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Pocket Parks
Pocket parks are very small parks that typically comprise only one or two lots within a block.
They are usually developed on vacant lots or irregular pieces of land. Surrounded by existing development on three sides, they literally form a small “pocket” among other buildings [1]. These little parks can bring shade, quiet, and enhanced property values to blighted areas, and they often turn up in unexpected places. They are not necessary always urban, but can be found in small towns and in low-density areas. For example, small parks located near street-ends at the coast have been termed pocket parks because they are adjacent to residences [8]. Pocket parks are generally too small for physical activities and may be locked or gated when not in use. Open parks that fill an entire city block and are bordered by streets on all sides are usually NOT considered pocket parks, no matter how small they are.
Growing in popularity, pocket parks are easily constructed and provide a space where people can stop to relax, read, eat a packed lunch, or meet friends. In many areas, particularly in newer suburbs, there are very few public places that provide a quiet refuge. Pocket parks can be a retrofit of a vacant lot or built into a large, new development project. They are quite common in New Urbanist projects, and can be used as a selling point.
Design Guidelines
However, some elements of a pocket park are essential. To discourage illegal activity, most of the park should be highly visible from the street. The community should provide trash cans that are emptied frequently, as well as regular maintenance. It should have at least one shade tree.
Uses. Pocket parks are best for “passive” activities such as picnics, sun bathing, reading, nature appreciation, board games, socializing, community meetings, and art appreciation [2]. Still, recreational activities like basketball and children’s play are certainly possible.
Possible Accessories. Benches, picnic tables, café tables, a sundeck, playground equipment, a half basketball court, board game tables, outdoor games (shuffleboard and hopscotch), a flower garden, a botanic garden, public art, lawns, fountains, statuary.
New York City: Land of Pocket Parks
New York City has a number of pocket parks, both historic and modern. The most famous example is Paley Park in Midtown Manhattan, which was designed and funded by former CBS chairman William Paley. Completed in 1967, the park features food for sale, movable café tables, a 20-foot waterfall, ivy covered walls and honey locust trees [3]. It is both accessible and inviting to passersby, partly because it is elevated above street level. Though it is a very popular and often crowded, locals describe it as a quiet and restful place [3].
Greenacre Park on the city’s east side offers an outdoor café, seating, a large waterfall and heat lamps during winter weather. It is on the Project for Public Space’s list of Best Parks in the World.
Historic Abingdon Square Park is sometimes mentioned as a “pocket park” because of its tiny size, although roads, not buildings, surround this triangle-shaped enclave. Located in a British neighborhood of Greenwich Village, this ¼ acre green space was acquired by the city in 1831 and enclosed by a cast iron fence in 1836. It was renovated and reopened in 2004 [4]. This location was recommended on the public radio show The Splendid Table because it is a trendy spot to grab and eat British take-out food [5]. Abingdon Square is one of the city's oldest parks.
A small parking lot in Brooklyn was recently painted green and adorned with street furniture and public art to form the Pearl Street Pocket Park.
Pocket Parks Across the USA
Governor’s Park in Versailles, KY. Built along an 1890’s main street next to city hall, the attractive Governor’s Park features lush trees, a few concrete picnic tables and a Coca-Cola mural. It was completed by local volunteers in the 1990’s, and recognizes the many Kentucky governors who have hailed from this town [6].
Levi Strauss Plaza, San Francisco, CA.
Torrey Hills Park, San Diego, CA.
First Murphy Park, Carmel, CA.
Blue Triangle Pocket Park, Indianapolis, IN. [7]
Denton Pocket Park, Harrisonburg, VA.
A Growing Trend
Pocket Parks are seen as highly desirable in the United States. There are many in the planning stages. For example, the Trust for Public land is working to build a small public park in Pasadena, CA, on a vacant lot that was formerly a gas station [9].
ALSO ON THE LIVABLE STREETS NETWORK
REFERENCES
Each source is referred to by the same number every time it is cited. Please keep citation style consistent.
[1] Paul Zykofsky. The Local Government Commission. (personal communication)
[2] Public Parks Advice forum. Urban Parks forum at the Project for Public Spaces.
[3] Paley Park. Project for Public Spaces.
[4] The Fool of Abingdon Square Park. Mr Beller’s Neighborhood
[5] Picnics in New York City. The Splendid Table. American Public Media.
[6] Governor’s Park. Project for Public Spaces.
[7] Blue Triangle Pocket Park.
[8] Street-End Pocket Parks Stir Neighborhood Friction. Seattle Post-Intelligencer. March 2, 2007.
[9] A Pocket Park in Pasadena. Trust for Public Land.
PICTURE REFERENCES
Pictures are cited in the order they appear above. Please keep citation style consistent.
[1] Paley Park. Project for Public Spaces images.
[2] Denton Pocket Park, Harrisonburg, Virginia. Taken July 11, 2008 by Cykel.
[2]
