City of Charlotte Charlotte, NC

GovPorch

GovPorch reimagines the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center Plaza as a fun space where low income kids and their families can spend time and exercise their active minds, bodies and souls.

About the project

What was once a blighted government plaza is now playful, useful and functional. GovPorch invites passersby into the plaza with colorful footsteps on the sidewalk leading to the area of play. There, people can find playful elements, including colorful porch swings, platforms that kids and visitors can sit on, climb on and play on structures with themes that prompt discovery, outdoor bean bags, ping pong tables and life-sized legos and cars. The installation also offers a library garden, kid-painted stepping stones and platforms with colorful seating.

Community impact

GovPorch is now being used as a place to gather and celebrate. The space has become a place of fun that families visit when they aren’t running errands. In an area that is mostly government buildings, the installation encourages people to come outside and meet their neighbors.

Winner 2016 Play Everywhere Challenge Complete Civic Spaces

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