Introduction to Parklets
West Palm Beach restaurants are turning parking spaces into outdoor dining areas, taking advantage of South Florida’s subtropical climate. The Parklet Grant Program, introduced by the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA), allows businesses to apply for grants to expand their outdoor seating areas. So far, restaurants have been the primary beneficiaries of this program, with Avocado Grill being the first to debut its parklet in June.
What is a Parklet?
According to Sherryl Muriente, the public realm director for the DDA, a parklet is an extension of the sidewalk that utilizes a parking space. It is surrounded by planters or a railing and can be used for public seating or as an outdoor dining area for restaurants. The parklet is not limited to restaurants and can be attached to any business that wants to expand its outdoor seating area.
Benefits of Parklets
Restaurateurs like Chris Slawson, owner of Sour Seed Bagels, have found the parklet program to be a godsend. With no indoor seating, the parklet has provided a much-needed extension of outdoor seating for his customers. Executive chef and owner of Avocado Grill, Julien Gremaud, has also seen the benefits of parklets, with customers preferring to sit outside, even more than indoors.
Yes, you might surmise that a parklet is a small park. But to really get a visual, check out the parklets in downtown West Palm Beach. That’s where restaurants are starting to morph parking spots and sidewalks into outdoor dining spaces, taking advantage of South Florida’s year-round subtropical climate.
The Origin Story
The concept of parklets originated in 2008 with Park(ing) Day, a worldwide celebration of green, urban public spaces. In 2013, the DDA placed a platform over five parking spaces, testing the idea of parklets. By 2016, the DDA had commissioned three "Street Balcony" parklet prototypes outside Field of Greens, Rocco’s Tacos, and the former Le Rendez-Vous restaurant. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the development of the Parklet Program, with the city enacting an emergency ordinance in 2020.
How it Works Today
The Parklet Grant Program is available for downtown businesses, but parklets can be found anywhere in the city. The program offers up to $10,000 in matching funds for businesses to design and build parklets. The city’s parklet ordinance allows for two parking spaces to be used for each business, with the option to expand further with agreements with neighboring businesses.
Conclusion
The Parklet Program has been a success in West Palm Beach, with both businesses and the public benefiting from the expanded outdoor seating areas. The program has become a precedent for other cities, with many looking to replicate the concept. As the program continues to grow, it is likely that more restaurants and businesses will take advantage of the opportunity to create unique and inviting outdoor spaces.
FAQs
- What is a parklet?
A parklet is an extension of the sidewalk that utilizes a parking space, surrounded by planters or a railing, and can be used for public seating or as an outdoor dining area for restaurants. - How do I apply for the Parklet Grant Program?
Businesses can apply for the Parklet Grant Program through the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA). - Can any business apply for the Parklet Grant Program?
Yes, any business in the downtown area can apply for the Parklet Grant Program, but it is not limited to downtown businesses. - How many parking spaces can be used for a parklet?
The city’s parklet ordinance allows for two parking spaces to be used for each business, with the option to expand further with agreements with neighboring businesses.
