701 Pocket Park Project

Project Background

Located at the corner of S Public Road and Kimbark Street, the 701 Pocket Park project looks to create a vibrant, accessible, and inclusive community space that fosters public gatherings, celebrates Old Town's creative identity, and integrates play features for residents and visitors. The park is envisioned to be welcoming, functional, and resilient for all community members, with a future design focused on sustainability and low maintenance.

What is a Pocket Park?

A pocket park is a small, public green space—often no larger than a single vacant lot—designed to provide recreation, relaxation, and social interaction in urban or suburban settings. These parks are typically integrated into neighborhoods, downtown areas, or underutilized spaces, offering features like benches, landscaping, shade, public art, or minimal play structures.

Conceptual Designs

Over the summer, the City of Lafayette gathered community input to guide the vision for the 701 Pocket Park. Based on the feedback, the design team created three concepts that all feature:

• Play areas for young kids
• Shady seating and picnic spots
• A mix of native plants, pollinators, and trees
• Spaces to relax and enjoy

To help shape the park, we developed three design concepts and surveyed them with the community in late September. We asked, "Which elements/features do you love the most? Stay tuned later this fall to see the final preferred concept!

Concept 1 creates a green, welcoming space with lots of planting areas, boulder terraces, and different types of seating. It also includes features that highlight how drainage works in the park, turning them into learning opportunities. Long, curved community tables and creative seating areas make it easy for people to gather. A children’s play area with natural log climbers and shaded spots offers a fun and comfortable place for families.

Concept 2 offers a variety of unique spaces for activities and relaxation. It includes picnic areas, all-ages games like ping pong and corn hole, and a peach-themed climbing play structure for younger children. The design emphasizes nature, with lots of trees, native plantings, and plant signage to encourage learning. Minimal paving keeps the park green and soft, with shade throughout.

Concept 3 highlights a custom terraced deck that doubles as a space for small gatherings, teen hangouts, and community identity with bright colors and greenery built into the design. Tables and chairs provide comfortable seating for people of all ages. The adventurous play area includes boulders and ropes, offering kids a safe but exciting space to climb and explore.

Stay tuned!

Our design team is currently working on the final concept this fall. We appreciate the community's engagement and feedback!