Rise of the parklet: Council to add 36 more mini-parks to city

Monday, 16 September 2024

Wellington councillor Geordie Rogers enjoys a sunny Sunday in one of the parklets on Dixon St

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A Wellington City Council committee has agreed to boost the number of “parklets” around the city from 14 to 50.

The small parks, usually taking up two vehicle parks, are dotted around the city with six on Dixon St alone. Many are used by hospitality outlets extending out into the street.

Dixon Street is Wellington’s parklet epicentre.

Council papers show that an average paid car park in Wellington makes about $8400 a year – $5700 from paid parking and a further $2700 from fines. It would mean about $840,000 less into the council coffers per year. Businesses had paid up to $3000 to install each parklet.

But even that is iffy: Most people would just park elsewhere if they could, council papers say.

“By making our streets more vibrant and enjoyable, it helps to attract people to come into the central city and could help increase parking occupancy, thereby increasing revenue,” the papers say.

Mayor Tory Whanau said it was about “doing what it can to activate our streets” and encouraging more people into the city.

“With summer just around the corner, it’s time to create street spaces that are welcoming, safe, vibrant and where businesses can thrive,” she said.

“Parklets are a great and cheap way for us to do that and cities all over the world use these successfully to bring more foot traffic into the city.”

“There’s nothing quite like dining in the sun on a busy street before heading to an exciting event, of which there will be plenty over the coming months.”

Deputy Mayor Laurie Foon said parklets brought “fresh energy, vibrancy and a fun atmosphere especially now when our city needs it”.

Councillor Geordie Rogers, a parklet supporter, said they were all about extending hospitality into the street and making them more inviting.

The parklet policy passed with near-unanimous support from council. Councillor Nicola Young was one of the votes against, due to the cut in revenue and loss of parking in the city.

It also prioritised hospitality, which could gain outside seating, over retail, which needed people to be able to park, she said.

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