Parklets and Public Transport Hubs
Parklets are designed to provide a safe and accessible public place for people to relax and enjoy the city’s atmosphere, especially in areas lacking urban parks or where sidewalks are too narrow for vibrant street life activities. They are generally low-cost, modular, and easy to construct, making them an efficient solution for enhancing urban environments.
At Urban Effects, we’ve collaborated with several councils to design and create bespoke parklets for their public spaces. Timaru City Council replaced its timetabled bus service with an on-demand service. As part of this initiative, we designed and manufactured the MyWay Parklet, a wheelchair-accessible, relocatable commuter shelter featuring various seating options and an interactive play panel for kids. Installed in Timaru Town Centre and another one in Caroline Bay, the MyWay Parklet includes twin solar panels to power lights and phone charging stations, with planters adding a touch of green.
Earlier, Dunedin City Council developed and created the first custom parklet to pop up on Dunedin streets. The parklet integrated with bus stops, offering urban resting spots with hardwood timber bench seating, picnic tables, and custom planter boxes. With a generally positive feedback from the public, Dunedin City Council set up five parklets in the city in 2019, comprising seating, trees, plants and bicycle parks.
Features & Benefits
- Vibrant and visually appealing design.
- Safe and wheelchair-accessible ramps and entry.
- Modular design.
- Features a range of furniture, planters, and the option to include interactive play equipment for children.
- Twin solar panels to power lights and phone charging stations.
- Weather-resistant and durable construction from sustainably sourced materials.
- Pedestrian-friendly with clear visual site lines from the footpath to the street.
More Uses
- Improve overall street atmosphere and experience
- Provides safe and relaxing public seating areas
- Green spaces and mini parks
- Community hub for small community events, social interactions, and meeting place.
- Commuter shelters.