Description
THIS IS NOT A PARK is a sardonic take on the shortage of downtown park space in Hamilton, serving as an opportunity for the public to enjoy an urban park experience through engagement and human activation. A sign reading THIS IS A PARK illuminates when participants enter the pop-up space. Without the presence of people the sign turns off, reading THIS IS NOT A PARK. The portable park demonstrates that urban space comes to life when in use and that any public space has the potential to be enjoyed, even in the most unlikely of places. THIS IS NOT A PARK brings to light and celebrates our city’s underused spaces.
Spaces are shaped by the people who occupy them. Public space is any accessible area that is open to experience and enjoy. We own public space. We make it what it is.
LOCATION
Hamilton, ON
STATUS
Complete
THIS IS NOT A PARK was originally designed for 100in1 Day Hamilton, an event showcasing innovative urban interventions by everyday residents around the city. DPAI saw a call to action in the juxtaposition between the shortage of downtown park space and the abundance of underused spaces in Hamilton. Common spaces such as sidewalks, alleyways, parking spaces and empty lots all have the potential to become vibrant public realms full or interaction and life. This installation of our “pocket park” aims to activate these spaces and will be showcased in a number of locations throughout Hamilton which we have deemed “forgotten”. We aim to build a sense of community within these reclaimed spaces by encouraging meaningful interpersonal interactions and by inviting participation from all members of our city.
