Are you interested in seeing a long-term version of the parklets program in Downtown Lawrence?

If you’ve been to Downtown Lawrence over the past year, you've probably noticed that some of our local businesses have extended their operations into “parklets,” seating areas located in parking spaces on Massachusetts and surrounding streets. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Lawrence started a Downtown Temporary Right-of-Way program, also known as the parklet program, as a way for businesses to continue generating revenue while functioning safely while under public health orders. 

A long-term parklet program would look different than what is currently in place, as we would consider additional logistics, with long-term effects. This includes parking, fire code, safety regulations, Right-of-Way permits, historic design guidelines, equity among our local businesses, parking, and more. More information is here: lawrenceks.org/community-engagement/parklets

As the temporary parklet program is set to expire on December 31, 2021, the Lawrence City Commission asked City staff to implement a community engagement process to better understand community perspectives on parklets and whether residents and businesses would like to see the city coordinate a long-term parklet program after the current one expires. You can help by providing your responses to the survey, below.