Full disclosure: The NOW is directly across the street from our office, so WalkArlington knows the place well. It’s become a favorite spot for enjoying lunch outside during the workday. We also know the temporary pop-up park didn’t just “pop up.” A few weeks after the NOW opened, we checked in with Rosslyn BID President Mary-Claire Burick and her team to learn more.
WA: The NOW seemed to bloom overnight, but we know better. What was the timeline for its creation, from start to finish? Any lessons learned along the way?
MCB: Initial planning for the park started last year, alongside a placemaking audit of the neighborhood. Once the concept was finalized and permitted, the design and installation took about three months.
We drew on lessons learned about the importance of using community input and data to guide our decisions—not just for the park’s location, but for understanding what the community wanted more access to, such as green spaces and a pet relief area. Strong partnerships with Arlington Economic Development, Friends of Urban Agriculture, Yellowstone, Monday Properties, and Nestlé were also key to bringing the space to life.
WA: This partner- and community-driven project embodies a “right place/right time” formula for success. How did you bring it all together?
MCB: We found the right space, the right timing, and the right mix of community needs—and truly believed this vision would bring new vibrancy to the neighborhood. A big part of Rosslyn’s success comes from strong leadership and shared goals among partners who care deeply about the neighborhood.
We’re fortunate to have long-standing relationships with Yellowstone Landscape, a valued partner that already maintains and landscapes much of Rosslyn; Monday Properties, whose deep roots in the neighborhood include development, investment, and leadership on our board; and Nestlé, which continues to engage with the BID on community initiatives and employee volunteer efforts.
We were also excited to collaborate for the first time with local nonprofits Friends of Urban Agriculture and Area 2 Farms. Friends of Urban Agriculture brought local expertise and a network of volunteers to help create productive urban garden plots that give back through Arlington’s Plot Against Hunger program.
H-B Woodlawn students painted rain barrels, and Sycamore School students added to the Kindness Rock Garden. We are excited to continue partnering with our local schools on educational opportunities throughout the year.
Together, these partnerships reflect Rosslyn BID’s commitment to collaboration with purpose.
WA: The park already seems to be a hit. Can you tease some plans for upcoming events in the colder months into the spring?
MCB: The park directly responds to community needs: more green space, pet-friendly areas, and opportunities to learn and connect. Since opening, Rosslyn BID hosted Fall Fest and a fitness series at the NOW, with more activations planned—like our Cuffing Season event in November and seasonal programming in the spring.
The urban garden is equally important, creating opportunities to grow produce, support local nonprofits, and engage volunteers. Everything grown onsite will be donated locally. We have already had our first successful harvest and look forward to future plantings, field trips, and other opportunities to educate the community about sustainable practices and native plantings in an urban setting.
WA: Are there plans for similar temporary placemaking installations in Rosslyn, particularly once Gateway Park renovation begins?
MCB: We can’t give away all our secrets, but there’s definitely more to come! The NOW pop-up park has inspired new ways to test ideas, strengthen partnerships, and keep the momentum going across Rosslyn.
We’re excited about the upcoming Gateway Park renovations and are actively involved in that process. In the meantime, we’ve already begun testing new locations within the neighborhood for events and activities that traditionally take place in Gateway Park.
Photo at top: Strong partnerships helped make the NOW a reality. One partner, Friends of Urban Agriculture, brought local expertise and a network of volunteers to help create productive urban garden plots that give back through Arlington’s Plot Against Hunger program.
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