Public Space
Considering roads as public spaces presents an opportunity for decreasing the open space deficit in cities. Cities are creating programs for parklets — spaces converted at low cost for the passive or active recreation of people from small and underutilized residual land originally devoted to cars. Parklets are typically created by building a platform on the pavement to extend the sidewalk space, and retrofitting it with benches, planters, tables and chairs, umbrellas, bike racks, and, in the case of active parklets, exercise machines. While parklets vary in size, shape, surrounding area, and duration, they each create public open spaces that reflect the local community at little to no cost to cities or public agencies while providing an opportunity for community members to get involved in enhancing the streetscape. Following the first parklet installation in San Francisco in 2010, cities across the United States and Canada have started installing them at an ever-increasing rate.
Report and Supporting Materials
Santa Monica Parklet Evaluation
An evaluation of Santa Monica’s pilot program and its impacts on the community, using data collected before and after parklet installation
Downtown Los Angeles Parklet Evaluation
An evaluation of the impact of the Spring Street parklets on their adjacent downtown Los Angeles community
Parklet Toolkit
A guidebook to support the development of parklets
Parks for Seniors
A guidebook to support the development of parklets
Placemaking for an Aging Population
A guidebook to support the development of parklets