Parklets

This page lists the possibilities to map parklets of different types in OSM.

Parklets are features in public space that can be found in more and more cities around the world:

»A parklet is a sidewalk extension that provides more space and amenities for people using the street. Usually parklets are installed on parking lanes and use several parking spaces. Parklets typically extend out from the sidewalk at the level of the sidewalk to the width of the adjacent parking space.

Parklets are intended for people. Parklets offer a place to stop, to sit, and to rest while taking in the activities of the street. In instances where a parklet is not intended to accommodate people, it may provide greenery, art, or some other visual amenity. A parklet may accommodate bicycle parking within it, or bicycle parking may be associated with it.«

– See more on Wikipedia.

How to map

parklet or outdoor_seating

Parklets usually are open to the general public. However, not only since the Corona pandemic there is an increasing number of parklets that are used as outdoor areas of gastronomic facilities. Since the intention of both types is different, there are two different ways to map parklets in OSM:

• Parklets intended for use by the general public (e.g. to increase the quality of public space or for pedestrians to stop, rest or meet): leisure=parklet

• Parklets that serve as areas for outdoor gastronomy and are intended for the customers of the associated business: leisure=outdoor_seating + outdoor_seating=parklet

Further attributes and properties

• Parklets often provide seats or plants. parklet:seatings=yes/no and parklet:greenery=yes/no are suggested to record that.
• Parklets often provide further features like bicycle parking or sport features. Map them as separate nodes or areas inside the parklet area (see examples below).
• Some parklets are removed at certain times of the year (e.g. in winter). Parklets that are not at their location all year round can be tagged with seasonal=yes.

Examples

Typical parklet with seatings open to the general public.	Planter designed as a parklet.	Parklet providing outdoor seating in front of a restaurant.
leisure=parklet parklet:greenery=yes parklet:seatings=yes seats=6	leisure=parklet parklet:greenery=yes parklet:seatings=no man_made=planter	leisure=outdoor_seating outdoor_seating=parklet

Parklet only for bicycle parking.	Parklet with seatings and bicycle parking.	Parklet with seatings, plants and a bicycle service station.
leisure=parklet parklet:seatings=no amenity=bicycle_parking (as separate, same shaped area)	leisure=parklet parklet:seatings=yes amenity=bicycle_parking (as separate node)	leisure=parklet parklet:seatings=yes parklet:greenery=yes amenity=bicycle_repair_station (as separate node)

Parklet providing seats, plants, a table tennis pitch and devices for community and neighbourhood informations.

leisure=parklet parklet:seatings=yes parklet:greenery=yes leisure=pitch + sport=table_tennis (as separate node)

External project websites on Parklets

• Berlin: Project-Website; MapRoulette-Challenge
• Chicago: Parasite Parking; Project-Website; Instagram