January 1, 2014
Historic Meridian Park Pocket Park
By: Jeremy Kranowitz
33RD STREET, BETWEEN DELAWARE STREET & WASHINGTON BLVD.
With a goal to develop a safe and beautiful space that residents of diverse backgrounds can connect, and improve their quality of life; KIB will work closely with the Historic Meridian Park Neighborhood Association (HMPNA) to put the park in Historic Meridian Park. The park will become a focal point for community activity and a become a space where play and imagination are encouraged for residents young and old.
VISION FOR THE SPACE
KIB and the HMPNA envision a vibrant meeting place for all community members. By reclaiming an underutilized lot in the heart of the neighborhood, residents from all walks of life can have access to a park preserving the natural heritage of the area and create a space where imagination reigns. The park will embody the spirit of the Arts & Crafts Movement that shapes the design and interiors of many of Historic Meridian Park’s homes. The community will be engaged by incorporating public art and have a safe space to increase physical activity.
IMPORTANCE OF THE PROJECT
This project will work to accomplish many things:
- Accessibility by creating and inviting and natural space at the heart of Historic Meridian Park
- Neighborhood Pride through preserving the natural feel of the neighborhood while transforming an underutilized space
- Sustainability by emphasizing native plants and grasses and preserving the existing tree canopy on the lot.
- Sociability will help united all residents of the community and create a more inclusive and welcoming neighborhood
THE DESIGN PROCESS
Through the design and engagement process, KIB worked with the Historic Meridian Park Neighborhood Association to explore different options for the design of this new park. To the left is the design that was selected by the neighborhood as the long-term vision for this park. Working from this schematic KIB will construct a portion of the elements in this design that create a solid foundation for the neighborhood to use to continue to work towards their goal.
WORK STATUS
The park is now complete. Come check out the greenspace, including a shelter and a movie screen!
If you wish to learn more about this special park in the heart of the Historic Meridian Park neighborhood, visit the Historic Meridian Park Neighborhood Association webpage.
Connecting people to nature, creating vibrant places rooted in community and building lasting value by working together. Committed to creating vibrant places and communities, IPL Project GreenSpace is a grassroots effort that transforms vacant lots and underused spaces into natural, beautiful, and functional pocket parks and greenspaces for neighborhoods.
KIB has partnered with Ball State University, College of Architecture and Planning for the design and building of the Immersive Learning Project. For more information, please visit the Ball State University website.
DONATE
Continued success of IPL Project GreenSpace depends on our sponsors adn individuals like you. Consider donating to Keep Indianapolis Beautiful.
Categories: AES Indiana Project Greenspace