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Arlington Looks to Build Community With New Pop-Up Park

Arlington Looks to Build Community With New Pop-Up Park

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea (ROK) has donated two parcels of land in Arlington County, Virginia’s Courthouse area, and now the county is reaching out to the community for help in designing its first temporary pop-up park. The Departments of Parks and Recreation and Community Planning, Housing and Development have devised a survey to determine how the public would like to use the new open space on Clarendon Boulevard. Features already planned for the park include ADA accessible paths, an assortment of moveable seating, a modest grass area, and a landscaped barrier between the alleyway and open space.

Oddly shaped and along a main commercial street, the third-of-an-acre property is within a dense area and is expected to have a great impact by providing immediate reprieve to neighboring residents. Based on public feedback, the park could have short-term recreational facilities and space for small-scale games. Possibilities also include areas for food trucks, vendors, and temporary outdoor markets. The county plans to preserve several shade trees and improve site drainage.

To emphasize the impermanent nature of the park and to reduce construction costs, a portion of the building materials will be recycled from existing surplus materials in Arlington County. Since permanent alterations to the site will require approval from ROK, enhancements will generally consist of surface improvements designed to curtail any need for excavation, thereby permitting the park’s features to be re-utilized at other locations.

While the land was offered rent-free for a two-year term, the property can be used by the city until ROK or the county terminates the contract. The topic is still open for public input. To make your voice heard, participate in the survey before the August 19 deadline.


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