Structure will provide parking for 40 bikes downtown.
Bicyclists and pedestrians alike will have a new place to “play” in downtown Iowa City this August.
City officials and representatives of Think Bicycles of Johnson County chose the winning design for a downtown bike parklet — a bike rack with added functions.
The parklet, designed by OPN Architects, spells out the word “play” in pink and white bars that people can climb on or hook their bikes to.
The modular structure, which can be removed during the winter, should hold up to 40 bicycles. It also includes a bike “fix-it” station.
The parklet will be put in a loading zone outside of U.S. Bank on the corner of Dubuque and Washington streets.
Nate Kaeding, retail development director for the Iowa City Downtown District, said the design was chosen out of six entries because it is functional as well as a piece of art.
The parklet, he said, is meant to provide a visual cue that the city is supportive of bicycling.
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