What Happened?
Sao Paulo, Brazil, is embracing the concept of parklets – the transforming of parking spaces along the street into public green spaces. The recently signed public policy order to support parklet creation and maintenance is the first to be passed in a Latin American country.
Goal
Sao Paulo passed Decree No. 55,405, formally incorporating parklet construction and protection into the city’s public policy. The ordinance allows any individual or company in Sao Paulo to install a parklet on a city street if the project meets specific terms such as avoiding construction on bike lanes or roads with high-speed traffic.
According to Land8, individuals or companies interested in developing a parklet must submit an application to the city including:
- Formal write up of the project
- Dimensions of the parklet
- List of furnishings to be installed
Sao Paulo has also established specific construction standards each submission must meet before being approved. Criteria include:
- Staying within maximum depth and width measurements
- Avoiding disruption of signal lights
- Protecting street drainage systems
- Remaining open and free to the public
The citizen will work with private residents and companies to develop each parklet, but the end product must be an extension of the sidewalk, which is city property and cannot be privatized.
The Source of Parklets
San Francisco was the first city to start experimenting with parklets about four years ago. The city has established a Pavement to Parks program that focuses on converting unused spaces into publicly accessible recreational areas. The program encourages private residents and organizations to proactively create and maintain the parklets that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Parklets represent a commitment by municipalities and residents to create a more pedestrian-friendly community promoting a healthy lifestyle. As more cities worldwide are pushing for less dependence on personal vehicles and more accessibility to green space, San Francisco has created a parklet manual to guide construction projects as well as a visual aid on the permitting process.
One example of a successful parklet project can be seen in Berkeley, where businesses in the city’s Gourmet Ghetto neighborhood collaborated to create a public green space. Berkeley Side reported the parklet is expected to draw more customers to the local businesses by providing outdoor seating and recreational space. The parklet is projected to cost the businesses about $25,000, while a second parklet nearby is in the works and will be supported through a crowdfunding project.
Parklets Blooming in Michigan
Downtown Grand Rapids recently welcomed its first set of parklets equipped with streetside patios outside popular restaurants and bars. The parklets were constructed to make it easier for residents to enjoy the downtown space during warm weather months. Wood Radio reported the parklets extend from the sidewalk into the street’s parking lanes. The parklets house:
- Tables
- Chairs
- Umbrellas
- Plants
The setup is designed with restaurant patrons in mind, looking to take their food and drink to an on-street dining experience. The parklet cost the Downtown Development authority and nearby businesses $27,000 to install.
The Evolution of Parks
Gov1 has kept a close eye on the details of modern park projects including public private partnerships and mobile apps.