E. 156th Pocket Park is a place for everyone
The outdoors are a place for all of us to share and enjoy, no matter what our age. That was the thinking that inspired the ArtPlace: Play Space, a new pocket park located on East 156th street next to the Northeast Shores building. Bringing together the elements of art, nature and play, the space is a unique crossroads where neighborhood characteristics collide into one space.
The small park features a walking path, radiant flowers, fruit trees, places to sit and play, and murals and sculptures from local artists. Quite the transformation from a formally vacant lot, “We are so excited about the project,” said Brian Friedman, Executive Director at Northeast Shores. “This is about the re-imagination of spaces, taking underutilized areas in the neighborhood and creating something that the whole community can enjoy.”
The project was funded primarily through a grant from ArtPlace with design and implementation being carried out by LAND Studio, landscape architect Jim McKnight and local artist Mellissa Daubert. The newly opened park will provide an outdoor space where neighborhood residents can intermingle and enjoy the good weather. Melding arts, natural beauty and community togetherness, this space brings together all the elements that are most important to our neighborhood.