Parklets in Chicago

Blair Kamin, writing for the Chicago Tribune:

Does it make sense to turn on-street parking spaces into miniature urban parks and plazas where people can sit, eat, check their mobile phones, read a book, take a catnap or watch the world go by?

Chicago is about to find out. With the blessing of Mayor Rahm Emanuel, the city now has two of these miniparks, called “parklets” elsewhere and dubbed “people spots” by officials here.

It’s an interesting idea but it isn’t a substitute for real, permanent parks and plazas. What I do like is this small scale exploration of ideas that doesn’t cost much. Enough small successes can add up to great progress.