City Of Fort Worth: Parklets Increase Outdoor Seating Options At Restaurants And Bars

Press release from City of Fort Worth:

February 24, 2022

Parklets, which convert curbside parking spaces into active people spaces, have been used in Fort Worth’s Near Southside for several months now.

The City of Fort Worth originally announced a pilot parklet/street patio program, to allow restaurants and bars to extend their available outdoor dining. Due to their popularity, parklets have become a permanent program that follows National Association of City Transportation Officials best practices for design and operation.

A parklet is a pedestrian space created by building a temporary sidewalk extension within an on-street parking space with amenities such as seating, art and landscaping. Parklets are used to activate pedestrian street activity, and they support economic development by encouraging foot traffic at local businesses. The concept originated in San Francisco in 2005 and has been implemented by cities across the world.

Fort Worth’s initial six-month pilot program launched in 2020 and was extended due to continued interest from businesses. Magnolia Avenue has seen the majority of the parklets so far. Near Southside Inc. recently created its own parklet on South Main Street.

The parklet program is managed by Fort Worth’s Transportation & Public Works Department and will permit parklets for up to one year; permits can be renewed annually.

The primary differences between the pilot program and the new permanent program are the standards for public use, advertising and access. The program requires parklets to operate as spaces open for use by the public, not just adjacent business patrons. In addition, parklets cannot include advertising and must be ADA accessible.

Photo: A new parklet sponsored by Near Southside Inc. on South Main Street.

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This press release was produced by City of Fort Worth. The views expressed here are the author’s own.