Wheels in Wheaton
A Pop-Up Plaza to Activate the Heart of the Triangle
Wheaton, Maryland took a joyful leap toward a more active, vibrant public realm with Wheels in Wheaton, a temporary activation that turned a hardscaped plaza near the Metro station into a colorful, energetic community hub. Featuring roller skating, music, art, and Taste of Wheaton food vendors, the event tested how creative placemaking could transform a parking lot into a “theater for people.” The activation offered key insights into infrastructure, programming, and partnerships that can shape a long-term district vision grounded in community fun, culture, and connection.
Services
Activation Design
Operating Strategy
Placemaking
Timeframe
Spring 2025
Client
Montgomery County Planning Department
Location
Wheaton, Maryland
Pop-up roller rink, permanent impressions
The temporary roller rink was an instant hit, drawing hundreds of visitors and redefining how the community defines public space. The activation made strong impressions - with 100% positive feedback - and highlighted how creative interventions can rapidly shift perceptions and habits, even in previously underused areas.
Building a plaza for people
The design prioritized both active entertainment and passive people watching, creating a plaza that felt lively and human-scaled. With movable furniture, playful signage, food vendors, and performances, the event offered a glimpse of what a flexible, inviting Wheaton Triangle could look like year-round.
Testing infrastructure and setting the stage
Wheels in Wheaton wasn't just a celebration, it was a strategic experiment. From skate demand to beer garden logistics and the role of the Urban District in event execution, the activation identified both strengths and gaps that future events and permanent improvements can build on. It also jump-started ideas for storefront activation, branding, and semi-permanent amenities in the Triangle.
Wheels in Wheaton showed that a short-term activation can unlock long-term potential for a more playful, people-centered district.