Across the UK and Europe, the ‘parklet’ movement is gaining pace, transforming dead spaces where cars used to be into pockets of green. As more towns and cities bring in measures to curb traffic and the number of cars on the streets, the idea of converting parking spaces into “parklets” is gaining traction. These tiny green parks are part of a trend in urban rewilding by individuals that is boosting biodiversity across the world.
Leen Schelfhout, a Brussels resident, turned a 12 sq metre area in front of her garage into a garden after moving to the city in February 2020. Despite letters from the council saying the space was for cars, she persisted. In May 2020, the council removed her garden at 5am, but neighbours rallied, bringing flowers to start a new one. Schelfhout discovered an obscure 150-year-old law allowing gardens on hand carts, so she placed her garden on a cart and paid a €28 annual ticket. The council has since left her alone. “When I arrived in this neighbourhood I didn’t know anyone, and now we know everybody. I have my garden to thank for that,” she said.
Mark Preston, also in Brussels, created a parklet in 2020 without authorisation, inspired by Schelfhout’s Citizen Garden. He and colleagues took advantage of a legal grey area in the highway code, placing a green mat and planter five metres from a pedestrian crossing. Cars repeatedly destroyed it, but after discussions with the council, they now have a permanent parklet with a bike rack and concrete block for protection. “My favourite thing is walking up to the window and looking at people admiring it as they walk past. No one is going to do that with a Fiat Panda parked there,” Preston said.
The parklet movement is also growing in the UK. A former Labour councillor for Hackney Central created a parklet two and a half years ago with his wife, painting it for the Queen’s jubilee. He had lobbied the council for years, and the scheme was eventually opened to residents. “What is important is having streets with more flowers and fewer cars,” he said.
