Under a blazing hot July sun, Lansing residents and visitors were treated to fun, interactive, pop-up placemaking on Capitol Avenue today! The west driving lane became a bikers-only lane. And, with the capitol building as an impressive backdrop, the League and a variety of Lansing area organizations set up creative parklets in the parking lane as part of our Convert Capitol Avenue project.

The parklets were designed to invite people in to dabble in fun and relaxing experiences. Play in the sandbox at the League’s parklet, get to know Bowser the snapping turtle at Fenner Nature Center’s realistic-looking setting, challenge a friend to a giant game of Connect 4, bounce on MI Big Green Gym’s wavy, bright blue playground equipment, or just relax in a canoe with the quietest border collie you’ve ever seen. Everyone who traversed Capitol Avenue by foot, bike or motor vehicle saw how small changes can have a big people-centric impact on a public space.

All these activities are part of a bigger conversation about what people would like to see happen along Capitol Avenue to make it more people-friendly. Do you have some thoughts? Share them with us in this brief survey.