Reno's City Council is launching a six-month pilot program to study micro public parks known as parklets. Reno Public Radio's Julia Ritchey reports.
A parklet is a tiny urban environment usually contained within a single parking space. They act as an extenstion of a public sidewalk, and allow people more places to sit or socialize.
The idea has gained popularity in cities including San Francisco and Las Vegas.
Ty Martin built the first parklet next to his Craft wine and beer shop in MidTown. He says now there's more outdoor space for his customers.
"The parking space currently used no more than 65 percent (of the time)," he says. "Typically that's one person in one car, versus 20 people that are able to see and experience the neighborhood in a new way."
All the of parklets through Reno's pilot program will be privately funded and maintained, though open to the public during normal park hours.
City staff say they will study how many people use these spaces as well as impacts on traffic and parking.
A second parklet is being planned for the corner of First and Arlington streets.
