Submitted by City of Olympia
City of Olympia’s Parking & Business Improvement Area (PBIA) is offering matching grants of up to $3,500 each for the creation of new parklets in downtown Olympia. Businesses, non-profit associations, and community groups can submit parklet design concepts by 5:00 PM, May 31, 2013. All grant money provided by the PBIA is intended to help offset the initial cost associated with the supplies and materials needed for the construction of the parklets.
What are Parklets?
Parklets are parking spaces converted into “mini parks” providing space for people to sit, converse, and enjoy the city around them.
PBIA chair, Darren Mills, says “Downtown Olympia is in need of public gathering spaces and parklets not only provide a space for people to gather but widen our somewhat narrow sidewalks.” In 2012, The PBIA awarded similar matching grants to Darby’s Café and Jakes on 4th which resulted in the creation of the first two parklets in downtown Olympia. “People of all ages are taking advantage of the parklets as a place to see friends, hang out, and relax,” says Rob Cameron, owner of Jakes on 4th. Sara Reilly, owner of Darby’s Café, says, “We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive response to the parklet from customers and people just walking by.”
Mills said, “One of best outcomes of parklets is the partnerships that they create between the sponsoring business owner, the city, PBIA and the public. They also bring economic benefit to the city by encouraging people to come downtown and spend dollars in our locally owned businesses.”
To learn more about parklets and future downtown projects, please visit the Downtown Project page on the City of Olympia website. For additional information on parklet development and how to apply for a parklet in front of your establishment, please feel free to contact the City of Olympia Downtown Liaison, Brian Wilson, at 360.709.2790 or via email at bwilson1@ci.olympia.wa.us.
