Montgomery County, MD (October 11, 2018) – The Better Block announces the White Flint Placemaking Festival in partnership with Montgomery County Planning Department, Randolph Civic Association, and Kronstadt Realty. Better Block is an internationally acclaimed urban design nonprofit that aims to educate, equip, and empower communities and their leaders to reshape and reactivate built environments to promote the growth of healthy and vibrant neighborhoods.
Since May 2018, Better Block has been working with the neighbors in the Randolph Hills neighborhood to reimagine a piece of the Randolph Hills Shopping Center. After digging through over 100 survey responses, the team found that the community is looking for a beautiful, well-programmed community greenspace with a neighborhood bar, coffeeshop, local restaurants, and activities for kids.
On October 13-14, that community vision will come to life.
For two days, an underutilized field of grass and a small portion of the parking lot at Randolph Hills Shopping Center will be completely reimagined. With some elbow grease, landscaping, and digitally fabricated furniture, community members and volunteers will transform the space into a pop-up park with food, arts, fun, and a fitness zone. Local musicians will play throughout the two days, local restaurateurs will sell food and drinks, and local fitness businesses will host free classes for kids and adults. There will be a host of building and play activities for all ages and abilities. Local artists and makers will be at hand, showcasing their artistic talents.
The reason behind the temporary demonstration is two-fold: 1. It gives the community an opportunity to realize their vision for the neighborhood; 2. It shows the property owner and county agencies how recommendations in the White Flint 2 sector plan can be implemented. It brings ideas to life, and it helps organize for further change.
“Our hope is that when we bring together all the different members of this community, residents, students, and business owners, to create something new and vibrant in this space and then get to enjoy it, it will inspire a permanent transformation that will benefit everyone,” says Matt Tifford, Randolph Civic Association member.
“I love living in Randolph Hills, and the potential of this large space can really open up to our changing needs and modes of living,” says Christiana Drapkin, Randolph Civic Association member and local musician.
If you’re interested in being a part of the transformation, let us know! We’re looking for volunteers to roll up their sleeves and perhaps get a little paint on their shoes. The installation of the transformation begins October 10. To find out more about volunteering, go here.
If you’re a local business with an idea for food or fun, and you want to take part, please contact Colin Amos, colin@betterblock.org!
White Flint Placemaking is generously supported by the Montgomery County Planning Department, with support from Montgomery County Parks and Department of Transportation.
“We are so excited to be working in the White Flint neighborhood with such an engaged and passionate community. White Flint is an incredible area with huge potential, and seemingly endless local resources to tap into to inspire change,” says Colin Amos, the project manager from Better Block Foundation, who is leading the White Flint Placemaking project.
For more information about White Flint Placemaking, contact Colin Amos, colin@betterblock.org.
Release courtesy Better Block