Pop-up ‘parklet' replaces two parking spaces for day
Neighbours who had waved to each other across the road for more than a year sat down and had conversations for the first time thanks to the appearance of a pop-up ‘parklet’ on their road.
The parklet featured an artificial grass surface fold-up garden chairs, wooden tables and games for children.
In a small area taking up two parking spaces, people were able to appreciate their neighbourhood with new eyes in what could become a familiar feature across Bristol if there is local support.
Climate charity Possible had worked with residents on Upton Road in Southville to create this on their street for one day to create more green space.
One of the aims of a pop-up parklet is to imagine a different use for parking in our city.
“We know that cars are very dominant in Bristol,” said Rob Bryher from Possible, sat on one of the fold-up chairs on Wednesday afternoon.
“They take up a lot of space and the average car is parked for 95 per cent of the time.
“What we’re able to do here is give people the opportunity to interact by putting the garden chairs out and getting some kids activities going.
“It’s about community interaction but also to ask, can we have a different way of doing things in Bristol? Can we challenge a little bit of the dominance of cars and create spaces that are enjoyable for communities?”
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I’m a diversity consultant and a design and communications consultant. I help people and organisations develop vision, communicate and deliver cultural change.