What is a PARKLET?
The Sebastopol Parklets are sponsored by the Sebastopol CORE project, a group of citizens with the goal to make Sebastopol a better place to live, work, and visit. The CORE project also sponsored an urban planning study and an international competition to analyze and propose new ideas to improve Sebastopol. Its work has informed the new General Plan. But there is more work to do …
Parklets are designed to provide a public place for passersby to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of the city around them. A parklet is a sidewalk extension that provides more space and amenities for people using the street. Parklets typically extend out from the sidewalk at the level of the sidewalk to the width of the adjacent parking space.
Started in San Francisco in 2005 as a rebel art and urban planning project, Parklets thrive today as city approved installations in SF and cities around the world.
Goals:
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Reimagine the potential of city streets
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Enhance pedestrian safety & activities
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Foster neighborhood interaction
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Support local businesses
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Encourage non-motorized transportation
As part of CORE’s effort to improve Sebastopol, the Parklet project is a first step. It is meant to provoke thought about new ways to make downtown a better place for all.
Sebastopol is a country town with busy streets that can make it feel unnervingly “big city”. Main Street has overly wide traffic lanes and narrow sidewalks. Even in crosswalks pedestrians do not feel safe. Parallel parking on the driver’s side is a challenge even for experienced drivers. Where can a cyclist feel secure? What if all vehicle traffic and parking could be improved with enlarged sidewalks that allow places for sitting, resting, conversing, eating, drinking - all while greatly improving vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle safety?
CORE proposes to construct several temporary Parklets in downtown Sebastopol on Saturday, April 29, 2017. As a demonstration, they will last one day. Please help us start a dialog and explore what could be…a better downtown.
We need your help and support!
theParkletproject
The Core Project
c/o 108 Art + Design
108 Petaluma Avenue
Sebastopol, CA 95472