Local businesses now have the chance to add some extra seating and sidewalk space with a new "parklet" Gainesville officials unveiled Friday afternoon.
The structure — made partly of recycled wood — is the size of two parking spaces, and adds an extra L-shaped bench and high-top bar to the sidewalk adjacent to it.
"It's an extra place for our patrons downtown to eat or have a drink, or simply sit down and read a book," said Regina Dyer, Gainesville Main Street Manager.
Officials said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony — which was at the corner of Bradford and Spring Streets in front of Downtown Drafts — that the parklet is the only one of its kind in the state. It was built in partnership with the University of Georgia.
Some of the wood, which came from a scrap yard at the university's college of environmental design, came from a demolished home, while new boards were used for any structural pieces.
City officials are working to create a schedule and list for local businesses to utilize the parklet throughout the summer and fall.
