Parklets

North Country Council

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Overview

Parklets are the transformation of a parking space, or spaces, into public space. As an effort to provide additional space for social distancing needs, it has also been recognized that parklets are an opportunity for businesses to expand or acquire outdoor seating. In addition to providing businesses with additional revenue streams, parklets are a traffic calming method—meaning that their presence within a street scape encourages slower traffic speeds.

Implementation

Once you have a rough idea of your needs and parklet design for your business, contact your town/city manager to create a request. In order to submit a parklet request to the District Engineer, the town/city manager must submit it on your behalf. If you’re a town manager and need additional guidance on creating a request, please contact Katie Lamb at klamb@nccouncil.org

Design Features

1. To ensure visibility to moving traffic and parking cars, parklets must be buffered using a wheel stop at a desired distance of 4 feet from the parklet.

2. Parklets should have vertical elements that make them visible to traffic, such as flexible posts or bollards.

3. Parklets have a desired minimum width of 6 feet (or the width of the parking lane). Length of parklets will vary according to the site, context, and desired character of the installation. Where a parklet stretches the length of an entire curb, accessibility and sightlines must be taken into account.

5. Incorporate seating into the parklet. Seating may be integrated into the design itself or made possible with moving tables and chairs.

7. Include barriers to define the space and protect parklet users. Barriers should be no higher than 3 feet and be capable of withstanding 200 lbs of horizontal force.

Additional Design Guidance and Best Practices

Design Guidance

COVID Precautions

Outdoor seating created by parklets are subject to the same guidance released as part of the state’s Stay at Home 2.0 order. Please visit NH COVID Guidelines for Restaurant and Dining for more information.

For information on serving liquor, please view NH Liquor Commission’s official statement.

Accessibility

4. Parklets should have a flush transition at the sidewalk in order to be ADA accessible and avoid tripping hazards. entry point of the parklet must be at least 36″ for ADA accessibility.

6. Designs for the sub-structure of a parklet vary and depend on the slope of the street and overall design for the structure. The sub-structure must accommodate the crown of the road and provide a level surface for the parklet.