Pocket Park Key Insights

Iuka & Waldeck Pocket Park Key Insights

In February and March 2024, we conducted 6 workshops attended by over 80 residents and stakeholders from the University District.

Throughout these interactive sessions, participants engaged in discussions and worked together to create their vision for their ideal pocket park.

We used these findings to design the pocket park!

01

Sense of Adventure and Change

Participants focused on the importance of flexibility in the park design. Keeping things exciting by retaining the space to change with seasons, users, and district needs.

Making sure that we leave space for new things to develop.

Participant Ideas Flexible open space in the middle Space for change (sculpture garden, open gallery) Inviting visitors through change over time (something new to explore) Focus on seasonality in plants and programming Interactive art

02

Invitation to the Park

Participant visions were concerned with how to make people feel welcomed into the space - this usually looked like a built entrance structure with additional signage about the park.

Participant Ideas Entrance archway/area Gateway into the park Signage to invite visitors Public art on sidewalk

03

Infrastructure for Play and Relaxation

Participants wanted established spaces for play and relaxation.

Participant Ideas Human sized games Obstacle course Tables with attached seating (individual seats) with space for games Chess board tables Built-in playground/Playground for adults Swings Monkey bars Hammocks in the trees Picnic table Picnic tables with charging ports Tables to eat and study at

04

Space for Performance

Participants wanted a performance space, with seating to watch performances.

Participant Ideas Focus on performance space Central stage Seating integrated along church wall with planter boxes

05

Interactive Art

Participants wanted ways to interact with public art in the park. Either the art becomes interactive or the structures become art.

Participant Ideas Combined shade structure and sculpture Interactive art - swing sculpture Interactive climbing art structure Hidden totem you have to find Painted trash cans and recycling

06

Integration with Nature

Participants wanted ways to interact with nature in the park including things like gardening, seating within garden areas/trees, and water features.

Participant Ideas Perennial garden with integrated water feature Fruit trees for people to pick from Focus on seasonality in plants and programming Sculpture garden Landscaping and benches Water feature Natural area for a sense of refuge Shade!

Pathways Butterfly garden

07

Operational Must Haves

Things the park needs for safety and usability.

Participant Ideas Uniform lighting levels, big variation in lighting levels is dangerous Trash cans and recycling Signage