WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwired - October 01, 2014) - The American Planning Association (APA) today announced the country's 10 Great Neighborhoods, 10 Great Streets, and 10 Great Public Spaces for 2014 through the organization's national program, Great Places in America.

Launched in 2007, Great Places in America recognizes unique and exemplary streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces -- three essential components of all communities. These authentic places have been shaped by forward thinking planning that showcases diverse architectural styles, promotes community involvement and accessibility, and fosters economic opportunity.

"Our Great Places in America designees reflect many important aspects of planning, including community engagement and economic benefits," said William Anderson, FAICP, president of APA. "These exemplary neighborhoods, streets and public spaces showcase the great results that come about when diverse groups of people work together to create communities with lasting value. It is a pleasure to celebrate locales from across the country during National Community Planning Month, and add to our already distinguished list of previous great place designees."

APA Great Places offer better choices for where and how people work and live every day. They are defined by many characteristics including architectural features, accessibility, functionality, and community involvement. The 230 Great Places designated to date are located in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Great Places in America is just one of the ways APA recognizes and celebrates National Community Planning Month each October. The month is designed to recognize and celebrate the many residents, leaders, officials, and professionals who contribute to making great communities.

New this year, APA is seeking input from the public for the "31st Great Place People's Choice Designee." Interested citizens can nominate their Great Place by commenting on APA's Facebook page or via Twitter using hashtag #mygreatplace. The "31st Great Place People's Choice Designee" will be announced on Friday, October 31, 2014.

The 2014 designees, listed below, are not ranked.

2014 Great Neighborhoods

• Uptown, Oakland, California

• La Alma/Lincoln Park, Denver, Colorado

• Adams Morgan, Washington, D.C.

• Victorian District, Savannah, Georgia

• Fields Corner, Dorchester, Massachusetts

• Greater Belhaven, Jackson, Mississippi

• Central West End, St. Louis, Missouri

• Arbor Hill, Albany, New York

• The Fan, Richmond, Virginia

• Fremont, Seattle, Washington

2014 Great Public Spaces

• Lake Mirror Park, Lakeland, Florida

• Bayliss Park, Council Bluffs, Iowa

• Lincoln Trails Network, Lincoln, Nebraska

• Delaware Park, Buffalo, New York

• Lithia Park, Ashland, Oregon

• Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• Point State Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

• Cliff Walk, Newport, Rhode Island

• The Lawn at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia

• Rainier Vista, Seattle, Washington

2014 Great Streets

• Central Avenue, Hot Springs, Arkansas

• State Street, Santa Barbara, California

• Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C.

• Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, Florida

• Congress Street, Portland, Maine

• Broadway, New York, New York

• Main Street, Sag Harbor, New York

• 5th and 6th Avenues - Portland Transit Mall, Portland, Oregon

• King Street, Charleston, South Carolina

• 25th Street, Ogden, Utah

The American Planning Association is an independent, not-for-profit educational organization that provides leadership in the development of vital communities. APA and its professional institute, the American Institute of Certified Planners, are dedicated to advancing the art, science and profession of good planning -- physical, economic, and social -- so as to create communities that offer better choices for where and how people work and live. APA has offices in Washington, D.C., and Chicago with almost 38,000 members worldwide in nearly 100 countries. For more information, visit www.planning.org.

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