By Chris Hagan
Review Staff Writer
Traveling down Flint Street in the past week, people have probably seen an unfamiliar object taking up a parking space outside of Downtown’s newest coffee shop.
That object is actually called a ‘parklet? and it’s the newest trend transforming downtowns, nationwide, into more social areas.
For more than five years, America’s west coast,from Portland to San Diego, have started initiatives based around transforming parking spaces into usable and relaxing areas. Often found outside of dining and drink locations, the parklets offer outdoor seating and socializing at a small budget.
‘The DDA is about creating ‘place making? in downtown which is all about making fun, unique opportunities for people.? Downtown Development Authority Executive Director, Susan Perault said. ‘I’ve gone across the country and have seen other cities allow curbside seating, normally outside of restaurants or others just create a public space.?
Lake Orion’s parklet was built for just over $2,500. The majority of the funding came from three businesses;. Builders Custom Flooring, Lake Orion Sunrise Rotary Club, and Mills Real Estate Ventures.
Each donated $500 while the Village paid $1000.
The parklet fit into the DDA’s model of creating attention grabbing projects that were lighter, quicker, and cheaper to produce. Perault and other project leaders spent three months drafting plans and budgets before bringing the idea before the board in June.
‘We got a lot of quotes and wanted to make sure we were as cost effective as possible,? she said.
One of the most unique features of the parklet are the four wooden lounge chairs. The back of the chairs boast the outline of Michigan’s lower peninsula while the arms are wide enough to put a drink and a snack on. They were built by Allen and Sons Woodworking in Linden, Mich. and each cost $100; according to Perault, they we’re the cheapest around.
Owner of A Bean to Go, Kirk Walker, said he has had a mix of feedback but the majority has been positive.
Taking up a parking space has been the common complaint but Walker feels that the one parking space is not going to make or break a business.
‘It’s accomplished more attention than anything since the eight months I’ve been here,? he said. ‘That alone is worth everything and it’s creating a vibe that just invites people.?
Despite the buzz of positivity, Walker said he has fielded some complaints about taking up a parking space in an already congested downtown.
But Perault and the entire DDA staff are well aware of the parking issues and are taking a look at all parking options. They’re examining the way the parking lots are set up to see if there’s ways of getting a few more parking spaces that may have been over looked.
‘I realize how sensitive parking is in downtown Lake Orion and we don’t want to do anything to hinder business,? she said. ‘But I think this is one of those aspects that could really draw more people into downtown that would help our business community.?
The parklet will be seasonal and removed for the winter months to allow for snow plowing. If it becomes a supported attraction, Perault may look at putting another one on either Broadway or Flint but says they will never be more than two in the interest in parking.