Parklet Program Downtown Newark

Parklets are micro-parks created within an on-street parking space. This concept originated in San Francisco, aiming to reclaim public spaces for pedestrians.

City planners have long recognized that parklets transform underutilized street space into valuable neighborhood amenities by converting parking spots into public areas. When placed in front of food establishments, parklets serve as outdoor dining structures, supporting local businesses.

In 2020, I played a key role in expanding the Downtown Newark Program, increasing the number of parklet structures from two to ten. This surge in parklet construction was driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for outdoor dining spaces to comply with pandemic restrictions.