Aaron Luoma and Dean W. Koonts, principals at HBB Landscape Architecture, brought a compelling case study to the 3rd Annual US CPTED Conference, showcasing their work from 2017 on Seattle’s Lower Kinnear Park. A decade-long post-occupancy evaluation revealed how thoughtful application of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) transformed an underutilized park into a vibrant, safer community space

Her full presentation, Reviving a Forgotten Forest, is available below.

Why Lower Kinnear Matters for CPTED

Urban parks, like Lower Kinnear, often become crime hotspots due to poor visibility, aging infrastructure, and lack of public engagement. Aaron and Dean applied core CPTED principles—natural surveillance, access control, territorial reinforcement, and maintenance—to address safety while honoring the park’s historic and ecological character

Key CPTED Strategies and Design Interventions

• Opening Up Sightlines: Hillsides were regraded and dense vegetation trimmed to improve visibility from surrounding streets and homes.

• Enhanced Entryways: Clear signage, welcoming paths, and ADA-accessible features reinforced entry and increased stewardship.

• Pathway & Lighting Design: Trails were realigned and lighting introduced to support use without inviting illicit activity.

• Maintenance & Aesthetics: Consistent upkeep and interpretive signage signaled ownership and instilled community pride.

• Community Activation: Programming such as dog parks, clean-up days, and environmental education events brought residents back into the park

Long-term Results & Lessons Learned

The evaluation, conducted ten years post-design, found a notable decrease in crime-related calls and a marked increase in park usage . The team emphasized that CPTED should not rely on fortress-style measures—like walls or cameras—but on inclusive design that encourages legitimate use and ongoing community stewardship.

CPTED: A Sustainable Mindset for Urban Renewal

Aaron Luoma and Dean Koonts’ work underscores CPTED as not merely a toolkit, but a holistic mindset for crafting safer, community-centered spaces. Their results demonstrate how strategic environmental design, integrated with social programming and sustained care, can bring lasting benefits to urban parks. As cities face evolving challenges—from homelessness to environmental pressures—the enduring CPTED principles applied at Lower Kinnear Park remain vital for designing healthy, resilient public spaces.

This case study reinforces how CPTED, when thoughtfully integrated into design and planning, fosters safe and thriving public spaces. To explore the full presentation slides and witness the transformation firsthand, check out the video below.