A Parklet Grows in Fair Haven

Kassandra Leiva, a co-designer of the parklet, installs the tree canopy.

Anyone walking a hot stretch of sidewalk along Grand Avenue now has an inviting spot to rest in the shade, talk to neighbors, and watch children play.

The oasis is called a "parklet," and was designed by two Yale graduate students who won New Haven's first Parklet Design Competition, a collaboration between GoNewHavenGo, the Department of Transportation, Traffic and Parking and MakeHaven.

After months of planning and construction, the Urban Canopy Parklet opened at 379 Grand Avenue, and involved the collaboration of local businesses, the community management team, and local nonprofits including the New Haven Land Trust and EMERGE.
The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven provided a $2,000 year-round small grant in support of the project to the fiscal sponsor, Urban Resources Initiative.

In addition to shade and seating, The Urban Canopy Parklet provides a learning opportunity. The canopy is constructed in the shape of New Haven's five most prominent street trees (red maple, elm, sweetgum, pin oak and plane), and the designers created drawers that are filled educational facts about them.

Read more about the Urban Canopy Parklet in the Arts Paper.

Did you know?

A parklet is a sidewalk extension providing public space and amenities for people using the street. Parklets can include seating, recreation, green space, and other elements.

This story is part of the Inspiration Monday story series produced by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven.