Couch constructed of sod at Forks

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This article was published 04/08/2020 (1359 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Folks who have tired of their own living rooms during the pandemic will soon have a new, outdoorsy couch at The Forks to try.

There will be a pop-up open air living room near the waterfront at The Forks, and it’s coming as early as the end of this week. Organizers plan to install the set today or Friday. The area will be roped off for a week for everything to set, but afterwards, the space will be open for people to relax.

The living room couch will be made of sod, hence why it needs a week to set. There will be two side tables with solar lamps, a free-standing solar chandelier and a window feature with native plants in a window box. A hollowed-out TV will hold native plants as well.

The scene is part of an initiative by Sierra Club Canada’s prairie chapter.

“This is just one step… in saying ‘Hey, how do we make our living spaces outdoors? How do we spend more time just being outside, not traversing through or hiking through or passing through, but staying a while, being more playful and creative?'” Jill Bueddefeld, the co-chair of the organization’s prairie chapter, said.

The idea came to her in April. She saw people using their front yards in different ways because they were self-isolating: folks brought out tables to safely visit with neighbours, children relocated their swings and toys.

“It was a hard time, and (people were) finding ways to be a kid again and re-engage with their natural spaces,” Bueddefeld said.

Organizers expect the scene at The Forks will be up until the end of September.

gabrielle.piche@freepress.mb.ca