CivicCrunch: Brainstorming + Building Sprint
At theCO we believe things can happen quickly when you bring the right people together. We decided to test that belief by hosting a brainstorming and building event to amplify public spaces in Jackson, TN. CivicCrunch was exactly that - a community coming together to make something happen on a time crunch. But why? Well, CivicCrunch is a beta test of similar programming that Driving Innovation plans to execute statewide with our third mobile lab, theAmp. Why Jackson? It’s home to theCO and Driving Innovation so what better place to test an idea.
Our third mobile lab, theAmp, has a specific focus on placemaking. What does that mean exactly? Well, placemaking is a multi-faceted approach to the planning, design, and management of public spaces. It capitalizes on a local community's assets, inspiration, and potential, with the intention of creating public spaces that promote people's health, happiness, and well being. Ultimately, the goal is to strengthen the connection between people and the places they share.
Step 1: Brainstorming Event
In mid-October, a group of community members gathered at theCO to brainstorm ideas. The group included business owners, elected officials, college students and more. The goal of CivicCrunch was to plan a project within a budget that could be built and executed in a short time frame.
Step 2: Planning on theAmp
The event surfaced several great ideas and from those, the team at theCO spent the next day exploring options. After evaluating further they determined the best option was to focus on creating an oversized game park.
Step 3: Building + Prep
The team spent the following weeks gathering materials and necessary approvals to bring the project to life. All of the elements of the pop-up park were created at theCO, utilizing tools in the makerspace. The availability of the CNC router at theCO and open source files helped keep the project in budget.
Step 4: Installation Day
The group gathered to install the elements to bring to life the ideas the community brainstormed in October. The pop-up game park includes oversized games, seating, and lighting and is located directly in front of Jackson’s newest Love Your Neighborhood mural.
Step 5: Reveal + Celebrate
The community gathered to enjoy the new pop-up park just one month after the CivicCrunch brainstorming event. The neighborhood had a blast breaking in the new games and seating. This project wouldn’t have been possible without HCB Development, The City of Jackson, and Jackson Energy Authority. Thank you for helping make this project possible!
See more photos of CivicCrunch here and check out the park when you’re in Downtown Jackson!