The Parklet

It started with an idea in the summer of 2025. The DUDES Club Society (DCS) noticed that the parklet on Princess Ave, near the Kilala Lelum Health Centre, had fallen into disuse. Without consistent care, the space was unused and uncared for, which presented a missed opportunity for the neighbourhood. Around the same time, the DCS Clubhouse at 1318 Frances St was already doing meaningful work alongside Indigenous Voices of Community, keeping a small gathering space alive with a few park benches on the grassy boulevard outside the space.

The vision grew from there.

On March 25, 2026, that vision began to take physical shape. Early in the morning, City of Vancouver workers arrived at 1318 Frances St to install the new parklet. The City handled the installation themselves, shutting down the street to ensure everything went smoothly.

Two days later, on March 27, the transformation was complete. Four park benches with umbrellas now shaded the space, a water fountain connected to the corner fire hydrant offered refreshment, and a railing secured the area to the sidewalk. But the work didn’t stop there. Indigenous Voices of Community rolled up their sleeves and painted the picnic benches a vibrant teal to match the umbrellas and the Mural, giving the space a cohesive, welcoming feel.

Then came the celebration. On May 1, 2026, the neighbourhood gathered for an open house to mark the occasion. Live music filled the air, karaoke brought out hidden talents, door prizes were raffled out, and free ice cream from Earnest Ice Cream, just down the street, sweetened the moment. The parklet became a space to create and engage community, supported by DUDES Club Society and co-owned by the people who lived around it.