What is a parklet? Find out when Mansfield adds them to boost foot traffic downtown
Visitors to Historic Downtown Mansfield will soon be able to sit and relax at a new parklet soon, but will find fewer parking spots in front of businesses.
Shoppers who buy a treat from AndiMac Candy Shack or a coffee or boba tea from Flying Squirrel, both just down the street from the parklet on either side, will theoretically be able to sit down and enjoy their candy or drink.
The Cty Council voted unanimously Monday evening to approve the project.
The parklets will be structures that extend the sidewalk out into parallel parking spaces in front of businesses. The first will go in front of the office of optometrist Robert A. Smith. Each parklet will take up a couple of spaces.
The parklets will include planters with greenery, a bench and will give business owners the option to place tables and chairs on the structures.
The city expects the structures to increase foot traffic in downtown. The project was created in response to economic decline in the area during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The project is being paid for by Downtown Mansfield Inc., a bill Goodwin says he has worked to bring down below $6,000.
Construction is expected to begin soon.
The city required both property owners and business operators’ approval before building one of the structures. Goodwin said that requirement limited the number of possible places for the parklets.
Another parklet could be constructed in front of another business across the street.
Mayor David Cook said at the meeting the requirement was there to prevent a single building owner from holding up a city project.