4.4 Parklets

Case Study: Mount Prospect, Illinois The Village of Mount Prospect was awarded funding through the RTA’s Access to Transit program, which helped construct concrete pads at the Mount Prospect Metra Station on the UP Northwest line, also served by two Pace Routes. The shelters used solar-powered lighting, and the project was based on recommendations from the Mount Prospect Downtown Implementation Plan, which the Village completed with assistance from the RTA’s Community Planning program. The shelter is in an area that sees much pedestrian traffic and protects bikes from rain and snow, which helps increase trust for residents who hesitate to park their bikes alone for several hours.57

Stakeholders: Illinois Department of Transportation, Blue Island Public Works, Blue Island Chamber of Commerce

Timeline: 1-5 Years

PARKLETS Implementation

Streets encompass a significant portion of urban communities, often comprising as much as 40% of public land.58 Streets become inaccessible for pedestrians through the high presence of both moving and parked cars. The main economic corridor of Western Ave. lacks streetscape amenities for pedestrians, causing people to rely on using their cars to travel throughout the area. Modifying this commercial spine to be more pedestrian friendly can help promote alternative means of transportation. Parklets can serve to activate streets as gathering space, slow traffic down, green concrete corridors, and promote economic activity.59 Additionally, parklets provide amenities such as benches, landscaping, lighting, and public art opportunities. The city will collaborate with the Blue Island Public Works department as well as the Blue Island Chamber of Commerce to implement the parklets. As Western Ave. is an IDOT rightof-way, that governmental body will need to be included in planned changes. The Public Works department will begin the process with permitted designs for modular parklets and work with the legal department to discuss liability issues in the right of way. The Chamber of Commerce will assist in engaging businesses in explaining data indicating how parklets spur economic activity. This community outreach will help identify potential businesses that can host a parklet.