31 May 2018
Canberra’s first Pocket Park was launched last weekend in Lonsdale Street, Braddon, by the Planning Institute of Australia’s ACT Young Planners.
Using a car space outside Hopscotch bar, the multipurpose space includes seating and plantings – providing a place for passers-by to stop, enjoy themselves and connect with their community.
Funded by a City Grant from the City Renewal Authority, the project demonstrates how the ACT’s streetscape can be diversified with new spaces designed for people.
The ACT Young Planners will activate the Pocket Park with entertainment and activities until it is dismantled late June.
The “pop-up’’ temporary parklet has been more than 18 months in the making, and is a collaboration between Penny Hardy of Design Community, Kieran Igoe-Taylor of Projex Building, and a team of volunteers from ACT Young Planners. Knight Frank Town Planning is also providing Pocket Park with additional funding support.
Director of the Pocket Park project, ACT Young Planner John Reschke said: “I am delighted with the Pocket Park and what our ACT Young Planners volunteers have been able to achieve for the community of the inner north.
“Thank you to the ACT Government for working with us on this fantastic project, and especially the City Renewal Authority and Access Canberra for their ongoing support.”
Pocket Park Community Liaison Director and ACT Young Planner Jacob White said: “It’s been exciting to work with the Pocket Park team and the ACT Government to enhance and expand public space in our city.
“Braddon is changing, and it’s important we bring people along with that change. I’m looking forward to enjoying the new space and connecting with the local community over the coming weeks.”
The Braddon parklet will remain in Lonsdale Street until late June, during which time ACT Young Planners will stage a number of related events.
Convenor of the ACT Young Planners Natalia Weglarz said: “This pocket park will be the first stepping stone to internationally recognised public activation in the ACT.
“It’s the first parklet in the Territory – and we certainly hope it won’t be the last.”
ACT Young Planners will provide regular social media updates on the progress of the Pocket Park using the hashtags #PocketPark and #CityRenewalCBR.
For further information or media comment, contact or on Facebook or CBRparklet@gmail.com.
ENDS