2025

Parklet Design Competition

Kick-off is May 21st!

The Parklet Design Competition puts beautiful and functional design in the right-of-way. Instead of hosting pop-up parklets for PARK(ing) Day, we now organize the competition as a way to bring more permanent parklets to Nashville. This year, we are thrilled to announce that The Cupcake Collection will be our next great stewards of public space in Germantown.

Park(ing) Day Inspires future change

We have long been in discussion with the team at The Cupcake Collection around the possibility of a parklet for their Germantown location. In 2020, when we did socially distanced parklets in several locations around Nashville, Smith Gee Studio and Crain Construction partnered to bring two playful pop-up parklets to 6th Ave. Now, we are finally ready to reclaim public space for neighbors permanently!

Meet Mignon Francois

Mignon Francois founded The Cupcake Collection in 2008, transforming her financial struggles into a thriving business. Located in Germantown, Nashville, her bakery has become a beloved neighborhood staple, significantly contributing to the area’s revitalization by drawing attention and foot traffic. Mignon is excited about the parklet project, seeing it as a way to bring people together and enhance the vibrant spirit of her community. The parklet will not only provide a welcoming space for customers, but also symbolizes her dream of creating a positive impact in her community.

Thanks to our partners for this Design Competition!
 
The Brief:

A Parklet worthy of cupcakes and celebration

Requirements:

  • Maximum footprint: 20’x7’

  • Platform level with curb

  • Partial or removable shade treatment that respects the view to the historic building

  • Family-friendly seating options where larger groups can gather, and engagement opportunities like a photo/peek-a-boo moment

  • Dog-friendly design choices, for example, tether hooks will be included so dog owners can enjoy the parklet hands-free

Special Requirement:

Consider how families and pups will best be able to engage with this small space!

All submissions followed the Parklet Program Manual and Specifications document.

Submission Specifications

Downloadable template to guide you through your submission coming soon!

  • 16:9 Presentation Size

  • White bar (150 pixels tall) below any visual or design content 

    • Logo and/or name can be included in the bar to identify intellectual property. This will be redacted during review to remove bias for committee.

  • Plan showing exact dimensions, features, traffic device placement and location of Parklet

  • Elevation

  • Exploded Axon (optional)

  • All materials should be noted and described 

  • 250-500 word narrative about the design concept

Please refer to NDOT’s Parklet Program Manual + Specifications document for design guardrails.

Finalists will be celebrated on Civic Design Center blog, and displayed during the PARK(ing) Day Celebration on Sunday, 9/21.

Location Map