Taking Up Space in Midtown

With a LoveMyHood Matching Grant, Midtown neighbours helped transform an underused parking space into a vibrant community gathering place.

The project started when a group of neighbourhood friends noticed that people were often sitting under the shade of an overhang in front of local businesses, looking for a place to spend time while waiting for the bus or simply to gather with friends.

The idea was to turn a single parking spot into a bright, welcoming area for neighbours to connect. The organizers' vision included a colourful mural by local artist Brie Pointer, a Little Diverse Library, pollinator-friendly gardens, and picnic tables.

Community participation was key to the project's success. Neighbours voted on the mural design, donated books, researched native plants, built and stained picnic tables and fencing, and contributed hundreds of volunteer hours.

The project has also helped strengthen neighbourhood identity. With images of bicycles, train tracks, and gardens vibrantly painted to reflect life in Midtown, the mural has played an important role in making that identity visible.

Today, the space is regularly used by neighbours to relax, connect, read, and enjoy the outdoors.

The mural has become a neighbourhood landmark. Residents use it as a meeting spot, give directions based on its location, and often stop to take photos. Students gather at the picnic tables on their way to and from school, while others enjoy working or visiting outdoors on sunny days.

When asked about their favourite memory, organizers pointed to the many people who have shared how happy the mural makes them feel. Featuring the message, "Have a beautiful day, Midtown," the artwork appears to be doing exactly that; creating a stronger sense of connection, joy, and belonging in the neighbourhood.

Inspired by Midtown’s mural? More resident-led public art projects are coming to neighbourhoods across Kitchener. Take a look around your own neighbourhood and imagine what could be possible: a vibrant, neighbourhood-designed mural could be the next project that brings neighbours together and celebrates your local identity through LoveMyHood.  Applications are accepted three times a year, so reach out to www.lovemyhood.ca to talk to staff about your idea.