I think whats missing is greenspace with a commercial element. If you attach a beergarden or cafe to a greenspace people will spend much more time there
That is an excellent idea. SOmething better than a concession stand at least. Some places wouldn't go for the beergarden, but a coffee & sandwich & store combo would probably work out nicely, especially if the local folks actually went there. Probably perfect in the area between the greenspace and the road.
Beergardens were common until WWII, at which point they were associated with Germanism. Most parks I see get very little use, one empty baseball field after another, it wouldn't take much to liven them up.
Agreed - most do get little use. Most the ones I see with different uses have different sorts of things for different ages and sorts of people. You are correct, it doesn't need to take much to liven them up. Most of the costs are upfront.
Heh. If only I were closer in location and had time and money... It'd be a fun project in areas.