Thoughts, musings, and sketches
Spaces that thrive are built on community needs and robust stewardship.
Yes, rainbows can be corny as imagery for adults (they are also awe-inspiring in real life!), but this is true!
This corny rainbow is above a bridge that unites the community, is a space for all, is active and in good shape! Conversely, if a space is built on anticipated or perceived needs that aren't real, or without considering needs, people won't use it or have a reason to be there or stay. If there's no plan for taking care of the space and keeping it active on an ongoing basis, or there isn't a groundswell of community-based feeling of ownership and stewardship already taking root, it won't magically come about on it's own and the space will deteriorate.
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Take the time to understand and respond to the full community's needs (whether the process is with the community or by the community), and build a model for ongoing stewardship, whether that's through growing and strengthening what's already there, and anticipating for what will be needed, or by having people managing it actively, with regular physical presence on the ground (attendants, sweepers, ambassadors, regular vendors, whatever).