Rakesh Kumar of Jedii Construction, right, works on the first of Masterton’s parklets, with Leon White, outside the Don Luciano Cafe. PHOTO/STEVE RENDLE
Masterton Mayor Lyn Patterson has vowed to dust off her dancing shoes for the Latin fiesta launch of the first ‘parklet’ to be developed as part of a revamp of the centre of town.
King St will be transformed into a mini Latin America today from 2.30-4.30pm, with salsa dancing, music, and activities to entertain all ages including a pinata game, limbo and face-painting.
‘Parklets’ are public areas installed in place of parking spaces, with the first, dubbed ‘Latin Corner’, outside the Don Luciano cafe.
It will be an extension of the cafe during business hours, and free for public use the rest of the time.
Patterson said it was exciting to see change taking shape in the town centre.
“The parklet concept gives us an opportunity to explore ideas and how our community might use new public spaces,” she said.
“The idea of a parklet is simple, but the benefits can be significant for the people and nearby businesses.
“I’m looking forward to dusting off my dancing shoes and joining in on the fiesta fun.”
The first phase of the town centre revamp involves reimagining how existing public spaces are used, including transforming vehicle parks into temporary parklets.
These will remain in place for about two months.
The second phase will involve using what is learned from the temporary public spaces to create permanent changes.
