Pocket park coming to the University District
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The Iuka & Waldeck Pocket Park project in front of Indianola Presbyterian Church. Photos: Alissa Widman Neese/Axios
The newest park in Columbus may be tiny, but it would definitely make Leslie Knope proud.
Why it matters: The Iuka & Waldeck Pocket Park is located in the densely packed University District, which lacks many public green spaces.
- Project organizers hope to show how even a small piece of land can be transformed for the public's benefit.
State of play: Indianola Presbyterian Church, at 1970 Waldeck Ave., wanted to turn its front lawn into a community space, so it asked the University District Organization (UDO) for help.
- A $15,000 beautification grant from the city and the nonprofit Neighborhood Design Center is paying for the entire project.
Zoom in: There's a lot planned for the half-acre park, UDO executive director Nora Gerber tells us.
- It will feature new pathways, swings and a mini-stage for street performers.
- Native perennial pollinators will fill new planter beds to return "year after year," and native grasses comprise the park's outer border.
The intrigue: Organizers want the park to reflect the surrounding area.
- Local artist Adam Hernandez's new totem sculpture will highlight the district's history and diversity.
- Church pews were repurposed into park benches, each painted a different color to represent the district's 13 unique neighborhoods.
What's next: Gerber says the park is nearly finished, thanks to the hard work of volunteers.
- One more volunteer session from 9am-3pm Sunday will focus on finishing the pathways, benches and signage. Sign up to help.
- An official "grand opening" will likely take place when OSU students return later this summer.
