A Patio That Feels Like Play

Wander past St. Andrew’s Playground on a warm summer evening and something will catch your eye. Just beyond the park’s edge, a splash of color and a soft buzz of chatter marks the entrance to Civil Parks, the new patio concept from Civil Works at Waterworks. It feels like you’ve stumbled upon a secret garden party curated by a graphic designer with a sense of humor.

Custom murals splash across the walls, hopscotch markings invite your inner child forward, and the whole space feels like an extension of the park it borders. Civil Parks may sit beside the playground, but it draws clear inspiration from it. The branding leans into childlike joy: the drink menu is organized by areas of the park and illustrated with playful graphics that mimic pinwheels and play structures.

And yet, it’s unmistakably adult. Every detail is deliberate. The colors are bold but refined, the energy is upbeat but calm, and the drinks? They’re some of the best in the neighborhood.

The Civil Parks Vibe: Where Everyone’s Welcome

Civil Parks strikes a rare balance. It’s not trying to be a scene, but it doesn’t feel sleepy either. On any given afternoon, you’ll see a blend of downtown regulars and neighborhood wanderers: parents with strollers, and colleagues reuniting after work.

It’s dog-friendly, casual, and perfect for that in-between moment: a place to unwind without needing a reservation or a reason. Unlike some of the louder or more exclusive-feeling patios in King West, Civil Parks has a neighborly vibe. There’s space to breathe, stay a while, and ease into your evening.

Drinks and Design at Civil Parks

The drink menu is where Civil Parks shines. Refreshing cocktails, crisp wines, and local beers line the list, but it’s the way they’re presented that makes it memorable. Organized by imaginary zones of the park, the menu reads like a storybook: lighthearted, vibrant, and fun to explore.

The flavors match the setting, bright, seasonal, and intentionally easygoing. And if you’re hungry? Civil Parks lets you bring food from inside Waterworks to enjoy outdoors. That kind of flexibility makes the whole experience feel even more inviting.

The design of the patio sets it apart from the moody, prohibition-inspired interiors of Civil Works. Instead of leaning into dark and brooding aesthetics, Civil Parks bursts with color and whimsy. With bright furniture, playful illustrations, and a layout that encourages relaxation, it feels like its own distinct destination.

A Third Place in Spirit

While it’s still a bar where you need to purchase something to sit, Civil Parks taps into the spirit of a third place. The space is designed to linger. From the playful branding to the easy atmosphere, it invites conversation and casual connection.

It doesn’t demand attention, but it rewards it. It feels like it belongs to the neighborhood, and in some ways, it already does.

A Secret Courtyard Garden Just Around the Corner

As a bonus, those in the know can slip through Waterworks and find a second patio tucked behind Lee’s on Richmond Street. Nestled in an atrium of trees and natural light, this lesser-known spot is serene and photogenic. A perfect hideaway for a quiet coffee or post-dinner chat. It may not be full service, but it offers a peaceful pause from the city pace.

Civil Parks by Civil Works brings playful design and neighborhood spirit to life. It’s everything a summer patio should be: refreshing, surprising, and ready when you are.

Discover more of Waterworks Food Hall and how it’s breathing new life into King West.