A parklet is a small urban park, often created by replacing several parallel parking spots with a patio, planters, trees, benches, café tables with chairs, and/or bicycle parking. Parklets are designed to provide a public place for citizens to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of the city around them, in places where either current urban parks are lacking or if the existing sidewalk width is not large enough to accommodate activities.
The movement in San Francisco began as a temporary action. Taking over a few parking spaces on a city organized date and decorating them. The city had sought quick ways to add to the supply of open space within already developed commercial areas. Businesses pay permit and construction costs and agree to maintain the spaces. In return, they create a pedestrian attraction, often outside their front doors. Startup costs for a parklet include fees of nearly $1,000 to apply and have a site inspection, plus $650 for the removal of two parking meters and a $221 annual fee.
After six were approved on a trial basis, the program took on a life of its own. The first two rounds of proposals attracted 71 applications.
This is the very first one built by a homeowner, and allows him access to his garage, not for a car but for his many bicycles. The owner Amandeep Jawa explains the project very well.
This is Trixie, the mascot of this little parklet.
What an interesting concept! SF is definitely on the cutting edge of new ideas. Thanks for sharing news and clicks of this venture.
We tried the same, by moving boulders around a planting of Japanese anemones. Our drivers aren’t as polite and before long we found the boulders slung back inside our garden and the flowers flattened by cars. Even though it was our own land, we had no joy trying to beautify the strip by the road.
Great idea. Wish it could work here but parking is at a premium and we have a mayor who has declared that the ‘war on cars is over’. I think he would like to run all the pedestrians and bike riders out of town.
This is a good idea for a city like SF. Thanks for sharing!
I like this idea A LOT, and how beautifully it dresses up” the city!
Thank you so much for sharing this at The Creative Exchange.
Have a wonderful evening!
lisa.
I love that area of the city.
What a grand idea to bring a little green spot to the city.
Parklets are a great idea. If well maintained, they will enhance the neighbourhoods they are in.
Parklets! I like that concept! I love your photos of these little green spaces!