Community Corner
Bloomfield’s 1st ‘Parklet’ Debuts During Harvest Fest 2018
Bloomfield's first "parklet" is part of an attempt to create more outdoor public spaces in the downtown area.
BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Another successful Bloomfield Harvest Fest has come and gone, but the town’s first “parklet” will remain.
During last weekend’s Harvest Fest, the Bloomfield Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) unveiled the township’s first urban parklet, a small public area where residents and visitors can take a moment and enjoy the scenery around them.
On Saturday, the portable interactive parklet was set up along Broad Street near Barnes & Noble. According to the HHS, it doesn’t take much real estate. At 6 by 12 feet, the parklet is about the size of a single parking space.
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But the rewards are much larger than some might think, town officials said.
“We are excited to have the opportunity to introduce the parklet concept to residents and get their feedback,” said Karen Lore, director of health and welfare for the Bloomfield Department of Health and Human Services. “Communities are trending toward more walkable and pedestrian friendly space. Parklets are one example of how that transformation can occur one space at a time.”
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The ultimate decision on where the town will place the portable parklet is still up in the air, officials said. For more information on the parklet or to provide feedback, contact the Department of Health and Human Services at 973-680-4024.
The parklet is being constructed by Bloomfield resident and contractor Matt Mulvey of Mulvey Custom Contracting with a NJ Healthy Communities grant.
- See related article: Bloomfield Gets 'Little Free Library' At Vassar Field
HARVEST FEST 2018 IN PHOTOS
According to the HHS, the free annual festival attracts more than 20,000 visitors each year and features family-friendly activities, such as amusement rides, a petting zoo and other carnival attractions, live music, more than a dozen food trucks and hundreds of vendors.
The Bloomfield Center Alliance – the nonprofit entity that manages the township’s downtown business improvement district – shared some photos of the event on social media.
Don’t forget to visit the Patch Bloomfield Facebook page here. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site here. Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com
Main photos courtesy of the Bloomfield Department of Health and Human Services
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