PARK(ing) Day 2018
Master of Landscape Architecture students in the ASLA Student Chapter participated in the annual PARK(ing) Day event, with their popup park installation "Secret CARden" on 4th Avenue. They took over a metered spot between 6th and 7th Streets in front of Cafe Passé, transforming it into a small park space. The installation included plant materials and seating, the "CAPLA Cruiser," and materials to make a wildflower seed ball.
Signage informed visitors about the installation:
This parklet is a sneaky little garden workshop on a busy downtown Tucson Street. Our goal is to provide 4th Ave passersby with: some comfy seating and conversation; a place to eat their lunch or snack from nearby partner businesses; the option of making a seed ball to take home, plant, and care for, and a chance to interact with native plants.
Throughout the day, upwards of 50 people stopped by to make wildflower seed balls and talk with students about everything from public art, to native plants, to community livability.
According to ASLA Student Chapter President Nichole Caseber, "It was definitely a success! I feel it brought a lot of life and joy to everyone who interacted with us, and sparked a lot of curiosity and inspiration about how to improve and create new public space in our community."
All plants were donated by local nurseries and will be re-donated to a high school in South Tucson. All materials were borrowed, recycled, or built from scraps
