Build your own ‘street scene’ in downtown Morgan Hill

In an effort to explore the viability of “parklets” that have become a trend in larger cities to the north, and to bring more visitors to Morgan Hill on one of the busiest shopping days of the holiday season, the Morgan Hill Downtown Association is accepting applications to transform a select number of downtown parking spaces into “downtown street scenes” on Nov. 30.
In conjunction with the City of Morgan Hill and the Morgan Hill Tourism Alliance, MHDA is sponsoring the one-day effort to transform 10 parking spaces on Monterey Road, between Second and Third streets, into public spaces where businesses or organizations have the opportunity to create their very own “street scene,” according to MHDA Manager Raquel Crowell.
The scenes will be active from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 30.
“It’s a test to see how parklets would do in Morgan Hill,” Crowell said.
Plus, as the first Saturday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 30 is promoted by retailers as “Small Business Saturday,” potentially attracting large shopping crowds to the downtown and other areas where small businesses are prevalent.
Applicants for downtown street scenes must be based permanently in Morgan Hill, though not necessarily downtown, Crowell explained. Application forms ask for descriptions of the scenes or themes they hope to depict if they are designated a spot, as well as a diagram of how they intend to set up their 20-by-6-foot spot.
“From lounges and art displays to bicycle parking and gardens, there are no limits on creativity,” reads a press release from the MHDA.
The MHDA and the City have designated five adjacent parking spots on each side of Monterey Road for the one-day parklet trial. Some materials, including green carpeting for each spot and some traffic barriers to separate the downtown scenes from passing traffic, will be provided. But selected applicants will be asked to provide most of their own materials.
The effort is not intended for merchants or businesses to use the spot to display their merchandise. Rather, it’s more about creating a relaxing yet active vibe for downtown visitors, Crowell explained.
Permanent parklet development has caught on in cities like San Francisco, where City planners and open space advocates have promoted the idea vigorously in recent years.
A section of the San Francisco planning department’s website defines parklets as “aesthetic enhancements to the streetscape, providing an economical solution to the need for increased public open space. They provide amenities like seating, planting, bike parking and art. While parklets are funded and maintained by neighboring businesses, residents and community organizations, they are publicly accessible and open to all.”
Applications for a Morgan Hill downtown street scene are due to the MHDA by Nov. 15. Application forms are available from the MHDA.