A parklet in Philadelphia’s University City District.
VENTNOR – Parklets could be cropping up in strategic areas in the city over the next few years. City commissioners discussed having one or two initially, and perhaps more later-on.
The move to a casual urban lifestyle will increase activity and benefit local businesses, according to Commissioner Tim Kriebel, who recently visited several parklets in Philadelphia’s University City area.
“We can start with one,” he said.
So, what’s a parklet anyway?
A parklet is a little “park” about the size of a parking space where people gather to enjoy the view, a quick nosh, have an impromptu meet-up or just hang out.
According to Kriebel, a parklet or two could be installed by next summer on a trial basis.
Parklets replace a single parking space and are protected by railings and temporary curbing or concrete planters to ensure the safety of patrons. They could include tables and chairs or park benches.
“Statistics show that by allowing this small seating area to replace a single parking space in a highly trafficked area, it actually drives more people to the downtown,” he said.
A parklet in Philadelphia’s University City District.
Kriebel is basing his assessment on a University City District report that measured the impact of several parklets that were installed in the university area in 2011.
Although they cause a “minor loss” in parking, data collection conducted in 2013 showed that parklets were “cost effective enhancements” to urban streetscapes and boosted some businesses up to 20 percent.
In a busy location, such as the Ventnor Avenue central business district which includes several popular restaurants, such as Cardinal Bistro, Enlightened Café, Agnes Café, Sapore and Tutto Fresco, among others, parklets can become a magnet for passers-by who slow down and add a “palpable buzz” to the neighborhood, the report states.
“What attracts people the most, it would appear, is other people,” according to urbanist William H. Whyte, who is cited in the report.
Kriebel said the city won’t select an exact location until it surveys existing businesses to determine if they would fund the insurance needed for the parklets.
“There has to be some cost-sharing,” he said.
Although only one or two people gather at a time, the study indicates that a single parklet location could bring about 140 people a day to the area, Kriebel said.
There are five of the public spaces designed and built in Philadelphia, and designs are being improved and customized, he said.
A company fabricates the aluminum platforms, and because they have a lifespan of more than five years, the cost of installing them would be justified, Kriebel said.
They cost about $30,000 and are removable for snow cleaning or during the winter months. Some incorporate bike racks and can be customized for the needs of the neighborhood, he said.
“They are expensive, so we will go out to bid to see if we can reduce the cost,” Kriebel said.
The installation could be funded through bonds recently approved for recreation improvements, officials said.
More discussion is needed to determine how to best control their usage, especially if they are located in front of an existing business.
“Urban communities are starting to install them to generate spots for people to hang out,” Commissioner Lance Landgraf said.
He would like to see the Planning Board do some investigation of parklets and determine the best locations for them.
The parklets could balance city investments in other commercial districts, such as the major streetscape project that will soon be underway on Atlantic Avenue in the North Beach section.
