Home > Newsroom > Iconic K Street to Become Home to First Seasonal Interactive Parklet in D.C.
Ribbon-Cutting Set for July 14
WASHINGTON, D.C.–July 7, 2015–Passers-by on K Street in the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District will soon have a new outdoor space. A parklet, which is a mini-park created by extending the existing sidewalk, will transform two parking spaces into a playful, energetic area in front of 2020 K St., NW.
Supporters will hold a ribbon-cutting for the parklet Tues., July 14 from 11:30 a.m.–noon. It will stay in place through October and will be the first parklet in Washington, D.C., to stay up for an extended period. The parklet includes interactive pieces that visitors can rearrange in creative ways. The design features triangle planters and triangular extrusions of different heights.
The parklet, named parKIT, was created by two Gensler designers who won an in-house design competition. The BID and Gensler will hold small activities in the park each week through the rest of the summer with a theme of “Making the City.”
“We are always looking for more ways for people to enjoy the outdoors in our great neighborhood. While we have many parks, this is a fun way to think differently about a part of our community. We thank all of the partners for their creativity in making the vision a reality,” says Leona Agouridis, executive director, Golden Triangle Business Improvement District.
The construction of the parklet will occur July 7 and 8. Parklet organizers point out it will be up for global PARK(ing) Day Sept. 18, which is a celebration of temporary public places.
As part of its temporary urbanism initiative, Sustainable DC invited the Golden Triangle to pilot the creation of a seasonal parklet. Sustainable DC and District Department of Transportation have developed new guidelines and protocols for parklets throughout the city with input from the Golden Triangle BID and others. The Golden Triangle is funding the construction and installation of the parklet.
—
MEDIA CONTACT: Adam Shapiro 202-427-3603 Adam.Shapiro@ASPR.bz 202-427-3603
