Here's an article and video about the SVHEC Better Block Parklet!

https://sovainnovationhub.com/svhec-better-block/

A "Learn to Play Chess" event is being hosted this fall to introduce returning students to the new space. Volunteers will provide lessons, refreshments will be served, and students (and staff) will be encouraged to enjoy the parklet.

Getting our high school Career Tech Academy students invested in a community service project was a primary consideration for the project. Students not only helped paint and assemble the parklet, using skills they learned in class, they helped build the parklet including the individual chess and checkers pieces. With students returning to SVHEC this fall, a Learn to Play Chess Event is being sponsored to introduce students and staff to the new space.

The parklet has been installed! Just waiting on the long benches to "season" before they're painted white.

More Magic is happened to brighten up South Boston! Mark Anthony has begun the mural work this week!

Attached are the basic parklet layout with dimensions. The mural should be 192 inches (16 feet) by 103 inches (8.6 feet). Our design folks at ProductWorks suggest an abstract theme might work better with this mural since it will be underneath the benches, tables, and chairs. David Kenealy is available to discuss if you have questions: 336-613-0370 (cell).

I am meeting with Mark Anthony on Friday April 29 at 12:00 pm to discuss the mural. She completed the beautiful mural in Halifax at the Farmer's Market.

What size mural would we need? Thanks!

ProductWorks@SVHEC has just finished an assembly item for the Better Block Parklet. They are using the OMAX waterjet cutter to cut the wood. What a concept -- using water to cut wood! All systems are on go for the May 18-20 installation.

The Team met on March 24 to select the location of the parklet and discuss design adjustments with ProductWorks@SVHEC staff.

Here's the Action Plan we have put into place:

Determine specific location of Parklet -- COMPLETED March 24
Communicate project responsibilities to CTA students -- BEGIN Week of April 11
Confirm Parklet mural design with artist -- COMPLETE by April 22
Install mural -- COMPLETE by May 2
Adjust CAD drawings to reflect Parklet adjustments -- COMPLETE by May 8
Order & receive materials -- COMPLETE between May 8-15
Parklet installation -- May 18-20

Krista with Better Block shared the CAD drawings for the Better Block Parklet on Friday. She knew who we were because ProductWorks@SVHEC has done work for several other Better Block projects in the area. Krista was very complimentary of ProductWorks, stating that "they know what they're doing!" ProductWorks will begin acquiring the needed materials, and our next step will be to determine specifically where the Parklet will be located within the Seymour Street parking lot next to Factory Street Brewery. A Team Meeting will be scheduled to make this determination!

A phone call with Krista at Better Block is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon! We're looking forward to getting all the details and specifications for the Better Block Parklet. ProductWorks@SVHEC will procure and prepare parklet materials and Career Tech Academy (CTA) students will provide the assembly. CTA students also are preparing 3-D printed chess and checkers pieces for the parklet game boards.

We held our Kick-Off Meeting today! Yay! Once we connect with Better Block to get parklet specifications, ProductWorks@SVHEC will secure and prepare parklet materials. We have selected Parklet #4, which includes board games. Public school students who attend the SVHEC Career Tech Academy will help produce board game pieces using 3-D printing and will assist in the build and installation process. We also are considering how artwork might be incorporated.