Posted by suzi on July 16, 2012
Design by Cassie McKown
Get ready for a free, two-day community event where artists, citizens, businesses and schools independently (and simultaneously) turn parking spots into “parklet” spaces: temporary public parks and other spaces for people to enjoy. In conjunction with First Fridays, the Harrisonburg Parklet Project shows us what our city would look like if more public space was allocated for urban parks, recreation, social interactions, and other people-centered activities. Plus, it’s creative, community fun! 
These slivers of green space are meant to encourage unscripted social interaction, design, civic engagement, critical thinking, generosity and play.
When: October 5, 5-8pm & October 6, 8am-12pm
Where: all around downtown Harrisonburg
Cost to attend: Free
Cost to design: $50 (early bird); $60 (late registration)
Who: Everyone! Artists, designers, architects, children, citizens
How to become a parklet designer:
Download Parklet Registration Form or
So what does a “parklet” look like? It’s up to you! Some people have created park-like areas with amentities like grass, shade, seating, bike racks, planters, and public art. Look for inspiration everywhere! Just keep in mind that your space will be left unattended at night, so don’t leave valuables and take inclement weather into consideration when choosing materials.
Who can participate? Anyone! But hurry – there are only 20 parklet spaces available. Just download the Registration Form above or sign up on Eventbrite.
Where does the registration money go? All proceeds for this event will go to the Harrisonburg Northend Greenway, a community project that will create 2.5 miles of green park space through downtown Harrisonburg and beyond.
What if I can’t afford to pay the registration fee? A limited number of need-based scholarships are available. If interested, please provide a paragraph as to why you or your organization should be a recipient. Send this to contact@northendgreenway.org or mail to Northend Greenway, PO Box 1231, Harrisonburg, VA 22803 along with your Registration Form.
Guidelines:
- Parklets must be ready by or before 4:30pm on Friday, October 5.
- All materials are to be provided by parklet designers, and inclement weather should be taken into consideration (event is rain or shine).
- Event organizers are not responsible for theft or vandalism.
- Event concludes at 12 noon on Saturday, October 6. Parklets must be cleared and parking spaces cleaned no later than 3pm on Satuday.
- Not required but preferred that designers be with their parklet from 5-8pm during the First Fridays Art Walk.
- No sales or solicitation.
For complete information, read the Parklet Project FAQs.
Brought to you by:
The Gaines Group, PLC
Arts Council of the Valley
Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance
Northend Greenway
For more info:
Suzi Carter
Parklet Project co-coordinator
suzi@northendgreenway.org
540.810.7667
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