A First Look at a New Prouty Plaza
Proposed Improvements Met with Positive Reviews
Recently, Troy’s City Council met as a Committee of the Whole for a comprehensive discussion on the proposed improvements to Prouty Plaza, an important public space in the heart of downtown. The presentation by consulting firm by POD Design, LLC outlined a vision for revitalizing the plaza to better serve the community while addressing practical concerns related to functionality, safety, and aesthetics. The feedback from council members, city staff, and the public reflected both enthusiasm for the project and thoughtful critique. The proposed redesign emphasizes creating a more versatile and accessible space. You can access a copy of the presentation here:
Replacing the current grass surface with hardscaping materials such as brick pavers or stamped concrete is a central feature of the plan. This change aims to improve durability and usability, particularly during events like concerts or festivals, where grass often deteriorates under heavy foot traffic, especially during winter events. The hardscaped surface would also facilitate easier movement for individuals using wheelchairs, strollers, or walkers, making the plaza more inclusive.
Another key element of the redesign is the addition of permanent seating options, including hardscape benches and seat walls. These features are intended to provide comfortable gathering spaces for visitors while reducing reliance on temporary seating during events. The inclusion of strategically placed trees would offer much-needed shade while enhancing the visual appeal of the plaza. The landscaping plan focuses on low-maintenance native plants and groundcovers to ensure sustainability and minimize upkeep.
A proposed interactive water feature has sparked considerable discussion. Designed as a subtle ground-level installation that can be turned off during events, it aims to provide a playful and cooling element for families while adding visual interest. Some attendees raised concerns about safety and practicality, particularly regarding its use by children and its potential to draw unsupervised activity near traffic areas.
The design also includes an optional gateway feature that pays homage to the historical significance of Prouty Plaza. This archway would serve as an inviting entrance while symbolically referencing the buildings that once occupied the site. Additionally, lighting concepts such as projection patterns and tree uplighting are proposed to activate the space during evening hours.
While many attendees praised these elements as forward-thinking and community-oriented, several concerns were raised. Some expressed reservations about eliminating grass entirely, citing its cooling properties and aesthetic appeal. Others questioned whether trees might obstruct views of concerts or damage nearby structures over time due to root growth. The preservation of Troy’s nationally recognized mural was another point of discussion; participants emphasized that new landscaping should not obscure this cultural asset.
Maintenance considerations were also highlighted. City staff noted that shrubs and high-maintenance plantings should be avoided in favor of simpler ground covers to reduce labor demands. Additionally, ensuring that hardscaping materials could withstand heavy vehicles—such as those used to transport the portable stage or Santa House—was deemed essential.
Public feedback underscored strong support for creating a more functional and inviting plaza. Business owners and residents appreciated features like permanent seating, shade-providing trees, and enhanced accessibility. However, some suggested reconsidering specific elements such as the water feature or exploring alternative ways to incorporate greenery into the design.
The meeting concluded with unanimous support from council members to move forward with refining the conceptual design based on feedback received. Next steps include integrating these plans into a broader downtown streetscape project presentation scheduled for March 10th, which will discuss traffic management of the Public Square proper.
Overall, the proposed improvements to Prouty Plaza represent an exciting opportunity to transform this central space into a vibrant community hub. By balancing historical preservation with modern functionality, the redesign aims to create a welcoming environment that accommodates diverse uses—from daily relaxation to large-scale events. While some details remain subject to refinement, the overall vision has been positively received as a step toward enhancing Troy’s downtown experience for residents and visitors alike.'
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I like the plans for Prouty Plaza, with the exception of the fountains. They are not meant to be a splash pad. There is a fountain in the square. We don’t need another one so close. I understand a splash pad is desired, but the center of town is not where it should be.
I think it's a good step forward. As mentioned, the water feature needs careful planning. One of the biggest complaints I here from two generations of kids, is the pool is too small. They quit going because of that. Having a splash pad is great but on that plaza, there will be hoards of unsupervised kids, whose parents think it is ok, to let them bike downtown to play. Especially if its free. Lots of kids, lots of bikes, lots of liability.