Pueblo's downtown parklets, born out of COVID indoor dining closures, are here to stay

Here's one lingering side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic that Pueblo won't mind: The small outdoor seating areas called parklets that started popping up at restaurants in 2020 are here to stay. 

The city of Pueblo obtained 20 parklets and launched the Pueblo Outdoor Patio Program with federal funds received through the CARES Act, said Haley Sue Robinson, city director of public affairs. 

A few of the parklets are available to businesses considering outdoor expansion.

“Of the 20 total we got, 14 have been in use since COVID and six are available for lease,” said Kelly Grisham, project coordinator for the city’s public works department. “Four of those available for lease came from the Senate Bar & Grill."

The Senate gave up its parklets when it built a permanent patio in the spot where the parklets had been located. 

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“From what I’ve gathered, the parklets have been really successful and a lot of people really like them,” Grisham said. 

The parklets feature a raised floor that meets the curb to allow for Americans with Disabilities Act access. Railings cover the three sides that project into the street area that was formerly occupied by parking spots.  

Those available for lease are 10-by-10-feet, just slightly larger than the 8-by-10-foot parklets that are prevalent on Union Avenue. 

The parklets initially were made available at no cost, but now the city proposes an annual $50 lease. Applicants also must cover the cost to change signage or revamp landscaping needed to accommodate the parklets, Grisham said. 

A one-time cash bond of $100 is required and will be reimbursed if businesses keep the parklets for at least a year. 

Papa Jose's Union Café, 320 S. Union Ave., plans to keep its three parklets when longtime cook and business partner Luis “Danny” Montes reopens the eatery later this month. The popular Mexican restaurant closed in mid-March for renovations overseen by the building’s new owner.

"Once a business or restaurant determines they’d like a parklet, they can submit their request to the public works department and then it’s reviewed within two to four weeks,” Robinson said. “Other steps include a lease agreement, revocable permit and, if necessary, a liquor license modification to accommodate restaurants who serve alcohol.” 

Interested business owners are encouraged to call public works at 719-553-2295 for more information. 

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Chieftain reporter Tracy Harmon covers business news. She can be reached by email at tharmon@chieftain.com or via Twitter at twitter.com/tracywumps.