Parks in parking spaces? That’s right, and they’re coming to Seattle!
The newly-formed Public Space Management Program at SDOT is getting ready to kickoff the Pilot Parklet Program this summer with parklets opening in Belltown, Capitol Hill, and Chinatown/International District. The parklet program website explains what parklets could look like in Seattle and how these public spaces will serve Seattle residents and businesses.
Parklets are structures that convert a portion of the public right-of-way into small-scale public spaces. These spaces are intended to activate streets, encourage walking and biking, and support local businesses. Parklets are just one of the many ways SDOT is rethinking the possibilities for the public right-of-way.
The first two parklets are proposed for installation in Belltown and Capitol Hill in August, with the Chinatown/International District parklet proposed to follow later in the summer. The Belltown parklet is sponsored by City Hostel Seattle and would be located at 2327 Second Avenue. Montana Bar is sponsoring the Capitol Hill parklet, located at 1506 E Olive Way. The Chinatown /International District Business Improvement Area is sponsoring the third parklet, which is planned for 421 Sixth Avenue S.
SDOT has published the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Determination of Non-Significance for the Pilot Parklet Program, and public comments are welcome between July 24 and August 7. Additionally, the SDOT public notice period for the Belltown and Capitol Hill parklets will run from July 25 to August 8. All materials for SEPA and the public notices are available on the new parklet program website. To comment, please send an email or letter to:
Seattle Department of Transportation
Attn: Public Space Management Program
PO Box 34996
Seattle, WA 98124
or
If you’re interested in learning more about parklets, please visit www.seattle.gov/transportation/parklets.htm.