Creating Connections
Parkland Plaza provides a space for all people, in a neighborhood that lacks public open space. What was previously a centralized open space that lacked barriers surrounding the significant features, this site now provides market spaces, concerts, play opportunities and a gathering space for the community. In addition to the functional elements within the plaza, the site also provides drop-off points for the childcare center, as well as parking for the community garden and the site itself.
Embracing the Outdoors
Our project team’s thoughtful design solution balances the tight site footprint and the diverse needs of the community. Large platforms provide both seating and gathering nodes, large boulders act as natural play elements and native plantings and trees provide shade and spatial definition. Additionally, the lack of curbs combined with an ample open space offers a flexible and accessible design for all users and uses.
The site will also have positive environmental impacts. Parkland Plaza will reintroduce lawn and native vegetation, reducing the site’s impervious surfaces by nearly 60 percent, which will reduce stormwater runoff, improve air quality and lower surface temperatures to fight against the urban heat island affect.
Partnering with the Community
In addition to collaborating with local leaders, our project team also worked with a neighborhood planning group who led the community research, existing site evaluation and collaborative stakeholder engagement and provided feedback during the design process. However, due to COVID-19, we couldn’t meet with the community in person. To gain insight into the community’s wants and needs, we hosted a virtual design charrette to gain feedback and input on the overall design.
Furthermore, to gain community traction and input during the initial phase of the plaza development, our team hosted a series of pop-up events on the site, such as markets and music, and implemented simple design solutions, such as shade, seating and outdoor games. Testing roll-out lawn versus an open lawn area, benches versus platforms and shade structures versus shade trees, these short-term events and installations guided the team in developing a long-term plan for the site.
Amenity-Rich and Ready for Use
The site features Wi-Fi access, seating, picnic tables donated by Anova Furnishings and Landscape Forms, a playground for kids, an event venue complete with a stage and lawn space for pop-up markets and community festivals. Designed specifically for multiple uses, the park is a vibrant community hub where residents can connect with their friends, family and neighbors. Metro Louisville also collaborated with 1200 LLC, an independent music agency in the city, to provide programming for the venue.
Reflecting Parkland’s History
Parkland Plaza both acknowledges the effects of systemic oppression and illustrates how a community can come together to tell their stories and move forward. The centerpiece of Parkland Plaza will be two large murals – one on the shipping container at the center of the site and another on a wall that borders the plaza. Both murals will be painted by local artist Victor Sweatt and will feature historic Parkland figures and scenery, reflecting the “Parkland Love” theme established by the community.
The Grand Finale
Parkland Plaza was opened to the public on July 23, 2022 with a grand opening celebration. Community members gathered to commemorate the first public park in the Parkland neighborhood with local vendors, music, giveaways, food and an unveiling of the plaza’s mural. A much anticipated project, Parkland residents are now able to enjoy and activate the community greenspace.