How can you get into the holiday spirit while also taking advantage of the unseasonable warm weather? Head to Kennett Square’s limited-time “pocket park” on State Street. A once-empty alley has been transformed into an outdoor living room featuring handmade benches, dangling lights, a faux fireplace and a holiday tree to tie the “room” together.
The park was spearheaded by Scout & Annie owner Tara Dugan and employed Temple University landscape architect student Jenna Otto. Executive director of Historic Kennett Square Mary Hutchins introduced the plan at a borough council meeting, and council president Leon Spencer suggested including the talented students at Technical College High School’s Pennock’s Bridge campus in West Grove. Teacher Gary Schmaltz and his carpentry students created the benches in about a week and a half.
With story times and mini-concerts, the park will provide a great place to sit, relax and soak in the most magical time of year. In January, the park will close for the season when the tree is taken down. There are talks about the park returning again next year. Follow and use the hashtag #meetmebythetree on Instagram and Twitter.
- Photography: Historic Kennett Square
