January 1, 2014
University Heights Pocket Park
By: Jeremy Kranowitz
4133 MATHEWS AVENUE
A partnership between KIB, the University Heights Neighborhood Association (UHNA), and the University of Indianapolis will transform the former site of a vacant apartment building into a community pocket park and greenspace. The park will serve to focal point for neighborhood get together, offer teaching opportunities about native plants and the natural landscape, and provide an aesthetically pleasing space that will promote an active lifestyle.
VISION FOR THE SPACE
KIB, the UHNA, and the University envision an accessible and vibrant greenspace for this now vacant lot. Creating a place where community members would be able to meet and children would be able to learn about the natural environment. Native trees and grasses would flourish and public gatherings would be frequent. The space would also serve to link the University Heights community with the University of Indianapolis as residents, students, staff, and faculty would all be able to utilize this space.
IMPORTANCE OF THE PROJECT
This project will work to accomplish many things:
- Accessibility by creating an inviting natural landscape for all to use.
- Quality of Life by transforming vacant lot into a place that promotes a healthy lifestyle and learning about the natural environment.
- Sustainability will achieved by designing a park that will utilize native grasses and trees and empower community members to care for it.
- Sociability through inspiring more connected community.
THE DESIGN PROCESS
Through the design and engagement process, KIB worked with the UHNA and the University of Indianapolis to explore different options for the design of this pocket park. To the left is the design that was selected by the group as the long-term vision for this park. Working from this schematic KIB will construct a portion of the elements in the design that create a solid foundation for the neighborhood to use to continue to work towards their goal.
WORK STATUS
KIB and the community have completed the plantings and benches for the space. The University of Indianapolis will be working to finish the rest of the space.
Contact Joseph Jarzen if you wish to learn more about this special pocket park in University Heights neighborhood, dnl@kibi.org.
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.
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Continued success of IPL Project GreenSpace depends on our sponsors and individuals like you. Please consider donating to Keep Indianapolis Beautiful.
Categories: AES Indiana Project Greenspace, Clean Neighborhoods, Engaged Citizens, Partners