Project Specs:
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Application: Parklets
Product: Light Grey ISOFR Safe-T-Span® Aquagrate® Pultruded Grating
Overview
Often referred to askerbside seats or street seats, parklets convert kerbside parking spaces into vibrant community spaces. They are created through partnerships between the city and local businesses, residents, and community groups. Parklets typically include seating, greenery, and/ or bike racks and serve an unmet need for public space on busy retail streets or commercial areas.
Problem
In 2020 and into 2021, many restaurants closed their indoor dining, so the next best option was to create a space outdoors. Parklets became a dining solution for many restaurants. It is common to find parklets constructed out of wood or metal; however, these materials require extensive maintenance and preservation measures. Eventually, wooden parklets will become troublesome due to splintering and rotting wood caused by time in the outdoor elements. Similarly, metal parklets would severely rust and corrode.
Solution
The customer was interested in constructing a parklet using materials that would provide a long-life cycle, would require virtually no maintenance, and would blend with the beautiful surroundings. Their local Fibergrate territory manager had worked on similar projects in the past, so he suggested they use Glass reinforced plastic (GRP) Safe-T-Span® pultruded grating. In order to provide a cooler walking surface, they decided to use a light grey colour. The Aqua Grit surface was chosen to provide a slip-free solution that is comfortable for pedestrian traffic.
Using Fibergrate GRP will not only provide a safe and comfortable walking surface, but the corrosion resistant properties of ISOFR resin will allow the application to have a significantly longer life cycle while requiring less maintenance. Fibergrate grating can also be cut to size on size leaving less room for error.
The parklets turned out beautifully and are now enjoyed seasonally!
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