InFebruaryandMarch2024,weconducted6workshops attendedbyover80residentsandstakeholdersfromthe UniversityDistrict. Throughouttheseinteractivesessions,participantsengagedin discussionsandworkedtogethertocreatetheirvisionfortheir idealpocketpark. Weusedthesefindingstodesignthepocketpark!
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
Participantvisionswereconcernedwithhowtomake peoplefeelwelcomedintothespace-thisusually lookedlikeabuiltentrancestructurewithadditional signageaboutthepark.
ParticipantIdeas
Entrancearchway/area
Gatewayintothepark
Signagetoinvitevisitors
Publicartonsidewalk
Participants wanted established spaces for play and relaxation.
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
Participants wanted a performance space, with seating to watch performances.
Focus on performance space
Central stage
Seating integrated along church wall with planter boxes
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
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
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
