Parklets Are Changing Our Streets, and Community Engagement Can Sustain This Progress

COVID-19 forced us to evaluate how and when we share space, and nowhere was that more visible than on once-busy city streets and sidewalks.

Local governments have had the opportunity to reimagine traditionally off-limit public spaces – such as street parking – and to replace them with people-first alternatives. Despite being initially temporary, parklets represent a critical first step in cities reclaiming public spaces for people. 

Using a mix of human-centered urban design and community engagement, city leaders across the country can identify the local areas where parklets could make a difference and began building towards the future of our cities.