For the past decade, urban micro-parks—a.k.a. “parklets”—have been popping up in cities across the country and beyond. And as of yesterday afternoon, there’s one in Clayton, on Central Avenue in front of BARcelona restaurant.
In simple terms, a parklet converts a small number of contiguous parking spaces into a mixed-use public space, creating interest, vitality, and foot traffic. The idea originated at ReBar, a San Francisco art studio, in 2005. Cities all over the world have been emulating the model ever since. Some neighborhoods use parklets to reinvigorate city blocks; others use them to add much-needed space to already-busy thoroughfares.
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Parklets can be passive (seats and green space) or active (dedicated to a certain activity, like exercising or dining). Some are open to the public at all times; others—like the so-called “streatery” model in Seattle—create extended sidewalk seating for restaurant customers, but revert to public use during non-business hours.
The prototype for Clayton, which has been in the planning stages for the past year and was unveiled last night, was commissioned and built by the City of Clayton. Gary Carter, the city’s economic developer, says the parklet will open to the public at all times, but BARcelona was free to use it for additional seating. He says the city “decided we would build the first one, the only one this year, hoping the idea would catch on and other Clayton businesses would see the benefits.” He adds that several other restaurants have already expressed interest, sight unseen.
Carter would like to see Clayton follow the example of San Francisco, where “future parklets would be paid for and maintained by the respective businesses, yet remain as public parks. There would be a permit process, construction guidelines, and design standards,” he says. “San Francisco encourages a diversity of design, and I hope Clayton would follow a similar path. They all shouldn’t look the same.”
The prototype was designed by Tao+Lee Associates and built by Pinnacle Contracting. The structure measures roughly 8-by-20 feet and can accommodate 10 to 14 people, seated in various table configurations.
“Bar-height tables are certainly a possibility with this design,” says Peter Tao, principal of Tao+Lee. “I could also see a single communal table or bench paralleling the street.”
The floor is built of Trex, a durable, composite decking that remains cool to the touch. Subtly painted pine boards face the street. A series of steel cables on both ends add stability. A textured galvanized-steel ramp eliminates steps at the curb. Heavy planters bookend the structure, offering safety and some privacy. Total space used: two parking spots.
Tom McLaughlin, CEO of Pinnacle, explains that such a unit can easily be adapted to any of Clayton’s flatter street grades, anywhere cars travel at a low rate of speed.
BARcelona owner Frank Schmitz planted the seed with the city more than a year ago. “Parklets create a buzz, they increase foot traffic, and they encourage pedestrian friendliness,” he says. “They also provide a mid-block respite. I could see these things all over.”
During the city’s evaluation process, the parklet will be parked in front of BARcelona at 34 N. Central. Grab a cup of coffee and a sweet from nearby Vincent Van Doughnut or maybe a snack at BARcelona, and consider the possibilities.
