parklets
Curbside public spaces
Parklets are small public seating areas or green spaces created by converting curbside parking spots, typically one or two spaces wide.
They extend the sidewalk into the street, often featuring benches, planters, tables, or bike racks, and are usually built by local businesses or community groups with city approval.
Parklets became especially popular during the COVID-19 pandemic when restaurants used them to expand outdoor dining.
The café installed a parklet with umbrella tables where two parking spots used to be.
Urban corridor's appearance
- curbsideAdjacent to the street
- sidewalkPaved pedestrian pathway
- pedestrianOne traveling afoot
- walkabilityFoot-travel suitability rating
zoning · city-planning · infrastructure · roadway · land-use · mixed-use · setback · right-of-way
Designing meaningful public spaces
- neighborhoodResidential area nearby
- gatheringCollection of people meeting
- localsArea's permanent inhabitants
- engagementCommitment to wed or attend
interaction · residents · participation · stewardship · commons · cooperative · grassroots · fellowship
Vessels for cultivating vegetation
- foliagePlant's leafy covering
- shrubsLow woody plants
- horticultureCultivating plants systematically
- gardeningTending plants recreationally
flora · perennials · greenery · trees · biodiversity · nature · biophilia · botanical
Restoring vigor or vitality
- repurposingAdapting for different use
- activationSetting into operation
- reimaginingFresh interpretation of existing material
- reclaimedTaken back; salvaged
conversion · renewal · pedestrianization · car-free · innovation
streetscape
Urban corridor's appearance
- curbsideAdjacent to the street
- sidewalkPaved pedestrian pathway
- pedestrianOne traveling afoot
walkability · zoning · city-planning · infrastructure · roadway · land-use · mixed-use · setback · right-of-way
placemaking
Designing meaningful public spaces
- neighborhoodResidential area nearby
- gatheringCollection of people meeting
- localsArea's permanent inhabitants
engagement · interaction · residents · participation · stewardship · commons · cooperative · grassroots · fellowship · inclusivity
planters
Vessels for cultivating vegetation
- foliagePlant's leafy covering
- shrubsLow woody plants
- horticultureCultivating plants systematically
gardening · flora · perennials · greenery · trees · biodiversity · nature · biophilia · botanical · sustainable
revitalization
Restoring vigor or vitality
- repurposingAdapting for different use
- activationSetting into operation
- reimaginingFresh interpretation of existing material
reclaimed · conversion · renewal · pedestrianization · car-free · innovation
modular
Made of separable units
- flexibleAble to bend freely
- multifunctionalHaving many uses
- seatingAvailable places to sit
benches · platforms · decking · railings · bollards · planters · canopy · weather-resistant · removable · temporary
respite
Short pause from hardship
tranquility · calm · haven · escape · sanctuary · quietude · shade · restfulness · repose · pause
- streetscapestreet lamp, street trees, streetlight, street furniture, street light
- urban designcity planning, streetscape design, urban design, streetscapes, pedestrian zones
- urbanismneighborhood, subway, sidewalk, urban planning, traffic
- streetscapessidewalks, streetlights, street trees, street furniture, benches
parkletsregional parks
Managed public natural areas
national parks · Central Park · urban parks · city parks · nature reserves
parkletsparking spaces
Designated vehicle berths
parking lots · curbside parking · street parking · freeways · roadways