Parklet – South Orange, New Jersey
This very substantial parklet on South Orange Ave, just over a block away from the South Orange Performing Arts Center provides a nice outdoor seating area near restaurants. The tactical use of large concrete barriers buffers it from nearby parking and traffic on either end. Also, location near a pre-existing bump-out expands the public realm further out beyond the limits of the parklet proper. Use of plantings and benches immediately outside of storefronts further serves to frame the space.
The slightly more risque of the branded signs, states “Clothing Optional.” Maybe that was a play on hotter weather typically requires less clothing, but to say clothing optional at a parklet where people are eating their meals probably is not the right message or in the best taste.
Bump out and concrete barrier on one end with tables, chairs and plantings. One can see how this naturally transitions to the parklet.