You may have seen little decks around the city, installed along the streets like sidewalk extensions, using several parking spaces. They are called parklets. Different from the restaurants terraces, they are public and everybody can enjoy them. They are owned and managed by the city of Seattle.

I like the parklets because they provide something convivial to each community or neighborhood. They may be decorated with plants or art, and there are benches or chairs where you can rest. I saw most of them this winter so they were not often used but I can’t wait to see them during summer time!

There are around 15 parklets all over the city but there are plans to create more. I am not sure they can install any downtown or around south lake union where parking spots are already so difficult to find.

Here are the ones I have seen and pictured: Montana Bar (Capitol Hill) close to Crumble and Flake, Cortona Café (Central District) with painted glass mosaic made by the community, and Oasis Tea Zone (intl district, china town)

Here is the list:

• City Hostel Seattle in Belltown (2327 2nd Ave)
• Harbour Pointe Coffeehouse in Madison Valley (2818 E Madison St)
• Equilibrium Fitness in West Seattle (3270 California Ave SW)
• Tin Umbrella Coffee Roasters in Hillman City (5600 Rainier Ave S)
• Bottlehouse and Hi Spot Café in Madrona (1416 34th Ave)
• Lost Lake Lounge and Comet Tavern in Capitol Hill (10th Ave and Pike St)
• Seattle Children’s Research Institute in Denny Triangle (1915 Terry Ave)
• U District Advocates in the University District (1316 NE 43rd St)
• Delancey in Ballard (1415 NW 70th St)
• Community Arts Create, 4248 S Orcas St
• Mighty-O Donuts, 1550 NW Market St
• Sugar Plum, 324 15th Ave