A toolkit for people living in England or Wales wanting to create parklets in their local area.

This information was created by Possible, in collaboration with Lambeth, Hackney and Waltham Forest Councils and the Parklets Campaign. 

Possible is a UK charity on a mission to speed up climate action. We work in partnership with communities to design and build their own parklets, campaign to make it easier for communities to create parklets, and spread the word to residents and councils about the benefits this can have. 

The Parklets Campaign, established in 2020, is a group of like-minded volunteers who want to help make London the parklet capital of the world. Their mission is to make it as easy to create a parklet on residential streets as it is to apply for a parking permit.

Parklets are former parking spaces that have been transformed into areas for people to enjoy. There is no such thing as a typical community parklet – they are unique to every neighbourhood. They offer local people a ‘third place’, outside of work and the home, where they can come together and spend time without spending money. 

By providing seating, shade, and greenery, parklets can improve access to nature and public space, and enable people to spend time together outdoors – something which is often missing in densely populated urban areas. Community parklets can also bring people together through shared projects and teamwork, which help to build trust and a stronger sense of community.

The Covid pandemic showed how important parklets can be, giving communities safe outdoor spaces to connect with their neighbours. Many of the parklets in this toolkit were shaped by the pandemic, but their value goes way beyond that. With more people working from home and feeling socially isolated, parklets are still a great way to bring neighbours together and build a sense of community.

The first ever parklet was launched in San Francisco in 2005. This sparked an international movement of people setting up temporary parklets in their communities.

The UK’s first official parklet was built by Hackney Council in 2015.  Inspired by the parklets of San Francisco, it was created in collaboration with Sustrans and Cyclehoop. The parklet occupied a redundant loading bay and consisted of bike stands, benches, planters and solar-powered lighting. It proved to be popular amongst the walkers and cyclists of Hackney, providing a place to relax and chat with friends.

From 2017 onwards, parklets began popping up in towns and cities across the UK. Many were installed by councils or businesses outside cafes and restaurants, especially during the Covid pandemic.

Hackney Council was the first local authority to introduce a formal mechanism to enable residents to apply to create parklets on their streets in 2019, two years after Hackney resident Brenda Puech started a campaign for a community parklet policy (including creating her own unofficial parklet, which was later removed).

Three more councils in London - Waltham Forest, Lambeth and Hounslow - subsequently launched community parklet policies during 2022 and 2023. 

Community parklets are not currently permitted by any local authorities outside of London, although some councils have installed their own temporary or permanent council-led parklets as part of street improvement programmes.

Community parklets

Parklets installed in on-street parking bays. These are often located outside of a residential property. They can also be located outside community venues, schools, or on housing estates. Community parklets sometimes provide seating which is located on the public highway. By law, this is public seating and should remain accessible to the public at all times.

Council-led parklets

Parklets which are funded, designed and installed by local authorities, for example on high streets. These may be maintained by the local authority, or by a nominated business located next to the parklet, under an agreement with the local authority. These are free for all to use without the requirement of buying anything.

Commercial or business parklets

Parklets that include a commercial element, like having food and drink served to them from a local business. This generally requires a licensing fee. Commercial parklets increase seating for businesses and can help to make streets more lively and sociable.

• Increase accessibility - Parklets provide places for passersby to stop and rest, particularly those who may have difficulties getting around. This allows those with additional access needs to walk further, especially where there is a lack of public on-street seating. 

• Build community - Parklets are free public spaces where local people can chat, read, play and eat together, helping to strengthen people’s sense of belonging. For example, a parklet can include a little free library, a seed swap or a community notice board.

• Boost mental health - For those without gardens, parklets are a great way to spend time outside. Having access to green spaces where people can meet their neighbours reduces the risk of social isolation and mental health issues. According to the Create Streets 2023 report ‘Greening Up’, “A recent study found an association between the density of London’s street-trees and the rates of antidepressant prescribing. There is even growing evidence that exposure to greenery may affect cognitive outcomes such as non-verbal reasoning and memory tests in later life.”

Parklets have been introduced in different ways. A number of local authorities have installed their own parklets on high streets to make the environment more welcoming by increasing public seating and greenery. 

Several councils have commissioned the design and installation of parklets that they are responsible for, as part of their aims to improve the public realm, increase biodiversity, encourage active travel, and reduce parking. 

Some London boroughs have also introduced community parklet and/or business parklet policies, enabling residents and businesses to apply for permission to create parklets outside their properties. 

In general, parklets work best when they are a collaboration between councils and local communities. That collaboration could look like this:

1. A council creates a parklets policy committing to repurposing car storage spaces for broader community use. 

2. Local residents or businesses create an initial proposal for the kind of parklet they want to create, and how it will be designed, funded and maintained. This usually includes evidence of support from neighbours and local stakeholders.

3. Transport planners from the council’s highways team consider the parklet proposal, and conduct a road safety audit to check the proposed site. They also issue design guidance. If the site is approved, the applicants submit a stage two proposal with a more detailed design.

4. The relevant council team then implements a Traffic Management Order (either experimental or permanent) after carrying out a consultation and responding to any objections. A Notice of Making is then published. 

5. The council signs a parklet keeper agreement with a named resident, business owner, or community member who will be responsible for the upkeep of the parklet - e.g. removing litter, watering plants, putting seating away at night. 

6. The parklet is installed, insured and maintained by either the parklet keepers, or by the local authority’s sustainable transport team, depending on the policies of that local authority. 

7. Parklets will often be installed for a trial period under an Experimental Traffic Order, with the potential to make them permanent after gathering feedback.

When considering a parklet location, communities and councils should take the following things into account:

• Safety: Don’t propose sites on single or double yellow lines. Try to choose a site that is away from junctions, and one where there isn’t a large volume of traffic on the road. Locate the parklet near a source of independent lighting to increase visibility, especially at night.

• Oversight: Aim to choose a location that is within sight of the person or group who will be managing the parklet.

• Parking availability: Parklets may be more popular with the community if the area already has more parking spaces than are needed.

• Access to water supply: Consider how you will undertake regular watering of the planters. 

Parklet designs can vary a lot depending on community preferences, budget and location. Those planning a parklet should speak to neighbours and local stakeholders to learn what they want from it, and what activities might take place in it. 

For example, you might want somewhere to park a cargo-bike, or space to grow herbs and flowers - or you might want more of a community social space with seating, a noticeboard and a library. You might want to design a large scale public artwork, or plant a vegetable garden that fills the whole space. 

Residents should speak to their Tenants and Residents associations, knock on doors and/or distribute a survey to discover what local people want from the parklet. Involving as many local stakeholders as possible in the design will increase the community ownership of the parklet.

Resource: Possible’s parklet design kit can help communities think about what their ideal parklet might include.

Dos

• Make your parklet welcoming and comfortable for all members of the public, and consider how your parklet celebrates and enhances the local area.

• Ensure that the dimensions of the parklet fit within the width of a single parking bay - maximum 5 metres by 1.8 metres. 

• Use materials that are:

• Weather resistant (will not become a hazard when wet).

• Sturdy (will not deteriorate).

• Recycled or reusable where possible.

• Safe and legal to use in public facilities - for example, timber which will contain soil may need to be treated with a non hazardous substance to ensure it does not degrade over time.

• Ensure that the structure is visible on the carriageway and use robust reflective edges.

• Ensure that the overall structure is secure and includes a protective parameter between the parklet structure and the carriageway (this could include planters or fencing).

• Consider how people with physical and/or visual impairments will be able to use the parklet.

• Provide bins for litter if you will be installing seating. 

• Design a parklet that can be moved in the event of roadworks, or at the end of its life.

• Ensure that the design allows drainage so that water can flow freely and drain into the nearest gully. This will help prevent blockages which increase the risk of water pooling, causing slippery surfaces.

• If your design includes wooden planters, ensure that they have damp-proof lining to protect the wood whilst allowing drainage.

• Including cycle and scooter parking might increase your chances of having your parklet approved.

Don’ts

• Block any dropped kerbs with your parklet, in order to maintain level access from the footway to the highway for those who need it.

• Do anything that might block the pavement or cause a trip hazard, such as installing next to a tree pit or existing street furniture on the pavement.

• Block the flow of water along the kerb edge or block any drains.

If you’re planning to create a parklet, speak to as many people as possible who live near the proposed site and don’t forget to include those on the opposite side of the street. Include schools, businesses, and shops. Tell them what you are planning and perhaps have a rough drawing to show. Be clear about who will manage the parklet when it’s created.

If people are supportive, you can ask them to sign a letter of support to share with the council. The more support you get, the greater the chance of your proposal going forward.

Resource: Template letters of support for creating a parklet (available as PDF, 245kb, Word, 18kb)

In some areas, the person or group applying to create the parklet has to pay for its installation, insurance and ongoing maintenance. Some councils will provide small grants to help communities set up parklets, and local funding might also be available. 

The current process in Lambeth and Hackney is that the residents or groups request the parklet, and if the application is successful and the location is approved, the council finances, installs and insures the basic structure for the parklet, which is then looked after by the applicant or the parklet keeper. 

Waltham Forest uses a similar process for business parklets, taking on the funding, installation and risk, with input from the business applicant into the design.

However, in both Waltham Forest and Hounslow, applicants for community parklets are responsible for designing, installing, insuring and funding the parklet themselves. Waltham Forest provides a £250 grant towards the cost of each approved community parklet. 

The former approach may be favoured by some local authorities over a more bottom-up, co-designed, approach, since it is easier to manage and administer. 

A council might ask communities to provide evidence that they can afford the maintenance costs for the proposed parklet.

If you’re going to be liable for the maintenance of your parklet, make sure you get cost estimates and set these out on an annual basis. These should include estimates for any non-regular maintenance costs, like repairing the parklet after unexpected damage.

Depending on the local policy, either the parklet keeper is responsible for taking out public liability insurance that covers them for third party claims, or the council insures the parklet under their public liability insurance. 

Insync Insurance has been used and recommended by several parklet keepers in London. You may also be able to include the parklet on your existing house/buildings insurance policy.

A road safety audit is a requirement for parklet proposals. It will identify any potential road safety issues or problems relating to your parklet design that could affect local people.

Any road safety audit process will involve a visit by a road safety auditor. It might also involve other people, such as the Police or a Council officer, coming along to review your proposal.

An audit will take into consideration:

• road layout and markings

• position of signs

• lighting provision

• construction and dimensions of the parklet

Before making changes to a highway, a council must conduct a Traffic Management Order or Traffic Regulation Order, which is a legal change to carriageway use - usually from a parking bay to a “no waiting at any time” restriction. This includes a public consultation period. Here’s an example of a Traffic Management Order for parklets from Waltham Forest.

The local authority is legally required to:

• Publish notices of Traffic Management Orders in local newspapers (and they will usually put up notices in the area affected).

• Consult the police, fire brigade, ambulance service, and organisations representing road users.

• Make a copy of the order and other relevant documents available for public inspection.

The authority may also consult with residents and businesses in the roads affected before starting the process of making the traffic order.

You can read more about different types of Traffic Management Orders - both experimental and permanent - and how they work on Lambeth Council’s website.

The main barrier to a successful Traffic Management Order is a lack of public support. Build as much support for the proposal as you can in advance of the Order.

If you can, organise a street party, play street, or even a pop-up parklet for a few hours, to demonstrate how a parklet could look and feel. These taster events can give residents first hand experience of the benefits of a parklet, and it’s an ideal opportunity to get feedback on the idea. 

However, these will all require permission from your local authority, including a parking suspension if within a Controlled Parking Zone - so check what application processes they have in place. 

Some parklets such as Alvington Crescent Parklet in Hackney and Cressida Rd Parklet in Islington were borne out of community associations that formed after street parties.

Choosing and planting the flowers, herbs, or shrubs in the parklet is a great opportunity to involve the local community. Consider how you will access a water supply for regular watering of the plants (you might be able to include a water butt for example).

Will the parklet get a lot of sun, or is it in a shaded area? Do you want to grow plants which will increase biodiversity and attract local pollinators? If you’re not an expert on plants, consider involving someone who is.

Holding a launch event for local people is a good way to celebrate the installation of your parklet and get feedback. You could also invite your local councillor, MP or a local celebrity to officially open the parklet.

Press and social media are great ways to spread the word. Why not invite local journalists and newspapers and promote the event on neighbourhood social media groups? If a parklet is clearly seen to be popular, it may increase your chances of a permanent traffic order being granted eventually. 

You can also add your parklet to online mapping services like Google Maps to let people know that it’s there. Google offers instructions on how to do this. Consider also adding it to OpenStreetMap.

Resource: Example press release for a new parklet

Depending on the policy of your local council, parklet maintenance may be the responsibility of one or more ‘parklet keepers’, who sign an agreement with the council before the installation date.

Where the parklet structure has been provided and installed by the council, they may take responsibility for maintaining the parklet (i.e. repairs) but the parklet keeper may be responsible for upkeep (watering plants and removing litter).

Resource: Hackney Council parklet keeper agreement

Either way, your council may require you to provide a maintenance plan. This plan should include:

• General maintenance and repairs (i.e. to fixed items and furniture)

• Plant maintenance

• Cleaning

If your parklet includes foldable or lockable seating, you may be required to make sure the seating is available every day. You’ll also be required to inform the council of any issues or problems with the parklet.

To increase the number of parklets on our streets, we need everyone to understand the benefits of reclaiming car spaces for community use. If you want to help green your neighbourhood and reclaim your streets from parked cars, you can help spread the word and scale up parklet development.

Ask your council to develop a parklet policy

Most councils in the UK do not have a simple process for residents to suggest places to put new parklets, and make them a reality. Use our online tool to write to your local councillor and ask for this to change.

Spread the word

There are lots of videos, social posts and images you can use to show the value of parklets to your friends and family.

Resource: How to make your street a play street

Resource: Living Streets’ Parklet Toolkit

Resource: Park(ing) Day Pop-Up Parklet Manual

In many areas, residents can organise to close their street on a regular basis to hold a play street (or community street if you prefer). This gives children and adults the space to play, chat and connect without traffic danger, pollution and noise. 

Playing Out has resources to help anyone organise a play street in their area. It's a great way to start a conversation with your neighbours about how interventions like parklets could benefit your local community, bring people together and inspire positive changes. 

Organising a pop-up parklet for a day or even a few hours is also an ideal way to demonstrate the benefits of a parklet and get the community on board.

Park(ing) Day, the USA based international initiative which grew out of the original parklets movement, takes place every year in late September, around the same time as World Car Free Day. This is a great time to organise a pop-up parklet as part of a wider international social movement. Park(ing) Day has an excellent manual for organising a pop-up parklet and many other useful resources.

Cars dominate our public space. Streets make up 80% of London’s public spaces. Even in inner cities where most people do not own cars, almost all of our kerbside prioritises cars over the needs of people. 

Research shows that the availability, accessibility and cost of parking has a more significant impact on car ownership rates than costs like insurance and fuel. Parking policy is therefore key to combating the climate crisis, improving air quality, promoting active, shared, and sustainable travel, making transport more accessible, and delivering safe and attractive streets.

Parking policy sits firmly within the control of local authorities, so it can be used to enact big change at a local level.

Take action on parking in your area: Possible’s Parking Action Plan tool is designed to help people to assess their local parking policies, and produce a Parking Action Plan which can be used to advocate for taking space away from cars and giving it back to people and nature.

Email your local council about their parking policy: Depending on where you live, you may feel your local authority does not have a parking policy worth subjecting to detailed analysis, or you may not have time to assess the parking policy in your area. If so, it’s quick and easy for you to send your local authority an email to ask them to review their parking policies for the sake of people and the planet.

Resource: See how your borough’s parking policies score