A thread of #parklets examples. What good examples do you have? What features? Materials? Planting mixes? Local sourcing & fabrication examples? Community led examples? Tactical urbanism examples? Budget?
Parklet are often in the carriageway, this one highlights the point that kerbside space doesn't just have to be for parking. @MelissaCEdwards
DIY options are available, no great expense needed, need to support everyone feeling they can do this though. Agency and sense of power over decisions matters. @BrooklynSpoke
Planting matters! For biodiversity, connection with nature, olfactory experience (smell!). Resilient types needed. Good to see these thriving. @lynnefriedli
In Limerick the Council is looking at supporting restaurants & cafes who now need to achieve physical distancing. @DanielButlerFG
Parklets are found globally, here in Nairobi. @PlacemakingNBI
Toolkit: @livingstreets have a whole toolkit Focussed on community / neighbour led approach livingstreets.org.uk/about-us/our-w…. Toolkit. Community led.
Is it a parklet or a benchlet? Still one of my favourites of all time is @MitchellReardon & Metropolitan Collective's version with full plans shared so can be reproduced by community groups. Do share the drawings on here if you have them?!
Or a Parcottoir in Québécois. Some further examples here, including cycle parking, level access from pavement. Synthetic turf is a practical solution but not so much for bringing nature into the parklet.
What more sustainable or physically distanced way to transport a parklet than by cargo bike! @citizen_garden
And the finished product make space for children to play too. Many benefits. @citizen_garden
This negative response from a city shows how authorities need to work with communities to create space for physical distancing. Creating health isn't all about top down policy but also allowing people led initiatives. @citizen_garden
This example from @hackneycouncil shows the local authority working with residents on community led parklets.
And parklets needn't be in the road, they can bring back to life an unloved space, here in Salford, England.
Quite a boxy but good example by @IslingtonBC dealing with cycle stands; seating; planting; level access; robust but mostly natural materials. Once again all this for only one parking space although for physical distancing more would help.
A more permanent parklet solution here as part off Greater Manchester's #BeeNetwork @StockportMBD @chris_boardman. Outdoor activity/leisure space such as table tennis & seating here will be even more important now physical distancing required.
Another simple example, community led supported by authorities @hackneycouncil. Great use of #Plantlock by Front Yard Company... & only example so far of a glitter ball! @ClaptonAlice
There are no set rules for parklets - here in Rotterdam the PRKLT is a modular approach intended for schools but also suited to physical distancing. Be great to see more of these designs if you'd like to share them @humankindcity .
This parklet example in construction @BostonBTD shows how much highway space is available to redistributed in many streets for physical distancing. Wonder if it's still there or you are planning anything similar now?
So here's some key points from me:
1. working with communities is key AND there is a need for fast implementation now for physical distancing. By doing this any new parklets created now will be sustainable for future and more likely to be looked after.
1. working with communities is key AND there is a need for fast implementation now for physical distancing. By doing this any new parklets created now will be sustainable for future and more likely to be looked after.
2. who is it for? public space should be for public good & that means prioritising the most vulnerable both in terms of road users & also Covid-19. We should be looking to where the greatest need is and prioritising support for those groups. Everyone will benefit.
3. incorporate planting & space for nature. Paint and synthetic turf can be great supplements for quick / big impact - space for nature is needed too. Planting can be used to break up space, helping support physical distancing.
4. See the bigger picture - parklets are one small idea - they need to fit together as part of neighbourhood and town / city approaches too. Integrate with active travel and public transport.
5. Street culture: also needs work - an equitable, inclusive culture that helps to support the most vulnerable. A parklet might make space, it's up to us to make time & social space to have a seat, ask how neighbours are doing, & engage with each other. flic.kr/p/2bNyQi3
@threadreaderapp unroll
Post script: thoughts from @DavidMcKenna18 - let's not inadvertently increase traffic speed and danger for vulnerable road users as a result of installing measures like parklets - needs a joined up approach.
Did you know San Francisco may well be the origin of the proto-parklet. They even have a manual! @groundplaysf thanks for the info @openclosedundee! groundplaysf.org/publication/sa…
