What Are Those Giant Chess Boards For Anyway?

When Economic Development Coordinator learned of the giant chess grids built into the sidewalk on Knox Road, he thought they should be put to use.

The city recently purchased an oversized set of chess pieces that can be borrowed for free at .

It's all a part of trying to attract visitors to downtown College Park in hopes that they'll also go to the shops and restaurants, Stiefvater said.

"The chess set is a simple idea that hopefully is a precursor to other ideas such as a temporary art project in some of the vacant storefronts, monthly downtown events during the summer, an expanding , etc.," he wrote in an email to Patch.

The grids are located at the corner of Knox Road and U.S. Route 1, outside of . To borrow the pieces, visit city hall between 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and bring a form of identification to be held at the planning department.