Parklet

So, I’m listening to the radio driving to work a few weeks back and I hear a story on CBSPhilly about a “parklet.” A “parklet”…what’s that? A few days later I heard a similar story on WHYY, our local NPR station.

This must be investigated, thought she.

She being me.

Below are the links to the two news stories:

Parklet Story - CBS Philly

Parklet Story - NPR

I am now totally intrigued by this trendy inner-city enterprise.

Wikipedia defines a parklet as “a small urban park, often created by replacing several under-utilized parallel parking spots with a patio, planters, trees, benches, café tables with chairs, fountain(s), artwork, sculptures and/or bicycle parking. Parklets are designed to provide a public place for citizens to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of the city around them….” This particular project was a relatively inexpensive venture, about $10,000 and was funded by a local foundation.

One sunny day, I visited this parklet – kind of like a moveable porch – located at the corner of 43rd & Baltimore Avenue in West Philadelphia and I drag youngest daughter with me youngest daughter volunteers to come with me. All kinds of people were sitting about chatting, laughing enjoying a cup of coffee, reading the paper and doing leisurely weekend kind of things…a virtual hub of happy activity. These trendy shared spaces can also be found in other cities, such as San Francisco, Oakland and New York City.

I was thinking, however, that perhaps “porchlet” would be a more apropos name.

Just saying.

But I get the parklet nomenclature…transforming humdrum parking spaces into an enjoyable and pleasant place to gather, plant foliage, etc..

More Photos:



Look at the lovely row homes in the first photo…very Philadelphia. More on row homes later. I adore this city.

When it was time to head home from our little adventure, I turned the wrong way on a one way street. Youngest daughter quickly admonished me for my gaffe…I’ve been living in the burbs for too long.