Get added to the worldwide map!

Interested in joining the Worldwide Sidewalk Joy Map? Read on about the project.

I’m running the Worldwide Sidewalk Joy Map as a fun side project to highlight above-and-beyond community spots around the world.

I’m always happy to hear about other amazing sidewalk-adjacent places of interaction and inspiration. Please fill out this form if you feel you have a spot to be added to the Worldwide Sidewalk Joy Map! If you’d like to help another person’s spot get on the map, you can leave them a flyer, or there’s a link to a form for your suggestion at the bottom of the page (but for your own spot, fill out the form on this page).

The criteria for a Sidewalk Joy spot are as follows: 

  • Art installations that are not interactive but updated regularly can include an art gallery, diorama, rotating decorated yard skeleton or flamingos, etc. 

  • I adore Little Free Libraries and am so excited that they're all over the world already! I don’t include them on the map for several reasons including the fact that Little Free Library already has a robust map of their own of over 200,000 spots (woohoo!) and their map is part of the way their org is funded. However, if you do have a book exchange that swaps additional items or has another interactive component as well, feel free to submit it!

  • I adore Free Pantries and am so thankful whenever I see them in the community, especially being filled up and used. I haven't been including Little Free Pantries on the Sidewalk Joy Map at this time. Partly because there is already a Little Free Pantry Map and also because folks use the Sidewalk Joy Map to plan whimsical outings and I don't want to send folks who are not in need of extra nutrition to take food from those who truly need it. I’d highly recommend putting your Blessing Boxes/Little Free Pantries on the Little Free Pantry Map!

  • Consider signage, especially if the installation is not in any sort of housing like a cabinet or shelf. A rock exchange might be hard for folks to find if there isn’t a designated spot for it.

  •  While I’m all for houses that go all out with holiday decorations, I don’t have the capacity to keep the map updated regularly with which places are open or closed. For installations that are up most of the year consistently, I’ll specify on the map that they're seasonal.

  • Sidewalk Joy is for everyone!

    Sidewalk Joy spaces within businesses are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. As much as I wish I could include every free sticker bowl or small act of kindness, the map is for designated Sidewalk Joy structures (like Trinket Boxes).

  • Many people visiting these spaces have children in tow so I aim to keep this project as family-friendly as possible. Spaces focused on nudity, drugs, etc won’t be accepted to the map.

Have a spot that doesn’t fit this map? I highly encourage you to make your own map and I’d be happy to promote it!