Centering engagement in the design process
In July 2018, Gehl and the Office of Public Life (OPL) engaged local stakeholders and neighborhood advocates to identify a pilot site. Partnering with the local American Legion, they designed a survey to gather community preferences for 32 potential activities across food, play, hang out, and performances categories. The survey revealed a critical need for consistency.
Gehl planned the pilot in three phases, adding a small free library container, food service container, portable big screen, and a modular stage that doubled as seating, lighting, picnic tables, umbrellas, and game equipment. After a successful kickoff in October 2018 with regular movie nights, a jazz event, and Sunday Night Football broadcasts, the space became a community hub in Historic Northwest.
As residents and local groups requested to host events, Gehl and OPL created a micro-grant program for community-led events, funded by the Knight Foundation and Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties. This program aimed to encourage self-organized events, fostering community ownership of the site.
The pilot serves as a model for activating vacant space by building stronger local connections. With developments on Rosemary Avenue, the vision of a walkable, connected community is closer to reality.
