Alleys are often overlooked urban spaces. While functional, they are an afterthought in the urban landscape in many cities. But many across the United States are discovering that alleys have commercial viability and can become inviting public spaces. For instance, since 2006, Fort Collins, Colorado, has reconstructed 12 alleys in the downtown area. Landscaping, public art, and even storefronts grace these spaces.

The City of Conway will soon begin construction on an ambitious reconstruction of alleys connecting Chestnut and Court streets and Oak and Main streets. The reimagined public space will incorporate parking, centralized sanitation receptacles, landscaping, public art, and lighting.

The pocket park will be contained within the city block bordered by Oak, Court, Main, and Chestnut streets, with alleyway entrances accessible from each corridor. Corner anchors surrounding the block include Brick & Forge Taproom, The Rogue Roundabout, Emerge, and Jenifer’s Antiques, placing the project within one of downtown’s active commercial corridors.

City Engineer Kurt Jones said the project was designed with everyday use in mind. “Connectivity and functionality were the top design priorities,” he said. “Making it an inviting space people feel comfortable walking through.”

He said demand for walkable, high-quality public spaces continues to grow, particularly in downtown districts, as cities look for ways to better connect people to businesses and shared spaces. Jones said the city funded the project because alleyways function as part of the transportation network and help improve downtown connectivity. “The improvements are the right choice for this space because alleyways are part of our street transportation system,” Jones said. “We call it a pocket park, but it’s really an alleyway improvement project to improve connectivity between Chestnut and Court streets.”

He added that the space is intended to support the broader downtown environment rather than serve as a standalone feature. “Think of it as an enhanced passageway that will support current and future downtown amenities, attractions, and events,” he said.

Jones said the project represents a new type of public space for the city, and its long-term success will depend on how it is used. “This is the first time we’ve built something like this,” he said. “Time will tell. We’ll see how the public and surrounding businesses utilize the space.”

In cities like Fort Collins, officials report rapid adoption once improvements are complete, with alleyways becoming a critical downtown amenity, as communities place greater emphasis on walkability and planners increasingly view projects like these as shaping how people interact with downtown.

“Pocket parks change how people experience and perceive downtown by showing attention to detail and care for shared spaces,” said Kim Williams, executive director of the Conway Downtown Partnership. Williams said the connection between Oak Street and Main Street is designed to help downtown function as a cohesive district rather than a collection of separate pockets, strengthening the overall ecosystem by encouraging movement between areas.

She said investments like the pocket park can influence both business recruitment and residential interest. “Business owners want to locate in areas that feel active, well-maintained, and connected, while residents are drawn to walkable environments with accessible amenities,” Williams said. “This type of investment helps make downtown Conway more attractive for both new businesses and those considering downtown living.”

Nearby business owner Caitlin Bailey of Cross Creek Sandwich Shop said she sees the project as part of downtown’s continued evolution and is eager to see how the improvements affect surrounding businesses. “I strongly believe communities grow strong when improvements are made,” Bailey said. “I am so excited to see how the improvements off Oak and Court will impact Cross Creek and the surrounding downtown businesses.”

Construction should begin in the summer of 2026, and city officials expect the project to take four to five months to complete.