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Massive thanks to @BrendaPuech and @eilidhmurray3 for organising a tour of Parklets in Hackney and Islington covering council parklets and community led ones. Really interesting to see the differences. 
We started with a council led parklet in Islington. A seating area reclaimed from parking space. All very solidly built and presumably relatively expensive.
Mary from Malvern Rd saw something in a newspaper and put together a bid to do a community parklet. Worked with neighbours, 2 are gardeners and said it had provided community focus.
Then we visited a Hackney Council parklet in Wilton Way. Outside a cafe but not for their exclusive use. Cafe provides tables/chairs and anyone can sit there.
Next up Marcon St, people living in a car free development put the parklet bid together. Big job to build it and plant it and *keep* it watered. Just 2 parklet keepers! It’s providing a focal point for street parties etc. Would have appreciated some help getting soil gravel etc.
This community parklet in Princess May Rd was all about conversations. We heard people use it all the time for waiting, chatting having lunch etc. @BrendaPuech said that people often donate things to parklets eg the extra chair.
The Colvestone Community Parklet is all about conversations and seating. Lovely bold intervention in the street and generously open to people sitting and chatting.
What was most inspiring about the parklet tour was the way they see beyond the idea that streets are *for* cars by claiming precious public space for people to grow stuff and chat to each other. Healthy streets should foster community activity and this is just what parklets do.
And not visited today but just as inspiring the Mayton St parklet put together by @helenafmckeown and others.
I hope people are inspired to start some parklet making in Islington.
