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Board approves design for Downtown Hawker Park pocket park at the Shops
Summary
The Parks and Urban Forestry Board voted 4-0 to endorse staff recommendations for a new pocket park and activity lawn adjacent to the Shops downtown. The project uses decomposed granite surfacing, four new trees and a 50/50 matching grant through Main Street and the Department of Commerce.
The Parks and Urban Forestry Board on March 15 voted 4-0 to approve staff recommendations for a new pocket park and community space adjacent to the Shops downtown (referred to in staff materials as the Downtown Hawker Park).
Shawna Rooney, the city’s economic development director, presented the proposed layout: a central activity lawn surfaced with turf or decomposed granite, four new trees with surrounding flower beds, movable picnic seating to accommodate events, reuse of existing planters and black metal fencing to visually tie the park to the Shops. Rooney said the site currently functions more as a community space than as a parking lot and that converting the area to a pocket park would support farmers markets and other downtown events.
Why it matters: Staff said the site’s current use and frequent vendor-driven events motivated a redesign that adds shade and seating while preserving vendor and food-truck access. Rooney said designers plan to provide four food-truck spaces at the former parking lot entrance and keep movable furnishings so events can be reconfigured as needed.
Funding and approvals: Rooney told the board the project is funded through a 50/50 matching grant from Main Street administered through the Department of Commerce; the grant will reimburse the city as it spends project funds. Rooney said the city may match with in‑kind labor. Board members noted the project will also be presented to the Historic Building Commission for compatibility review because the Shops sit in the downtown historic corridor.
Design details and maintenance: Proposed elements include decomposed-granite surfacing to match the Shops, four planters and four new trees donated as part of a prior tree program, two ADA-accessible picnic tables, and benches. Staff recommended using low-maintenance turf for the activity lawn because of high foot traffic and to limit mowing.
Board discussion and vote: Members raised maintenance and volunteer stewardship questions; staff said vendors, the parks department and volunteers have been informally maintaining the area and that the city will coordinate routine upkeep. After discussion the board voted 4-0 to endorse the design and recommended plant/amenity choices.
Next steps: Staff will carry out grant administration, finalize materials and seek Historic Building Commission review for facade and furniture color compatibility before construction or installation.
