Most/all public spaces can be made to work with good programming and maintenance. Below are some images and suggestions as to how to improve this one.
Needs more colorful, more imaginative plantings. This is a really inexpensive fix. Low maintenance planting beds send exactly the wrong message — that the space is designed to defeat human intervention.
Needs movable seating. Moveable seating allows park users to control their individual space — making them more likely to dwell in a formerly derelict place.
The hardscape needs to be softened with movable seating, shade (tensile structures?) and more things to do/buy. Colorful planters would probably also help. This is big wide space that can’t be left to feel empty — or people won’t feel comfortable in it. No one wants to be in a de Chirico painting!
Movable seating and a different horticultural palette can soften the hard edges.
The Square needs more generators of activity, more movable seating and more shade.
Lawns are great. People love them — but you have to take care of them carefully — otherwise they become detriments to the space. People don’t like lawns that are kept wet or cut too short. Dry, short grass is more likely to die. It’s a difficult balance. Allow movable seating on the lawn.
Adequate resources need to be in place to take care of the turf. That shouldn’t be difficult, given the extent of the capital expenditure. The City needs to protect its investment,
Nice water feature. It needs to be scrupulously maintained. The hardscape needs to be softened with movable seating, colorful plantings and more food and other things for sale. What is the plan for programming on the nights and weekends? Activity needs to planned for those times — and the lighting scheme needs to be well designed and well maintained.