With more people living in downtown Roanoke these days and more people visiting as well, one thing in short order is green space. Only about 5 percent of downtown Roanoke is designated as parkland, most of that at Elmwood Park. So last weekend, for the second time, the Blue Ridge Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and Downtown Roanoke, Inc. held the two-day Roanoke Parklet event.
Park(ing) Day is an annual worldwide event that has received increasing attention over the past few years where parking spots are transformed into temporary public parks, called “Parklets.” Through the creative repurposing of various materials, parking spaces will be turned into an active public space – similar to a park-like setting. Each installation competed for the most innovative and inviting “Parklet.” A winner was selected by the public through a voting process during the event and over social media.
Energy & design consultants Building Better Works was there with an entry, a square of green grass shaded by an awning. Large tree stumps provided places for visitors to sit. Alan Rhodes said his company, which offers energy audits, LEED design services and energy retrofits, is a “shared values company. Ten percent of all our audits go to four non-profits around Roanoke. We just thought we should get out in the community.”
Rhodes likes the idea of small pocket-sized parks that could provide a respite from all of the concrete and steel downtown: “it would be wonderful. Roanoke is growing so rapidly. We need more art and [concepts like parklets].” The design for their entry was a collective decision after a trip downtown and some brainstorming. Outside of Mill Mountain Coffee on Campbell Avenue a Parklet no wider than a vehicle parking space captured the attention of one man, with its sod, potted trees and park benches: “its pretty interesting… a roadside park.” Even if only for a day or two.
By Gene Marrano
