Downtown Public Space Pilot

We’re testing out ideas for the future of the Rosemary-Columbia parking lot. With items like new seating, activity areas, art, landscaping, and shade, we can transform a gathering space with low-cost, flexible materials. This concept is known as Tactical Urbanism. This project is an experiment to see if we can change Downtown with a small space!

Town staff, UNC staff, and community members helped guide the concept design for this parking lot. Next, the Town will hire an event company or individual to program the space from August through December. During that time, we will measure how and how much the space is used.

You can use this site to share feedback on the design or the approach!

Calling Event and Programming Pros!

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The Town has a request for proposals (RFP) open for companies or individuals who have experience planning events to program the Rosemary-Columbia Parking Lot (Lot 2) from August to December. See the Town's website here for more details!
Pilot Design Updated

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We've taken feedback from the community tabling events and used the thoughts shared by the working group to develop a final updated design for this space's pilot. Below is an overview of the design and examples of different use types!
New Virtual Engagement Posted

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Under the "virtual engagement" board, three draft concept designs for the temporary space have been posted. You can add general comments or reactions to specific designs there. There will be engagement on these ideas in person at next week's tabling event: Tuesday, March 25th from 4-7 PM at Chapel Hill Public Library alongside some other Town projects like Safe Routes to School.
In-Person Engagement Opportunity: March 25th

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We will have another opportunity for community members to give input on this project, March 25th from 4-7 PM at the Chapel Hill Public Library. Anyone can drop in to ask questions and provide feedback on three draft design options developed from what we've heard from the community so far! We will be tabling alongside other Town initiatives including the draft plans for Vision Zero and Safe Routes to School. This is a great way to engage with multiple projects at one time!
In-Person Engagement Opportunity: February 24th

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Come chat, ask questions, and share your ideas at our table during People's Academy! We will be there on February 24th from 5-6 PM at Chapel Hill Public Library.

Interested in staying for the whole of People's Academy see below!
What is Peoples Academy?
The Peoples Academy is a FREE program to inform and educate the Chapel Hill community about Town services, projects, and processes.
Winter Program Details:
The upcoming winter session will be at the Chapel Hill Public Library on Monday, February 24 from 5-8pm. This FREE event will be family-friendly, include a hot meal, and a hybrid option for virtual participants.
How can you help?
Register for this program through February 14.
Welcome to our online engagement site!

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We’re excited to get this project off the ground. The pilot implementation timeline is fast, but we’ll be providing updates and opportunities to give community input!