The first one was an instant hit.

Following the success of the vibrant parklet on Douglas Street, Cork City Council has decided to provide up to 10 more parklets in the city centre and wider city as part of the ‘Reimagining Cork’ programme.

Parklets convert a few parking spaces into public open space and are 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.

The new parklets will be similar to the current parklet on Douglas Street and will incorporate seating and pollinator-friendly planting. The parklet can be used by customers if it is associated with a business, but it must be available for public use and will include signage indicating that it is a public space.

Business owners, institutions, neighbourhood organisations, and other community-based groups are eligible to apply to be a “Parklet Partner.”

It works like this: Cork City Council will fund and install the parklet, while the Parklet Partner will be responsible for the day-to-day upkeep of the parklet and its planting.

Loved bumping into the People’s Parklet in #Cork this morning. Take a seat, drink some coffee and relax. This is Cork. 🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/cY8AQrJsx2

— Amanullah De Sondy (@desondy) July 25, 2019

“Parklets attract people to different areas so they can relax and have a chat and maybe bring along a cup of tea or coffee,” said Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Joe Kavanagh.

“They are another initiative by Cork City Council to help people of all ages to enjoy the city safely and thereby to support traders. Business owners and community associations can become a ‘parklet partner’ and we’re encouraging people to sign up from the end of the week.”

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

Those interested can complete and submit the Parklet Partner Application form on corkcity.ie from this Friday, September 11th.