Sidewalk Joy Tips for Renters
So you want to make a Sidewalk Joy spot but are renting? Here are a few tips and options I hope might be helpful!
A Sidewalk Joy spot in a pot
Set a post in a pot or planter: You don’t need to dig into the ground to set a post. You can also set a post in concrete within a big pot (see picture) or planter. I’d recommend the same ratio as if you were setting it in the ground with 1/3 to 1/2 the height of the visible pole submerged in concrete. So if you want a 3’ pole coming out of the pot, submerge 1-1.5’ in concrete. I’m not a professional builder so this is just my personal advice so please ensure your structure is sound and stable.
Find a surrogate yard for your installation: Do you have a friend with a yard or space for a Sidewalk Joy spot that you could team up with? Perhaps you could build and/or decorate the space while they host it at their house.
A Sidewalk Joy spot set atop an already-existing fence post
Take advantage of any existing structures: If you have a fence, you may be able to attach a spot to it with minimal work/damage. You could install a spot on top of a fence rail or fence post or you could attach a post to the backside of the fence.
Work with your town or city to bring a spot to a public space: Every town and city has it’s own rules and regulations but perhaps there’s an arts council where you live that would like to support a space like this in a public space.
This seed swap is a repurposed lantern!
Go smaller: A lot of folks think of something as large as a book exchange when they think of Sidewalk Joy but there are plenty of smaller, and no less beloved, installations. Examples include The Lantern Diorama, Roseway Seed Exchange (see picture), and the Tiny Creature Swap.
Consider asking your landlord how they’d feel about a more permanent spot: Perhaps you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find they’re interested in you creating a permanent spot. You will want to work out what happens if/when you move (the pole might stay but the structure might come with you for example).
If none of these are options for you at the moment, consider being a fairy godmother for existing space like this near you, keeping them stocked. You don’t have to break the bank to do so - you could ask your local Buy Nothing group for whatever you might need!