Crowds-there seem to be quite a lot of people that run through this area everday just like me. There didn't seem to be a commonality in those that sat and those that just ran by. Although I have always noticed that there always seem to be more people gathering around these parklets, its a though route to take for those commuters just interested in getting from one point to another. As a commuter in the morning, I have become use to the dodge and weave game. I find myself easily annoyed at the tourist that just stop in front of Macys to take a look as I try to plow through.
The Seated-There always seem to be less people sitting in the morning than during the afternoon commute. It was a Friday at rush hour when I deciced to stop and take advantage of the parklet. I noticed immediately, how many people seemed to be waiting. Only a few had coffee or food or seemed to be set up for a long visit. A lot of visitors seemed to be watching people just like I was or seemed to be waiting for someone else.
The parket stucture-The parklet is designated with potted plants and painted concrete pavement. Benches, chairs, and tables some with umbrella are scattered throughout the strectch of parklet. The chairs seem to travel, being relocated to different spaces depending on thier need. There is a bike path designated but commuting crowds seem to be using the bike path more than bikers. The commuting walkers seem to seek out an uncrowded path for walking not covered with scafolding or chairs. A lot of chairs were pushed up against planting walls lining the bike path. Most of these chairs and the adjacent benches were occupied with people. Most of these people seemed to be alone, people-watching just like me. The tables for the most part were either occupied with a single person that seemed like they were going to stay a while (with food or a book) or by multiple people convering,
The population-The types of people that occupied the parklet did not seem to fit one particular profile. Although the children present seemed to be with tourist. The groups of full families did not seem to be locals just enjoying their neighborhood park.
The images below show both the commuting crowds and the seated waiters on a Friday rushhour:
Overall, I would say that the Herald Square parklet is sucessful as a place for transient visitors and a wayfinding tool for outsiders.
As I have been discovering New York over these past few months, I frequently have compared it to my former DC home. Would a parklet work in DC? Do parks even work in DC? There seems to be far fewer people that need spaces like these in DC. It is fairly easy to drive into DC and if you are seeking out a park to relax in you can easily visit the destination parks like the national mall or one of the squares. The parklets in NY seem necessary as there is just no place to sit and wait or relax for a minute or meet someone. I think spaces and places like this are important for this city but I don't know how relavant or useful they would be in a less crowded city where people drive.
