Transforming a Blighted, Unused Parking Lot Into a Vibrant Community Space

New, multi-functional North Park Mini Park offers something for everyone!

Photos courtesy of KTUA

The North Park Community of San Diego welcomed its newest “Mini-Park” in January 2022. This project took twenty years from ideation, to public/private funding to design and implementation and has been warmly received by residents and visitors.

Graphic Solutions, in collaboration with KTUA, designed two, iconic, 20’ 10” tall gateways, which are structural wayfinding features that attract pedestrians from busy University Avenue East and West to this new community amenity.

Each “flame” is made of perforated aluminum with programmable LED lighting. The base of the structure incorporates an attractive, multi-color, glazed tile that is reminiscent of other design elements found in the diverse community of North Park. It includes an illuminated cabinet to post community information and announcements.

North Park Mini Park revitalizes this neighborhood and is an important, flexible and attractive open space that is accessible to all regardless of background, age or ability—it truly offers something for everyone!