30 Ideas in 30 Days
Idea #26: Pavement to Parks (Parklets)
This approach at its essence is meant to reclaim underutilized asphalt as public space without large capital expenditure. Some of the techniques such as adding movable tables and chairs, painting asphalt, and the installation of inexpensive planters and re-purposed stone blocks, helps to increase the amount of public space available. In places like New York and San Francisco, these parklets have been a great success. The space created serves as a sort of laboratory, showing what might be possible if temporary improvements became more permanent.
Most parklets rest on a platform that sits level with the sidewalk. Materials are temporary and the design flexible enough that changes may be made during the trial period. Seating and greenery help to make the parklets welcoming and attractive. Occasionally space is provided for bicycle parking, or an outdoor dining area created for nearby restaurants and cafes. Costs are often assumed by a business or several businesses that recognize the ability to attract customers. Whether publicly or privately sponsored, parklets are considered part of the public realm and areas that may be freely used by the public at large.
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| Vancouver, BC's "Parallel Park." Credit: Facebook user. |
Managing the Event
- #1: Think Incrementally
- #2: Build a Better Block
- #3: Encourage Public Participation
- #4: Temporary to Permanent
- #5: Pre-Vitalization
- #6: Leverage the Power of the Crowd
- #7: Raise the Funds You'll Need
- #8: The Strength of Main Street
- #9: Sidewalk Stencils and Signs
- #10: Blackmail Yourself
Welcoming People
- #11 The Power of 10
- #12 Walk [Your City]
- #13 Mobile Vendors
- #14 Food Trucks and Carts
- #15 Plant Trees
- #16 Cover Up Blank Walls
- #17 Free Library
- #18 Pop-up Parks
- #19 Pop-Up Shops
- #20 Temporary Improvements Encourage Historic Preservation Planning
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