Join us to experience and learn about the Pop-Up Cooling Shade, a prototype designed to create cool, safe, and welcoming spaces where neighbors can find relief from the heat, relax, and connect. Developed through Resilient Cities Catalyst’s (RCC) Neighborhood Small Business Climate Resilience Program, in partnership with Street Lab and the Pitkin Avenue BID in Brownsville, Brooklyn, the system combines shade sails, misting, and modular seating to transform streets and plazas into vibrant, welcoming community spaces—while also boosting foot traffic for nearby small businesses.

RCC and partners tested the pop-up shade four times this summer during Heat Resilience Activations in Brownsville, Brooklyn, and Corona, Queens, turning plazas and underused dead-end spaces into lively, safe, and cool areas for families, neighbors, and small businesses. Come learn about the design, functionality, and community impact of this innovative pop-up shade!