BAR HARBOR — The Bar Harbor Village Green is one of 2012’s top public spaces, the American Planning Association (APA) announced this week.

APA members singled out the village green for its timeless design, community amenities, and year-round events, said APA CEO W. Paul Farmer, FAICP.

“The longstanding heart of Bar Harbor, the village green is more than just open lawns and sidewalks with benches and a bandstand. It is the nucleus of a thriving downtown and a testament to the ability of well-planned parks to renew, rejuvenate and sustain a community,” Mr. Farmer said.

Through its Great Places in America program, the APA recognizes streets, neighborhoods and public spaces whose unique and authentic characteristics have evolved from thoughtful and deliberate planning by residents, community leaders and planners, press materials state. Since the program began in 2007, 60 neighborhoods, 60 streets and 50 public spaces have been designated in 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The designation of the Bar Harbor Village Green makes perfect sense, town manager Dana Reed said.

“It hardly comes as a surprise. This is one of the greatest public spaces in America,” Mr. Reed said. “We all know and love the village green, and try hard to keep it a great public space.”

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