From parking lot to park: new Nelson Square pocket park now open in downtown Brampton
Published August 28, 2023 at 2:00 pm
A pocket-sized park has sprung up in Brampton’s downtown transforming a parking lot into a new community attraction.
Located within the Nelson Street Parking Lot at the corner of Diplock Lane and George Street North, the Nelson Square Pocket Park was unveiled over the weekend with creative lighting, interactive seating, and greenery.
The pocket park project is part of the city’s Activate Downtown Brampton initiative to turn under-used public areas into community spaces and 8 80 Cities, a non-profit organisation that transforms public spaces to support health, equity, and sustainability.
The temporary park also features the nature-inspired artwork of Shawn Howe – an artist of Anishinaabe, Irish, Scottish, and French descent from Neyaashiinigmiing First Nation, with membership in Sipekne’katik First Nation.
“As part of the Activate Downtown Brampton program, Nelson Square Pocket Park is a green and innovative new space for social gatherings that will encourage residents and visitors to explore Brampton’s unique laneways or attend community events,” the city said in a release.
Suzy Godefroy, executive director of the Downtown Brampton BIA (BIA) said the new park is a welcomed addition to downtown Brampton.
“The transformation of Nelson Street Surface Parking Lot into a new pop-up pocket park is a great way to bring more people to Downtown Brampton,” Godefroy said in a release. “This community has many unique restaurants and shops and now has a new park for residents and visitors to enjoy.”
The city ran a survey in July asking residents for feedback and input on the pocket park, which is a temporary pilot project running until January.
Last year, Activate Downtown Brampton gave a facelift to Vivian Lane with a ground mural by Brampton-based artist Abiola Idowu, flexible street furniture, active edges, landscaping and enhanced programming.
For more information on upcoming free activities for all ages and how to get involved with the Downtown Brampton BIA visit downtownbramptonbia.ca/