By Staff Writer
Three pilot parklet locations opened on Santa Monica’s Main Street Sunday and were heavily utilized during the annual Summer Soulstice event.
The concept offers “new public space where people can gather, eat, and enjoy,” according to the City and follows a national trend to convert street parking spaces into public space.
The one-year pilot is a partnership with the Main Street Business Improvement Association and local business operators that will maintain each space.
Each parklet is free and open to all members of the public to use and feature bench seating, stand-up counters, plants, and additional furniture and activities provided by the local businesses. The goals of the pilot are to reimagine the potential of city streets, encourage walking and biking, foster neighborhood interaction, and support local businesses.