Now that the sun is out and the weather is warmer, we’d like to formally introduce the Howell Junction pocket park! Starting as an idea from engaged neighbors, a triangular patch of City-owned land at the junction of Marietta St, 8th St, and Brady Ave was transformed from an abandoned corner into a beautiful public space.
The Marietta Street Artery Association won a $5,000 Placemaking Grant from the city and generous support from the adjacent property owner and the Upper Westside CID, the neighborhood translated their ideas into plans put together by design firm MKSK.
This pocket park includes a custom circular planter bench, bike racks, and a bike tune-up station. Thirteen new trees were planted including Magnolias, Serviceberry, Nuttall Oaks, and Black Gums, and the planter bench has recently been populated with Little Bunny grasses. The park is a prime example of what can be achieved through public-private partnerships and has provided a roadmap for future “parklets,” including an upcoming pocket park in Blandtown.
