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Pop-up parks revitalize empty lots

Urban Planning

Pop-up parks revitalize empty lots

These mini parks can be used for diverse and creative purposes.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | August 27, 2019
Pop-up parks revitalize empty lots

Photo of a pop-up park in England. Source: Wikimedia Commons

   

Pop-up parks that provide instant open areas for public use and programming can revitalize under-utilized spaces and add vibrancy to neighborhoods. 

Some of these spaces may have originally been used as parking lots or become abandoned after a fire destroyed a structure on the property.

These repurposed public spaces can accelerate real estate development, spur more vitality in emerging neighborhoods, support businesses, and foster safe pedestrian zones.

Some developers have used these spaces to their advantage. For example, a 10,000-sf pop-up park in The Boro in Tysons, Va., attracted neighbors to learn more about The Boro and Tyson’s rapid growth.

Regular visitors to the park include nearby employees, children’s day care centers, and dogs. The park has hosted farmers markets, yoga, and social events.

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