At the end of July, we mentioned a parklet in front of Honest Tom’s Taco shop and the Lil Pop Shop that was on the way —well on August 23rd, it made its premiere. And as we mentioned last week when we covered the new Pumpkin parklet on South Street West, we’re seeing more cropping up throughout the city as neighbors enjoy the last bit of warm sunlight before the colder months arrive.

Honest Tom parklet

In the recent weeks, another parklet has appeared on the sidewalk of 4040 Locust St. in University City, across from the new Ramen Bar. This temporary structure will provide new space for the community, including students, diners at the restaurant, and employees at the recently opened First Round Capital. University City District refers to these structures as “an innovative temporary seating platform,” in which businesses can allow visitors to enjoy sidewalk seating.  University City District has a place on their website that allows those who wish to see parklets come to a particular location to submit requests.

At 4040 Locust

Another view

Overall, neighbors seem to be enjoying this experiment, and one can only imagine that there may well be many more to come by next summer.

For more information on West Philly parklets, click here.

–Haley Waugh