As cities and towns around the world try to imagine living with COVID-19, the City of Norfolk initiated a boots-on-the-ground community assistance program using CARES Act funding to provide temporary, flexible outdoor spaces for residents to gather safely.

Team Better Block powered by WGI teamed with Work Program Architects and Yard + Co. on the OpenNorfolk initiative, which is helping restaurants and other small businesses open up safely by activating outdoor spaces. We helped install pop-up bike lanes, parklets, and outdoor seating areas for restaurants. In addition, we helped connect an arts and technology center with an outdoor classroom and learning garden for children, providing a safe place for children to learn and gather.