A new mini park will be constructed in front of Chapel Hill Tire near the northwest corner of W. Franklin and Roberson Streets.

The park, which is an experiment led by the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership and the Town of Chapel Hill with assistance from Chapel Hill Tire, is part of the Town’s Downtown 2020 Work Plan to enhance visitor experiences and add green spaces in downtown Chapel Hill.

Executive Director of the Downtown Partnership Meg McGurk says that while the park is temporary, there may be more “pocket parks” coming to downtown in the future.

“This is where one of the older trees that was diseased and damaged had to come down,” said McGurk. “The town and the Downtown Partnership said ‘instead of just replacing the sidewalk and the tree, which will come eventually, why not take this opportunity to activate this space and see what we can do.’”

The park, which is about 20 by 70 feet, will include seating, bike racks and seasonal planters. The planters will be made out of tires provided by Chapel Hill Tire and painted by summer campers from the Hargraves Center.

More information on the project is available at the Town’s website.

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