POP! Heights

POP! Heights welcomes the South CDC community into its new multi-use space! Neighbors are invited to join in community events or stroll around the park. The expansive site includes six activity zones, all linked by a lively, brightly colored walking ribbon that meanders around the site.

This ribbon transforms from a walking path in the morning to a roller-skating path after school. This organizing feature connects the whole site to reach out to the community to draw people in. POP! Heights focuses on creating a multi-functional space where each use supports movement and the health of residents.

Visitors can enter the site from three points on Halsted. On the south, users enter into a bosque of trees, creating a dappled shade area to sit and relax. A basketball court is next along the ribbon; a custom-painted court and hoop engage teens and adults. The court doubles as a place for a farmer’s market or to bring food trucks onto the site from the adjacent parking lot. 

In the northeast corner, a playground allows younger children to play and learn. Finally, a stage centered on a new community mural along the north property line addresses the whole site for performances, classes, or relaxation. The main entrance to the site is vast and welcoming. Movable seating blocks delineate the new park, block vehicles, and act as signage, seating, and skating elements in this open plaza. The whole site is organized around a central lawn accommodating large crowds or everyday community quiet moments.

This project benefits area residents by providing inspiring, beautiful, and culturally relevant programmed community spaces. While Roseland is firmly grounded in rich history and family values, it lacks engaging, dedicated public open spaces that encourage residents of all ages to connect. This project presents new opportunities to unite community members in accessible, creative, and exciting ways. Activating this vacant parcel increases residents’ access to arts, culture, and nature.