2024

Parklet Design Competition

Save-The-Date for the Unveiling!

The Parklet Design Competition puts beautiful and functional design in the right-of-way. Instead of hosting pop-up parklets for PARK(ing) Day, we now organize the competition as a way to bring more permanent parklets to Nashville. The winning design submission will be fully built over the Summer and unveiled for a PARK(ing) Day Celebration on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

Photos of Bagelshop by Casey Mabry

Park(ing) Day is no longer just a Day… it’s a movement

We are big fans of supporting local businesses—it’s a part of what makes great neighborhoods and stimulates the local economy. There is something special when a local business is also a public steward, becoming people’s “third space,” or a place for gathering outside work and home. Located in the steadily growing yet tight-knit community of Donelson, Bagelshop will be hosting the newest long-term Nashville parklet. We need your help to make it into a welcoming third space!

Meet Max + Kayla Palmer

Bagelshop was born from an exploration of new skills during the pandemic—making hand rolled, kettle boiled bagels delivered to friends. When we asked Max and Kayla Palmer why they chose to move their business to Donelson in 2023, Max responded, “It’s selfish. Donelson is our home.” But, isn’t that what everyone wants? The Civic Design Center believes in access to the resources you need and want in your community, and Donelson is quickly growing to have more of those resources. While Max may believe it was a selfish decision, the Palmers have brought a thriving new gathering space to everyone in the neighborhood. Their new parklet will embody the spirit of friendship by providing space for customers and neighbors alike to build community.

Thanks to our partners for this Design Competition!
 
The Brief:

A Donelson Community Parklet for Bagelshop

Requirements:

  • Maximum footprint: 30’x7’

  • Platform level with curb

  • Shade treatment

  • Some dimensional seating

  • Incorporate natural materials, organic shapes, and possibly space to grow plants and cultivate herbs

Special Requirement:

Donelson is the community that Max and Kayla decided to plant their roots, so this parklet should be inspired by community and accessible for neighbors to visit even when the Bagelshop is closed.

All submissions followed the Parklet Program Manual and Specifications document.

2024 Timeline

May: Design Competition Launch

July 5: Submissions Close + Review Begins

July 15: Winner is notified and construction planning begins

Sept 21: PARK(ing) Day Block Party + Parklet Ribbon Cutting

May 30: Kick-Off Party and Submissions Opened

Submission Specifications

Use this downloadable template to guide you through your submission

  • 16:9 Presentation Size

  • White bar (150 pixels tall) below any visual or design content 

    • Logo and/or name can be included in the bar to identify intellectual property. This will be redacted during review to remove bias for committee.

  • Plan showing exact dimensions, features, traffic device placement and location of Parklet

  • Elevation

  • Exploded Axon (optional)

  • All materials should be noted and described 

  • Unusual materials must have a designated source. For example, here are three options for where I might find X unusual material. Acknowledgement that designer would provide this material for construction.

  • 250-500 word narrative about the design concept

Please refer to NDOT’s Parklet Program Manual + Specifications document for design guardrails.

Finalists will be celebrated on Civic Design Center blog, and displayed during the PARK(ing) Day Celebration on Saturday, 9/21.

Location Map