Streateries & Parklets | Main Street America
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Back in the spring of 2020, a policy permitting the use of curb-height, sidewalk extension decks for parklets, pedlets and streateries, was seen as little more than a temporary measure to help small local businesses endure the pandemic. Now, these decks have become an integral part of downtown communities throughout the United States.

With many temporary parklet permits due to expire in 2022, city officials and downtown business associations have an opportunity to reevaluate their regulations for these creative outdoor dining and gathering spaces. The time has come to decide what needs to be done from this point forward to help communities of all sizes thrive — economically, socially and health-wise.

How have curbside decks helped communities across the nation?

Improving downtown walkability: Acting as an extension of nearby stores and restaurants, curbside decks draw in crowds of tourists and local pedestrians that bolster downtown businesses. Take this impact study on the City of Philadelphia for example.

Simplifying social-distancing practices: Curbside decks can provide citizens with the infrastructure they need to effortlessly maintain a safe distance - without even breaking ground. Here are some successful outdoor dining platforms from the American Society of Landscape Architects.

Placing visitors in proximity to local businesses: The visual impact of customers seated outside enjoying a meal with friends and family gives credibility to the restaurants around them. For the same reason a passerby might choose to see a movie based on the size of the line, people choose to visit restaurants with lively outdoor atmospheres.

Taking ownership of public spaces: Parklets offer countless opportunities for collaboration. This parklet in Appleton, WI, for instance, is the result of the combined efforts between a local artist, Appleton Downtown Inc and AARP. Curbside decks have also made room for outdoor music stages, afterschool tutoring sessions for kids, and community workshops across the nation.

Keeping eyes on the street: Parklet impact research suggests that the presence of these decks increased the sense of safety within the neighborhood. The increased volume of pedestrians on the street is likely a contributing factor, especially for women.

Adding bike parking spots and greenery: Plants and bikes have one thing in common: they both have been proven to reduce stress and improve mental and physical health. Installing curbside decks with these amenities can be extremely beneficial to the overall well-being of your community.

A worthwhile ROI: Applying for grants and other means of funding has opened the door for vulnerable businesses to operate in the midst of the ongoing pandemic. Businesses can check with their Downtown Business Associations, City Planning and Economic Development Departments to see what grants may be available for issuing direct support funding.

What can city planners do to improve curbside spaces in 2022?

Whether city planners decide to limit their curbside decks to private-use streateries for a particular restaurant or expand outdoor seating for the public (free of charge), the rules and regulations for these platforms are bound to change over time.

For those interested in transforming existing curbside decks into recognizable community hubs —with equity, sustainability, mobility, and safety in mind— standardizing your city parklet designs with prefabricated modular deck kits could be a step in the right direction.

Cutting out architectural design fees and assuring compliance with the majority of city regulations, parklet kits have seen success in cities and small towns alike from Jackson Hole, WY to Columbia, SC.

Additionally, providing applicants with a list of resources and prefabricated deck options that are compliant with your cities unique needs upfront will help streamline the process and ensure that all future parklets, pedlets, and streateries align with your revitalization goals.

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