BALLARD P-PATCH
Products:
Finished: 2025
Location: Seattle WA
“Having a well-lit gathering space increases visibility and safety, making it feel more comfortable and welcoming
for the community to enjoy.”
— Hewitt Team
The Ballard P-Patch is a beloved community garden in Seattle that serves as a gathering point for local residents. As part of a community-driven improvement effort, the team at Sawhorse Revolution partnered with HEWITT and a group of high school students to redesign and build a new central gathering space.
To support the project and expand access to sustainable lighting, Photinus provided a Verticalis solar street light fixture, designed to enhance safety, extend usability into evening hours, and demonstrate the practical benefits of solar-powered lighting in community spaces.
Design Goals.
The primary objective was to upgrade the existing patio and create a more functional, inviting gathering space. The design included:
Covered seating area for at least 30 people
Additional counter space and storage
Washing station
Improved circulation between the gathering area and the adjacent pizza oven
The final plan was developed in collaboration with the students, who also created perspective sketches showing different configurations and features.
Lighting Integration.
Lighting was identified early on as a key element in supporting the long-term usability of the space. The Verticalis solar fixture by Photinus was chosen to provide:
Greater visibility and safety
Evening and seasonal use of the garden
A sustainable, off-grid solution that required no electrical infrastructure.
Installation Process.
The light fixture was installed with assistance from the Photinus team and members of the community. The fixture was installed near the heart of the new gathering area to ensure wide light coverage and maximum visibility. Photos taken during the installation capture the transformation in progress and the collaborative nature of the effort.
Overcoming Infrastructure Limitations.
As a small, community-managed site, the Ballard P-Patch had no accessible electrical service to support conventional lighting. Installing a solar-powered fixture allowed the project team to add light without trenching, wiring, or incurring long-term utility costs. This simple and scalable solution made it possible to illuminate the new gathering space — a key step in improving access, comfort, and safety.
Student Involvement.
Students from Sawhorse Revolution played an active role in shaping the vision for the gathering space. Through hands-on design exploration, they created perspective sketches and participated in planning sessions that emphasized sustainability, public use, and safe design. Their work reflects the power of collaborative learning, and their design input continues to shape how the space will be used by the community.
Outcomes.
Thanks to the newly installed lighting, the Ballard P-Patch is now more accessible during early mornings, evenings, and winter months. The lighting improves safety and visibility while enhancing the overall functionality of the space — making it a true hub for events, shared meals, and neighborhood gatherings.