Hackney Council’s call for innovative mini-park ideas in the borough has divided opinion among Stoke Newington residents in a community Facebook group.
Mini-parks or parklets are small seating areas, typically installed in residential parking spaces or on the pavements, which are designed for public usage. There are 10 existing parklets in Hackney, but residents in the Facebook group Stokey Folks 2.0 are in disagreement about how useful they are.
Mixed reviews from residents
Stoke Newington resident, Aaron Fenton-Hewitt, told The Hackney Post: “It represents a shift in power from motorists to cyclists under this green agenda. It’s a class issue…the working-class individual barely has enough to get by, and now they want to take away their parking spaces? And for what, so they can sit and drink tea?”
The Council said the parklets aim to benefit the local community by making residential streets greener and reducing the presence of vehicles. However, some residents have argued that more funding should be allocated to the borough’s existing green spaces.
“Parklets are deliberately divisive, costly and elitist,” said Hackney resident, Mark Chapman, to The Hackney Post. “Many residents who don’t want one on their doorstep will be drowned out by organised groups and businesses sponsoring parklets. Why not…let people who want to manage a park take over one of Hackney’s many neglected green spaces?”
Another resident, Scott Sinclair, told The Hackney Post that the parklet project drains taxpayer money that should be spent on “vital services,” such as healthcare and the housing crisis.
“Parklets provide no real benefits: they take up parking spaces and are also stupidly irresponsible making people ‘sit’ in between parked cars,” said Sinclair. “They’re currently costing us money and are not what the people of this borough want. We want affordable housing as a priority.”
In support of the green intiative
However, Dave Wainwright supports the parklet scheme. He told The Hackney Post: “I think streets are for sharing with pedestrians and cyclists, not just cars. Most people living in Hackney don’t own a car, and rely on public transport, walk or cycle. If parklets make the streets a little bit more pleasant that would be great, so let’s give them a go.”
??? If you are a Hackney resident or business owner: Hackney Council has reopened it's parklet programme.
Get your application in! https://t.co/JHenwoj6px— London Parklet Campaign (@LondonParklet) March 23, 2022
In Hackney Council’s press release, Councillor Mete Coban, said: “We’re passionate about introducing more parklets in Hackney, as a way to improve our public spaces, get communities together and support people’s wellbeing. From seeing parklets dotted around the borough, I know the joy they can bring to people. The existing parklets brighten up the streets and make you smile.”
Parklet submissions are open to anyone in the borough, from local resident communities to businesses.
Hackney Council has been approached for comment.
To register interest for applying for a parklet scheme, go to https://hackney.gov.uk/parklets
READ MORE about Hackney Council’s efforts to help the climate:
Hackney Council launches zero waste hub
Councillor Mete Coban promises to address climate crisis following citizens’ assembly
