The City of Summit is announcing the reinstallation of its public parklet on Springfield Avenue between Beechwood Road and Summit Avenue on Monday, April 17, weather permitting. This will be the second season for the popular parklet that was funded through a public/private partnership with Titos Burritos & Wings and Batavia Café. Although these two businesses have made a financial contribution toward the construction of the parklet, it is a public space where residents and visitors are invited to congregate and enjoy spending time outdoors in Summit.
“We are very pleased that the public parklet is being brought back for a second season,” explains Summit Mayor Nora Radest. “Last year it provided a welcome boost to areas businesses and helped to enhance the perception of our downtown.”
Radest continues, “During the downtown beautification project last year, 14 new parking spaces were created when roads in the downtown were repaved. While parking does remain a challenge and area of strong focus for the city, the quantified benefits of the parklet outweigh the loss of two parking spaces.”
The Springfield Avenue parklet is contained in two connected parking spaces directly in front of Titos Burritos & Wings and Batavia Café. It is composed of wood decking to keep it sidewalk height and is flanked by 10 planters. It houses six tables and 12 chairs. Safety features include a temporary curb and barriers with wheel stops to prevent automobiles from accidentally driving into it.
In an effort to create additional public gathering spaces outdoors, the city has also purchased four additional tables and eight chairs for Lyric Park on the corner of Beechwood Road and Bank Street. The highly-trafficked pedestrian area already contains a permanent seating wall and was designed to function as a “parklet-style” gathering spot.
“These enhancements will certainly be a draw for people to visit and spend time in downtown Summit,” Radest continues. “I hope that the community will join me in enjoying these beautiful public outdoor spaces.”
For more information on engineering initiatives or public parks in Summit, visit cityofsummit.org or contact the Department of Community Services at 908-273-6404.