It's Called a Parklet, and Two Shorewood Businesses Want Them

SHOREWOOD -- It's called a parklet, and the Shorewood Village design board is going to be reviewing the design proposals for two such spaces that may come to Shorewood - if they can pass muster.

Camp Bar, 4042 N. Oakland and Three Lions Pub, 4517 N. Oakland are looking to add parklets to the street-level outside their respective businesses.

What's a parklet?

A parklet is an extension of the sidewalk, typically extending the length of two or three parking space lengths. It combines elements such as seating, small trees, umbrellas, bike parking and fencing depending on what it's used for.

The idea behind the parklet is to provide more space for people to sit and relax - especially where sidewalk space is limited.

Opponents of parklets say the spaces can be duplicated somewhere else and gobble up limited parking places.

Supporters say parklets are a needed amenity in places where inhabitable space is at a premium.

Village Working on Policy

Village officials are working on an official "parklet policy," setting up rules that include: eligible and ineligible locations, dimension requirements and an approval process.

Image provided to city officials for July 11 village board meeting shows an example of a parklet.