The passion for parklets continues.

Two new neighbourhood parklets are now in operation in Cork, adding a fun pop of colour and life to streets in the city’s north and southsides.

In Blackpool, a new parklet is now in situ on Thomas Davis Street, where it will be maintained by Dunleas Café.

Another parklet has popped up outside Tory’s Cafe, just beside the Tory Top Park in Ballyphehane.

The parklets, designed by Siobhan Keogh and constructed by Benchspace Cork, create a space where locals can socialise, with seating arranged to accommodate small groups and solo visitors.

Cork City Council fund and install the parklet, then a Parklet Partner is responsible for the day-to-day upkeep and planting. The parklet can be used by customers if it is associated with a business, but it must be available for public use.

❇️Lovely addition of a #Parklet to #Blackpool and is being maintained by #DunleasCafe #Blackpool @BenchspaceCork

✴️Great cafe & nice to see small but important improvements in the area

👇See pictures below & plants will be planted over the weekend pic.twitter.com/b3dAhkSVPy

— Cllr. John Maher (@jmaher0) October 1, 2021

Planting is pollinator-friendly and the modular installations have been proven a cost-effective way to create more vibrant streets, support local business, and provide an inviting green space for residents and passers-by to sit, relax, and interact.

After one year, each parklet is evaluated to consider whether they should be kept in place for another year, replaced with more permanent seating, or moved to a new location.