Upon building an urban beach at Pier Park last summer, the City of New Westminster is set to begin construction on its first parklet as part of a city-wide parklet pilot program. Beginning today, (August 5th) two parking spaces in the 400 block of East Columbia Street will be converted into a public space that features a cedar patio, benches, and greenery.
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“The parklets will be a welcoming spot for people to socialize, relax, and enjoy the city,” said New Westminster Mayor Jonathan Coté. “It will be an ideal place for impromptu meetups, sharing a bite to eat, and visiting with your neighbours. It’s a great addition to the Sapperton neighbourhood.”
Parklets are a platform built flush to the curb that extends the sidewalk and provides a creative solution for enhancing the urban streetscape. Parklets benefit local businesses, residents, and visitors by providing a dynamic public space that attracts customers and fosters neighbourly engagement.
The space will contain benches that offer diverse seating arrangements to be used either individually or collectively. The parklet will be accessible for those with impaired or limited mobility.
During construction of the parklet, two parallel parking stalls will be closed and will reopen on August 8, 2015. The sidewalk next to the parklet will remain open and businesses will remain accessible during the installation.
The first parklet is scheduled for completion on Saturday, August 8, 2015.
Image via City of New West
