SHOAL Bay got an injection of vibrancy in the newly activated parklets which have been installed outside some businesses on the main street.
The parklets were originally destined for Nelson Bay, however traders felt that loss of parking spaces was detrimental to business and given that there were further opportunities for street dining the parklets have been relocated to Shoal Bay.
The parklets occupy five parking spaces commencing east of the 15 minute parking zone outside the chemist and heading towards the Country Club.
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While five spaces have been lost on the main road an additional seven spaces have been created in the street which runs parallel to the beach.
The informal car park on the corner of Government Road Shoal Bay at the traffic lights is about to be improved with marked spaces creating an additional 30 parking spaces to cater for the busy holiday traffic.
Mayor Ryan Palmer told News Of The Area, “The parklets were originally destined for Nelson Bay as a part of a shared spaces grant.
“The aim is to get people out and about and back into the street.”
Local business operator Dave Harding told News Of The Area, “It brings outdoor seating areas, brightens Shoal Bay up and creates a vibrant atmosphere.”
“It brightens the joint up, and opens new opportunities for business.”
The parklets have been installed just in time for Council’s endless summer entertainment program which will see artists performing on the streets of Shoal Bay on 13 March from 5-9pm, 20 March from 6-8pm, 27 March from 5-7pm and 10 April 5-7pm.
Thursday saw the launch of the parklets which are not quite finished, safety barriers are still to be installed to stop pedestrian movement from the parklets onto the busy road.
You can check out the scheduled performances at www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au/endlesssummer.
By Marian SAMPSON
