Before its launch, a skeptic in car-crazy L.A. might have wondered whether a pilot program to transform parking spaces into pocket parks would have much success. But, to the delight of backers, the parklets have been a hit and may expand citywide.
"A plan to increase the pedestrian friendliness of Los Angeles by blocking off parallel parking spaces and creating pocket parks on the adjacent sidewalk appears to be flourishing, according to city officials and backers of the project," writes Ann M. Simmons.
"Anastasia Loukaitou-Sideris, associate dean of the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs and a lead researcher at the school’s Lewis Center Complete Streets Initiative, which played an integral role in creating these new public spaces, said they seemed to be 'catching on.' More people appeared to be using the sidewalks, and the parklets were generally 'very well occupied,' she said."
Councilman Jose Huizar, who co-sponsored the pilot program, is bullish on the potential of parklets to expand citywide. "My goal is to have hundreds of [parklets] throughout the city of Los Angeles,” Huizar said. “It's a new way of thinking, a new way of adding to public amenities, to neighborhoods."
FULL STORY: L.A.'s pocket parks are flourishing, supporters say
'Kit of Parts' Streamlines the Process of Converting Streets into Parks
An Atlantic Cities article details how the Los Angeles Department of Transportation’s People St program is making it easier for communities to design and build plazas, parklets, and bike facilities on their streets.
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With the opening last weekend of the city's first pilot parklet in the neighborhood of Eagle Rock, Los Angeles is hoping to join the ranks of cities hopping on the low-cost trend in public space creation.
Tactical Urbanism Makes Strides in L.A.
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Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
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Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.
Fair Housing Cannot Take a Back Seat to ‘Build, Baby, Build’
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LA Metro Board Approves New 710 Freeway Plan
The newest plan for the 710 corridor claims it will not displace any residents.
Austin’s Proposed EV Charging Rules Regulate Station Locations, Size
City planners say the new rules would ensure an efficient distribution of charging infrastructure across the city and prevent an overconcentration in residential areas.
Making California State Parks More Climate-Resilient
A recently released report offers recommendations for keeping state parks healthy and robust, including acquiring additional land for conservation and recreation.
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HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
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HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
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