NYC Parklets

Parklets are having their moment in the U.S., thanks to COVID. At a time when many patrons have been hesitant to dine indoors, restaurants have reveled in the additional outdoor space. Even still, as restaurants try to catch up after a few painful years, the extra capacity that these parklets provide has given many a boost in revenue.

On a recent trip to New York City (which hasn’t happened in a while so excuse me if I’m late to the NYC parklet party), I was impressed by some of the parklets that lined the streets. Many were simple with painted plywood walls and cheap string lights, while others were almost as nice as their parent “brick and mortar” ten feet away, adorned with hanging light fixtures, heat lamps, windows, and a roof. You could argue that many of the parklets can no longer be considered “outdoors,” but as COVID concerns wane, they still provide a very different experience.

There are a lot of pros and cons to these parklets which have led to fierce debates. I’m not equipped to make a strong argument for either side, but I will go out on a limb and say that I like them. Enough to take some pics with the iPhone and the desire to share.

How you feel about these parklets? Are they fun creative places for people to gather or are they a parking space sucking eyesores? Let me know in the comment section below!