From San Francisco to New York City to Milwaukee, parklets are becoming increasingly more popular. Parklets are public spaces that are sometimes used as small parks or, more commonly, street patios which are approved by the city but operated by a bar or restaurant. They are extensions of the sidewalk that are usually built in front of a restaurant or bar in former parking spaces. 

The City of Milwaukee currently has five active parklets: Divino Wine & Dine, 2315 N. Murray Ave.; Club Charlie's, 320 E. Menomonee St.; The Pub Club, 1103 N. Old World Third St.; Shaker's Cigar Bar,  422 S. 2nd St.; and Black Sheep,  216 S. 2nd St. There is currently one being constructed in front of Movida, 524 S. 2nd St.

Parklets are not permanent and are legal only between March 15 and Nov. 15 to prevent issues with snow removal.

In order to build a parklet, a business owner must contact the Department of Public Works (DPW) staff to evaluate the proposed location for appropriateness, provide design guidance, and provide the necessary permits and licenses. The process includes obtaining the Special Privilege, a Common Council action that allows the parklet to occupy the public right-of-way.

"There is an annual fee with the Special Privilege," says Sandra Rusch Walton, the DPW’s communications manager.

The applicant also must obtain or modify an existing food and / or alcohol license through the City Clerk License Division.

Jake Dehne, the owner of The Pub Club, opened a parklet to the public on May 29. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t favorable and so it wasn’t utilized until early June. Dehne says he uses the term "street patio" because the word "parklet" was confusing to some customers.

The Pub Club will offer a Sunday Funday on the patio with brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., live music, $2 tacos from 3 p.m. until close and drink specials.

The patio is smoke-free before 9 p.m. every night and open until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

"So far, the response has been very positive; a lot of people love the idea and the ability to be outside for dining. Many have said it changes the feel of Old World Third Street to not only have nightlife but daytime activity since we are open for lunch," says Dehne.

Because parklets jut out into the street, the question of safety often arises. In Los Angeles, a driver crashed into a parklet and, although nothing this tragic has happened in Brew City, some Milwaukeeans still say they feel safer sitting on the sidewalk or in a patio behind the business.

"The idea of sitting on a (parklet) for lunch is OK, but I don’t think I would feel comfortable sitting there at midnight on a Saturday night," says frequent Milwaukee diner, Debra Price. "I guess it would depend on where it was located. On a busy street, no, but a quieter one? Maybe."

In the case of an accident, the restaurant or bar, not the city, accepts responsibility.

"The Special Privilege outlines insurance requirements and maintenance and removal responsibilities," says Walton.

Dehne says, so far, only a few customers have brought up the issue of parklet safety and he firmly believes they are safe.

"We didn’t cut any corners and built it very solid and we only went 7 1/2 feet out into the parking space when you are allowed eight feet," he says. "We also added reflectors and orange barrels to help make drivers aware."

The location of his street patio – on Old World Third Street – contributes to the lack of danger, says Dehne.

"There is a stop light and cobble stone intersection that stops cars half the time and also most people drive slowly over the cobblestones so there are rarely cars going over the speed limit," he says. "The patio has been very popular and is full for drinks and dinner on the weekends so many people find it to be safe and an enjoyable experience."

Walton says the process for permitting parklets is still evolving.

"The Department of Public Works is working to formalize the process to provide for all necessary safety precautions to protect people enjoying a parklet and the traveling public," she says.