D E S I G N A LT E R N AT I V E: P O C K E T PA R K S LEGEND Focus areas New vegetation Existing vegetation Closed road
POCKET PARKS IN EMPTY LOTS
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DESIGN DRAWBACKS
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• Less space for new development, as pocket parks occupy vacant lots that could be developed. • All parks will need maintenance.
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WATER FOUNTAIN ADDED TO SOUCY PARK
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CELEBRATE THE MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT & SOUCEY PARK
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This design includes a flower and bench lined pathway through an empty lot, connecting Main Street to the alley behind the buildings. People using the space can enjoy looking at a colorful mural while relaxing in the shady corridor. In the evenings, the space is warmly lit by string lights.
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SEATING
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BETTY MEDINA STREET PARTIALLY CLOSED
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• Creates outdoor destinations and gathering spaces. • Concentrates activities off of the busy roads. • Adds shade to the municipal parking lot to better accommodate gatherings and events.
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DESIGN BENEFITS
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ACTIVATE THE OUTDOOR SPACES
"Pocket Parks" focuses on the outdoor spaces within the project area, redesigning all vacant lots as urban, outdoor, public pocket parks supporting various uses. Outdoor gathering is encouraged within these concentrated “pockets” within the neighborhood. Programming that can take place in a pocket park could include exercising, group gatherings, play areas, gardens, and picnicking. Through community engagement, it was heard that non-profit organizations along Main Street are looking for outdoor spaces to host groups of people. These groups can vary from large groups of children to smaller groups of elderly folks participating in facilitated events. The design of individual pocket parks should provide a mixture of shade and sun for user comfort and accommodate a range of uses. Adding visual art, such as murals, interactive bench art, and decorative gateways, can make a space feel like it has a purpose (Januchta-Szostak).
EMPTY LOT REIMAGINED
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SHADE SAILS
The Creative Little Garden is situated between two buildings in New York City.
SPECIAL PERMEABLE PAVING
Painted pedestrian plaza in New York City. The painted asphalt mural brings art to an urban space, and is a visual cue to slow down and enjoy the area.
FOOD TRUCKS
FOUNTAIN
Interactive, portable seating called 'BeND', designed and fabricated for seating, play, and shade, is an example of functional and creative seating options that can be placed in pocket parks. Collaboration between Beyond Walls and Payette.
The Viola Street Garden, a former empty lot, in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Race Street Canal
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La Placita de Holyoke City of Holyoke
Not for construction. Part of a student project and not based on a legal survey.
Race Street Exercise Park
Alley
Pocket park with mural
Designed By: Eva Hogue & Bindu Nicholson Spring 2023
Main Street
Betty Medina Street
Food trucks at the municipal parking lot and Soucy Park
The municipal parking lot has shade sails over a portion of the lot and trees along the perimeter to relieve people from the hot sun and pavement. Soucy Park has an added water feature for kids to play in, and the play set has been moved underneath the trees. The space can be used as both a parking lot and a shaded gathering space for events with food trucks.
Outdoor seating along Crescent and Clemente Streets intersection
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D E S I G N A LT E R N AT I V E: P O C K E T PA R K S 13/24