MARKET FEST PARKLET (OR LACK THEREOF)
May 2017
Market Fest is a community-organized festival to celebrate the resurgence of the Richland Park Farmers Market. Last year (2015), TURBO was invited by the festival to activate Charlotte Pike with parklet-style installations. These installations were similar to those of PARK(ing) Day.
TURBO was invited back this year to make similar installations. A dog-friendly parklet was created over the length of 2 parking spaces to make a place for people to sit and enjoy coffee or take a load off while walking their dog.
The parklet was set up for about 30 mins when a vehicle rolled up to the parking spots just south of the of the newly sprouted public space. Two men approached the parklet and proceeded to tell TURBO that arrests could be made if the installation continued to stand. After some arguing with the men, TURBO decided they would remove their installation.
This parklet would have been great public space for the day. It would have been a frequented stop for nearby coffee shop, headquarters, and a nice place to stop with a dog on the way to and from the farmers market festival.
May 2016
The 51st Ave underpass is a problem walking area. It is a logical connection for The Nations Neighborhood to Richland Park as well as many businesses on Charlotte Pike. The Underpass is dark and auto centric which makes it intimidating for pedestrians. Likewise the walking area for the business across from Richland Park on Charlotte Ave. are less then ideal for walking.
This spring Richland Park will host the 1st annual Market Fest to highlight the history of the neighborhood and jump start the Richland Park Farmers Market. This will be an excellent opportunity to bring awareness to this connection as well as heighten walkability on Charlotte.
TURBO intends to help with the installation of PARK(ing) Day style parklets to the parallel parking spaces in front of the Charlotte Ave shops. Enhancing this very walkable connection will greatly enhance Charlotte Pike as a corridor.
Want to Create A Parklet for your Business or your neighborhood?
TURBO Needs your help in creating PARK(ing) Day Style Parklets along Charlotte during the Richland Park Market Festival!
Green parking spots are TURBO parklets for the day!
Take a look at the parklets:
