Intersection/Parklet Project

In 2015, a highly trafficked corner at DeMoss Dr. and Tarnef Dr. became the scene of a tragic accident in which a little boy named Mohammed was killed walking to school in the crosswalk. The intersection, which connects five neighborhood schools, is an increasing safety concern for residents.

Connect Community worked with art teachers and students at several area schools (KIPP:CONNECT, YES Prep Gulfton, Las Americas and Etoile Academy) using tactical urbanism to design a street mural which focuses attention on observing proper road safety in this traffic-dense area. A community event allowed children from the neighborhood to design sidewalk games with chalk while an artist translated the design onto the intersection.

 A small ‘Parklet’ with a tree planted in honor of Mohammed was inaugurated in January of 2019. The ‘Parklet,’ called Mohammed’s Plaza serves as a reminder of the responsibility we all have in ensuring community safety as well as being a shared space for residents to congregate and reflect. Later that year, a community kiosk was added with a resource map and a place for partners to put their community event flyers.