HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- Chad Emerson's mantra for downtown Huntsville is "eclectic yet approachable," and the second annual Pop Up Parks event is delivering on both counts.

There's a life-sized Foosball game directly across from the Madison County Courthouse.

And impromptu piano-washboard-guitar jam sessions at Matheny Goldmon Architects' "Huntsville Hoedown" entry.

And a training helicopter -- minus the rotor blade - with sound effects.

And old school desks re-purposed as cornhole targets.

It's exactly the type of fun, free, interactive experience that Emerson, CEO of Downtown Huntsville Inc., says is a perfect fit for the city center. Designed by some of Huntsville's leading businesses, schools and attractions, the 12 pint-sized "parks" must fit inside a standard parallel parking spot.

If you haven't seen them yet, Saturday night would be a good time: The band 45 Surprise will be entertaining Pop Up Park visitors from 7-9 p.m.

The parks are slated to come down Sunday.

Emerson said public response to this year's event has been stronger than the inaugural Pop Up Parks competition in November 2013. The climb-behind-the-controls helicopter and "Human Foosball" game - complete with green indoor-outdoor carpet and netting to contain the ball - have been especially popular with kids and adults alike.

"The number of people that have just had fun and smiled at these Pop Up Parks is well worth the temporary displacement of a few parking spaces," Emerson told AL.com Wednesday.

"We'll trade human smiles for vehicular convenience for a few days."