinese contributors to our community. The same thing regarding ourr Point. Why the interest in making it a WWII park, complete with a statue that has already been commissioned? The powder plant provided dynamite for several wars and was the oldest dynamite factory of its type in the country. The Hercules Historical Society I”m sure, could come up with some interesting ideas. Why the rush to naming when things are just beginning? I’m more concerned with the actual buildings, and I understand the proposed cafe building did not impress all who attended last night’s meeting.
Can anyone tell me who in the City is responsible for chosing the name for a new street, building, or park?
Thank you.