Experience four KAPOW! 2016 projects as they come to life on N. State Street during a free Pop-Up Plaza event on June 2 and 3 in the Herald Building parking lot. This temporary take-over will illustrate the economic potential and benefit of activating spaces to create a more vibrant downtown.
KAPOW!, a city-wide contest initiated in 2015, is a lighthearted and entertaining way of encouraging community members to share their artistic, interactive and inexpensive ideas to make downtown Bellingham more entertaining and attractive.
KAPOW! 2016 challenged community creators to craft ideas to enliven N. State Street. Four projects will be showcased in the KAPOW! Pop-Up Plaza.
- The Bellinghopscotch course is a permanent hopscotch course with a focus on fun for all ages.
- The State of the Solar System is a distance-scaled model solar system “scavenger hunt” that runs along both sides of State Street. Models of planets are accompanied by informational plaques for maximum learning potential.
- Uuntzbrella is a dance floor beneath an oversized umbrella for dancing in all weather.
- The Piper Bike Park is a bioluminescent bike-parking structure architecturally inspired by the Herald Building.
Championed by Sustainable Connections and sponsored in part by the City of Bellingham, these projects were implemented by a team that included the Public Works and Planning departments.
“The Pop-Up Plaza is all about showcasing the value of open space in our downtown core,” said Rose Lathrop, Green Building & Smart Growth Manager for Sustainable Connections. “We have an opportunity to utilize space for connection and encouraging a vibrant and healthy Bellingham. Come down to experience the power (and fun!) of placemaking.”
Friday June 2 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. during Artwalk, experience live performance artists, painting and live music. Community members are encouraged to bid on their favorite door painted by five local artists.
Saturday June 3 will be a day full of interactive arts and entertainment. Participate in morning yoga starting at 10 a.m. or have your kids sign up for the talent show. The Pop-Up Plaza will be complete with yard games, crafts, community mural painting and sidewalk chalk art, and fun for the whole family. Festivities will be from noon to 5 p.m.
This event is supported by the Whatcom Community Foundation, Whatcom County Association of Realtors and the City of Bellingham.
