Countless people have visited the YK Healthy Urban Policy Team's Snow Castle parklet, some parking their bike at the racks behind, others placing their skiis in the planter while they venture into the Snow Castle. People have started pondering where they would like to see the parklet - asking questions, playing a game of Connect 4 or making a design, reading a book, then taking a book home with them... Conversations between friends and strangers.
But now the SnowKings Winter Festival has come to a close, which means the parklet has been packed up. After placing the parklet next to the Snow Castle on March 1, 2026, it took on a life of its own; sometimes the venue of organized events, but mostly an invitation to sit, contemplate, marvel at the castle and sculptures, or have an impromptu game of connect 4 with a stranger.We received some great comments in our guest book and saw a collection of books come and go in the free library. Other than some spilled hot chocolate, it's no worse for wear. The parklet is now in storage until the snow melts and then it will spend the summer livening up one of our downtown Yellowknife streets. We look forward to witnessing its next life in a summer setting, and wonder what natural activations it will see...
