Walnut Creek Opens Its Wallet To Boost Parklets Downtown

WALNUT CREEK, CA — Sasa is the kind of restaurant that draws people into Walnut Creek's downtown area for no other reason than the restaurant itself.

That's precisely what the city wants to see more of in downtown Walnut Creek.

To motivate more restaurant owners like Sasa's, the city created a $100,000 fund to make it easier for downtown restaurants to install parklets outside.

Sasa is the first out of the gate.

Parklets are platforms that extend businesses outdoors by converting curbside parking spaces into street seating. Property owners generally sign an agreement with the city, in some cases through a citywide application process, to procure curbside seating, according to the North American City/County Transportation Officials.

While not new, parklets exploded onto city streets during the pandemic when they turned into a relief for residents eager to socialize and an economic lifeline for restaurants, cafes, and wineries.
Walnut Creek created an outdoor dining program.

When the pandemic ended, the parklets in Walnut Creek were dismantled.

The demand for outdoor dining didn't go away.

The city created the PODS Incentive Program to give a one-time $10,000 grant to downtown restaurants on the fence about installing a parklet.

"It comes down to ambiance," said Mike Nimon, manager of economic development in the city manager's office.

However, restaurants will have to take things inside after 11 p.m.

The parklet program money operates on a mix of private and public money, meaning the restaurant builds the parklet and the city reimburses the restaurant $10,000 when the work is done.

The Program ends by Dec. 31, 2025, or when all funding has been allocated.

The parklets will replace some curbside parking. Nimon said the number depends on the configuration of each restaurant’s frontage.

The city is reviewing applications now.

"We are definitely celebrating the success of the first one," Nimon said, meaning Sasa. "We are always looking for more ways to enhance the downtown."

Read about other parklet programs.