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SPIN SPOTS

Putting A New Spin On Parking

During Park(ing) Day 2019, Spin and our partners reimagined Downtown Denver as a place for people and sustainable mobility with a first-of-its-kind parklet competition. We wanted to show how easily car-oriented streets could be put to better use for people and inspire change, both in Denver and other communities around the country. Additionally, we wanted to see what creative ideas people came up with for incorporating micromobility parking into their designs as a way to help keep sidewalks clear.

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In the summer of 2019, we put out a challenge to urban designers: could they creatively — and inexpensively — transform car parking spaces into places for people to gather and build community? In partnership with Better Block Foundation, City of Denver Department of Public Works, Denver Streets Partnership, and Downtown Denver Partnership, Spin sponsored the first-ever parklet competition focused on shared micromobility. Read more about it here.

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Outcome:

Over the course of 24 hours, six teams with budget and materials provided by Spin and Better Block Foundation, built out parklets in the streets of Downtown Denver. Interest from the competition inspired Kansas City, the hometown of one of the finalists, to create a permitting process for parklets. Also, building on the momentum of the event, Denver shut down one of its downtown streets to car traffic and City Hall is currently drafting a parklet permitting process. Additionally, more demonstration projects are being planned for summer 2020.

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Why Parklets?

Interventions like parklets are relatively inexpensive ways to increase public open space in bustling urban areas by repurposing underused parking spots. Parklets have been shown to help increase economic activity, especially in commercial areas, by encouraging more foot traffic. Additionally, by activating street space, parklets help to reduce car travel speeds, making streets safer for all users. By also incorporating micromobility parking options into parklets, they can offer an attractive solution for encouraging orderly parking of e-scooters, bikes, and other modes.

Read more background about this project here.

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