SPRING STREET PARKLET EVALUATION
Intersperse opportunities for physical activity at the parklets. While only 20% of the people were found using the exercise equipment for physical activity, the easy availability of such equipment in the parklets may provide an incentive for more people to use them. Include motivational signage in exercise areas. Because active recreation parklets represent a new concept, it may be helpful to include motivational signage relating the benefits of physical activity and encouraging people to use the machines. Continue to monitor and evaluate the parklets over time, identifying their positive as well as negative impacts. This research was conducted only a short time after the parklet installation. It would be helpful to know how these data points change over time to better understand the changing nature of these innovations in the right-of-way and their impacts on pedestrian traffic, parking availability, neighborhood nuisances, business growth, and – above all – the social fabric of their neighborhoods.
In conclusion, parklets represent opportunities for neighborhoods wishing to reclaim redundant street space for social uses. Their low cost and temporary nature make them appealing to cities (Abad Ocubillo, 2012; Loukaitou-Sideris, Brozen, Callahan 2012). Parklet planning, design, and implementation are important in achieving neighborhoodappropriate and well-used spaces. They should be followed, however, by careful monitoring and post-occupancy evaluations, which can depict what works well and what needs to be changed.
49