Public Outdoor Plaza (POP!) program
The Department of Planning and Development's (DPD) Public Outdoor Plaza (POP!) program launched in February 2022 after a successful pilot created POPCourts! in Austin in 2021. As of October 2023, seven POP! plazas were complete with four more set to open by spring 2024.
POP! enables community-based organizations to transform vacant land into community spaces along commercial corridors. The program was created to serve struggling businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic by increasing foot traffic and building safe spaces for the community to gather. The program continues to thrive, building on the success of existing plazas.
All plazas are community-led projects constructed in low-to –moderate income communities. Community partners were awarded City funding for construction, design, maintenance and programming.
Selected community partners engaged a team of local artists, designers, architects and a general contractor to create their plaza. Community members contributed to the design, artwork and amenities, making each plaza unique to its neighborhood.
POP! projects include flexible amenity zones including play courts, gathering spaces, lawns, outdoor seating and areas for retail pop-ups and food trucks.
The plazas highlight community-focused placemaking, support community identity, create safe and beautiful outdoor spaces for public enjoyment and contribute to the economic vitality of Chicago neighborhoods.
Check out the plazas below.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Questions may be emailed to dpd@cityofchicago.org.
POPCourts!
Austin
Community Partner: Westside Health Authority
POP Grove
West Garfield Park
Community Partner: Westside Health Authority
Mahalia Jackson Court
Chatham
Community Partner: Greater Chatham Initiative
Winthrop Gardens
Uptown
Community Partner: Uptown United
POP Heights
Roseland
Community Partner: Far South Community Development Corporation
Aspire POPFIT
Austin
Community Partner: Westside Health Authority
WACA Bell Park
North Lawndale
Community Partner: New Covenant CDC
Englewood Breakroom
West Englewood
Community Partner: Teamwork Englewood