Three ‘parklets’ coming to Spokane this summer

Spokanites can expect to see more “parklets” around town this summer.

The Spokane City Council recently approved another extension of a pilot program for the parking-spot-sized public seating areas.

“The city absolutely loves them,” said Jose Barajas, an architect with You Express Studio, which creates the portable wooden patios.

Parklets are designed to encourage visitors to local businesses. They offer respite from the sun, a place to drink and dine, and even a stage for musicians.

Over the next few months, parklets will be installed at three locations in Spokane, Barajas said. Last year there were only two.

One parklet will go in front of the Gathering House, a church and coffee shop at 733 W. Garland Ave. Another will occupy a parking spot outside Vessel Coffee Roasters at 2823 N. Monroe St.

And a bigger parklet – with room for 30 to 40 people – will stretch across several parking spots in front of two downtown restaurants, Nudo Ramen House and Fire Artisan Pizza. They’re on West Sprague Avenue between Lincoln and Post streets.

Barajas said 2017 will likely be the last year of the pilot program, which started two years ago. He hopes the City Council will create a permanent ordinance governing when and where parklets can be installed. They don’t cost the city anything but a lost parking spot.

The Downtown Spokane Partnership has contributed funding for parklets, and local businesses have consistently shown interest in them, he said.