Play on Penn: Creating Belonging in a Vacant Lot
Client: Hennepin County Community Works
Date Range: 2014
Summary: The Musicant Group was retained by Hennepin County Community Works to make the intersection of Penn and Plymouth more of a destination, to generate activity which reduced crime, boosted economic development efforts, and created ownership over the vision of this space for residents and users. By partnering strategically with the Minneapolis Youth Congress to engage users, as well as with area residents and organizations, we were able to create a place where people wanted to be by through the use of regular events and activities, and where nearby health clinic employees benefitted from a new space to unwind and refresh during their breaks.
Project Goals & Strategy
Our goal was to make the intersection of Penn and Plymouth more of a destination, to generate activity which reduced crime, boosted economic development efforts, and created ownership over the vision of this space for residents and users.
Our strategy involved actively including the community in the formation and implementation of placemaking projects along Penn Avenue, allowing residents to experience real change illustrative of the larger improvements to come.
What we did
Created attractive seating areas near employment centers
Produced lunch time or after work concert series and performances
Created semi-permanent activities and amenities to a space: ping pong, bocce, set, etc.
Coordinated interactive public art installations and weekly food trucks
Outcomes & Benefits
We conducted a follow up survey in early October with community health clinic employees to get their feedback on the project. We found:
23% of respondents visited the pop-up park
200% increase in employees going outside for a break at least once a week with a colleague (from 19% to 45%)
