Los Angeles’ First Parklet Opens on York Boulevard in Highland Park

If you live in San Francisco, you're probably familiar with <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/parklet/">parklets</a> -- the micro-parks that have been replacing parking spots in the Mission and surrounding neighborhoods in recent years. But <a href="http://inhabitat.com/losangeles/">Los Angeles</a> is far less pedestrian-friendly; LA residents couldn't possibly part with their parking spaces, could they? It turns out, they can. Earlier this week, LA officials <a href="http://la.curbed.com/archives/2013/02/las_first_parking_space_park_opens_with_reservoir_dogs_imagery.php">cut the ribbon on a parklet in Highland Park</a>, the first of four that will soon be unveiled throughout the city. The mini park features public seating and it's decorated with mosaic glass tile by Cathi Milligan.

The new parklet measures 20 feet long by about 6 feet wide, <a href="http://www.theeastsiderla.com/2013/02/york-boulevard-parklet-takes-shape/">according to The Eastsider</a>, and it cost about $30,000 to assemble.

The mini park features redwood decking, some planters that are filled with succulents and other drought-resistant plants, and seating.

The entire structure is bolted into the curb.

Glass artist and owner of the <a href="http://theglassstudio.net/" target="_blank">Glass Studio</a> Cathi Milligan is the creative force behind the glass mosaic work that is featured prominently on the new parklet.

Colorful glass tiles cover the exterior of the structure, as well as the serpentine bench and the stool seating in the middle.

Some of the mosaic tiles reference the movie “Reservoir Dogs,” which was filmed in Highland Park, reports The Eastsider, while others reference neighborhood businesses.