The City of Seattle is exploring the potential of adding parklets to its downtown streets.
Currently there are no firmly established guidelines and the public space management group has been directing interested parties to follow guidelines set forth by San Francisco’s Planning and Urban Research Association.
For the most up to date information designers should contact with SDOT’s Public Space Management Group. http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/
Based on a year of touring parklets around the world here are a few pieces of advice:
Keep it public
Treating the parklet as private property has been a major failing among some of San Francisco’s Parklets. While the parklets are maintained by private entities they are meant to be an extension of public space not an extension of private enterprise. It’s important for a parklet design to be open and inviting to all or it simply becomes an inanimate object taking up space.
Consider permanent seating
In a similar vein, consider making seating integral to the design rather than adding temporary (and removable chairs). Parks that had moveable seating were completely lifeless (and pointless) outside of business hours.
Not all parklets are created equal
It’s not enough to simply turn a parking space into open space, consider what function your space is adding to the neighborhood and be true to your own goals, copying a neighbor benefits no one. Parklets also work best when paired with a unique urban situation, the best were nearly always placed in neighborhoods or with businesses where they had an ample opportunity to succeed.