Mulberry Jam Parklet

An abandoned state-owned lot in New Haven, Connecticut, provided a unique opportunity for a pro-bono project. Harnessing the existing vibrancy and passion of the neighbors on the small street, a parklet was designed to be flexible, cared for, and welcoming. Through a series of workshops with key stakeholders and community partners, a shared vision formed to guide the design work. Together, the community and the design team imagined a park that would function at the scale of the street, the neighborhood and city. The park will be constructed of low-cost materials, including CMU, stone dust, and hardy plants, easily, assembled by a volunteer crew.

The space is divided from the street by a low wall, which allows for seating on both sides and provides visibility and safety. the park will have distinct zones: bench and community table seating areas for rest, open areas for exercise and play, and tiered seating for lingering and gathering. The parklet, called Mulberry Jam in honor of an existing tree that has long provided fruit to the neighborhood, will be constructed over the next two summers.