The MacArthur Center Green space, located beside MacArthur Center at the corner of Monticello Avenue and E. Freemason Street, has been home to many outdoor activations events over the years. Beer and wine festivals, a farm market, roller skating and ice rinks, carnival rides, giant illuminated see saws, and more. One of the more recent wins, was the installation of pickle ball courts, an idea that came directly from the community to mall management. It was a low cost intervention that made use of the existing asphalt pad from the ice rink – a win-win for enthusiastic players and a mall with space to spare.
Despite gorgeous outdoor spaces in downtown like the Pagoda and Town Point Park, there’s not exactly a central park where neighbors meet, kids play and workers relax on their lunch break. MacArthur Center Green could be just that. It’s beautiful and ultra convenient to Granby Street, Monticello Avenue, the light rail, not to mention, plenty of parking. With 82,880 square foot of green space, opportunities abound. Now tell us, what would you like to see there! The Downtown Norfolk Council is looking for community input on recreation and activation ideas through this short survey.
