Urban areas are evolving, and cities are constantly looking for ways to make public spaces more inviting and functional. One of the most innovative solutions to emerge in recent years is the community parklet.
A community parklet transforms underutilized urban spaces—such as parking spots or street corners—into small, vibrant public areas. They provide seating, greenery, and gathering spaces, creating a more walkable and community-focused environment.
At Anex Patios, we specialize in designing and building custom community parklets that enhance city landscapes, improve pedestrian flow, and support local businesses. In this blog, we’ll explore why parklets are becoming essential in urban planning, how they benefit communities, and why working with a professional builder ensures the best results.
What is a Community Parklet?
A community parklet is a public seating or recreational space installed in the footprint of one or more parking spots. They are typically designed to be modular and temporary, allowing cities to adapt them based on seasonal needs or community events.
Parklets are designed to create more inviting streetscapes and increase public engagement. While some parklets are privately sponsored by local businesses, others are installed as part of city-led initiatives to improve pedestrian flow and social interaction.
Why Community Parklets Are Growing in Popularity
✅ 1. Supporting Local Businesses
Parklets provide additional seating and gathering spaces, which directly benefits local businesses. Restaurants and cafés can increase their seating capacity without expanding their indoor footprint.
By offering an inviting outdoor seating area, parklets encourage customers to stay longer and spend more. Studies show that businesses adjacent to parklets often experience a 20% to 30% increase in revenue.
✅ 2. Creating Vibrant Social Hubs
Parklets encourage social interaction and foster a sense of community. A well-designed parklet becomes a gathering place where people can meet, relax, and engage with their surroundings.
Anex Patios incorporates comfortable seating, greenery, and modern design elements to create parklets that people naturally gravitate toward. Adding features like public art, bike racks, and shaded areas enhances the parklet’s appeal.
✅ 3. Increasing Walkability
Cities with parklets tend to have higher pedestrian activity. By converting parking spaces into walkable social hubs, parklets make streets more engaging and pedestrian-friendly.
Pedestrian activity is directly linked to increased retail spending and urban vibrancy. Parklets help create an environment where people are more likely to walk, explore, and engage with local businesses.
✅ 4. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
Many parklets are designed with sustainability in mind. Incorporating planters, native plants, and eco-friendly materials reduces heat absorption and improves air quality.
Anex Patios uses weather-resistant and recyclable materials to ensure long-lasting and environmentally friendly parklets. Our designs often include drought-tolerant plants and built-in irrigation systems to minimize water usage.
Types of Community Parklets
🌿 Seating-Based Parklets
These parklets feature comfortable seating arrangements, including benches, tables, and loungers. Ideal for public squares and high-traffic pedestrian areas.
🚲 Bike-Friendly Parklets
Designed to accommodate cyclists, these parklets include bike racks, repair stations, and shaded seating.
🌳 Green Parklets
Incorporating planters and trees, green parklets improve air quality and provide natural shade.
🎨 Artistic Parklets
Featuring murals, sculptures, and other creative elements, these parklets enhance the visual appeal of urban spaces.
How Anex Patios Builds a Community Parklet
1. Design & Planning
Our team works closely with city officials and local businesses to design parklets that meet community needs and regulatory standards.
✅ Site Evaluation – We assess the location, traffic patterns, and pedestrian flow to determine the optimal design.
✅ Custom Design – Our designers create detailed 3D renderings to help visualize the final parklet.
✅ Permit Assistance – We handle all city permits and regulatory approvals.
2. Material Selection
We use durable, eco-friendly materials designed to withstand urban wear and weather conditions:
✔ Composite Decking – Low maintenance and weather-resistant.
✔ Steel & Aluminum – Strong, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant.
✔ Natural Wood – Sustainable options for a warm, inviting look.
✔ Planters & Greenery – Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant plant options.
3. Professional Installation
Our team ensures a fast and seamless installation process. Parklets are designed to be modular, allowing for easy adjustments and seasonal removal if necessary.
4. Maintenance & Seasonal Removal
We offer ongoing maintenance services to keep parklets looking their best. Seasonal removal and storage options are also available.
Benefits of a Professionally Built Parklet
✔ Increased Community Engagement – A well-designed parklet encourages foot traffic and social interaction.
✔ Business Growth – Nearby businesses benefit from increased visibility and customer activity.
✔ Safety & Compliance – We ensure that all parklets meet local safety regulations.
✔ Flexible & Modular – Parklets can be adapted and relocated as needed.
Why Choose Anex Patios for Community Parklets?
Anex Patios is a leading expert in designing and building custom parklets. Our team understands the complexities of urban design and works closely with city officials and local businesses to deliver solutions that enhance both public spaces and private businesses.
Why We Stand Out:
✔ Experienced in urban planning and public space design
✔ High-quality materials and expert craftsmanship
✔ Full-service solutions from permits to maintenance
✔ Custom designs tailored to each location and community
Case Study: Transforming a Toronto Street with a Community Parklet
In 2023, Anex Patios partnered with a Toronto business association to install a modular parklet on a busy commercial street. The parklet included:
- Seating for 12 people
- Bike racks and a shaded canopy
- Integrated planters with native plants
- Public art mural by a local artist
Result:
📈 25% increase in foot traffic in the area
📈 15% revenue growth for adjacent businesses
📈 Positive feedback from local residents and tourists
Conclusion
Community parklets are more than just seating areas—they are urban solutions that improve walkability, support local businesses, and enhance social interaction. A well-designed parklet becomes a central part of the community, offering a place where people can gather, relax, and engage with their environment.
📞 Ready to install a community parklet? Contact Anex Patios today to get started!
