Our RideWise Parklet is available for borrowing! Parklets have recently become both a local and national movement, bringing about a fundamental shift in how people and communities think about public spaces. Through these temporary projects, we can inspire action from the community, draw attention to the needs in public space, and begin to create equitable spaces for everyone by encouraging team work and a sense of belonging.
If you’re one of our municipal partners, consider borrowing our pop-up parklet to provide shoppers, cyclists, or pedestrians with a place to stop and rest while they enjoy your downtown. It’s the perfect way to test-drive the concept of a parklet before committing to building one. Contact us at staff@ridewise.org and click here for the parklet borrowing agreement to get started.
Parklets in Somerset County
Piña the Parklet
In 2018, the Middle Earth Student Ambassadors for Community Health built a parklet in Bound Brook with assistance from RideWise. Piña the Parklet is part of a larger project that included murals and crosswalks throughout Bound Brook. Piña fits into one parking space, and can be quickly assembled and disassembled for transportation. View a video of Piña’s construction here. To learn more, contact Maria Strada at Middle Earth.
Somerville Parklets
In the summer of 2020, the Borough of Somerville and the Downtown Somerville Alliance installed numerous parklets along Main Street to provide space for outdoor dining while maintaining enough space on sidewalks for pedestrians to walk.
There are several parklets throughout Somerville, by Da Fillipo Sutentica Cucina Italiana, Verve Restaurant, Bar & Bistro, Kyma Greek Cuisine, Arusuvai Indian Restaurant, DeMartino’s Restaurant, Savor Restaurant, Cafe Picasso, and The Venetian/Central Pizzeria. These parklets allow restaurants to set up tables for outdoor dining while keeping space on the sidewalk clear for pedestrians – especially those with wheelchairs, walkers or strollers – to walk by while maintaining social distancing.
Additional Resources:
Interested in building your own parklet? Contact us today to get started! Email staff@ridewise.org or call 908-704-1011. You can also look at some of the additional resources below for ideas on where to start.
