M
Parks & Environmental Services
Permanent parklets:
Alexandria, Va., plans to keep pandemic pop-up parks By JULIE YOUNG | The Municipal
Although they are not a new concept, parklets had a moment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some communities now plan to make them a permanent part of the streetscape: They have discovered that these public-seating platforms, converted curbside parking spaces that are now vibrant hubs, enhance the urban experience, encourage residents to slow down and connect, deter crime and attract business to area shops, restaurants and cafes.
Alexandria, Va.’s, parklet program has proven so successful that the city has decided to keep it beyond the pandemic; however, it will charge restaurants a fee for the use of the street space. (Photo provided by the city of Alexandria) 54 THE MUNICIPAL | MAY 2022
Maximizing opportunities According to Kelly Gilfillen CPM, acting director of the Office of Communications and Public Information for the city of Alexandria, Va., her city’s interest in parklets predates the pandemic. City staff developed a two-year pilot program for parklets that was endorsed by the Parks and Recreation Commission, as well as the Traffic and Parking Board, in February 2020. The parklets in this initial program were not to be used for commercial purposes, but when indoor seating restrictions related to COVID-19 put a strain on businesses, the city acquiesced and allowed restaurants to use the parklets for outdoor dining. “As businesses began to reopen to the public, they sought to maximize opportunities for outdoor dining and to expand their footprint because of the physical-distancing requirements set by the Virginia Department of Health,” she said. “Given the city’s earlier interest in parklets in general, both businesses and city leaders were interested in using this temporary program as a pilot.” Regardless of the circumstances surrounding their inception, community response to the parklets has been overwhelmingly positive. In the fall of 2021, the city created a feedback form to gather input from residents, visitors and businesses about the program in order to make a recommendation for the parklets’ future: As it turned out, 92% of residents and visitors said they were more likely to patronize a restaurant with outdoor seating; 74% of residents and visitors, as well as 66% of businesses, wanted outdoor, in-street dining to continue. “Qualitative feedback from business groups praised the added vibrancy and energy from having more people on city streets and included comments that parklets added visual interest and excitement
