International Parklet Symposium, California

City streets have evolved over the last two decades to meet new challenges and complexities. Parklets, pedestrian plazas, open streets celebrations and other interventions have been at the forefront sparking joy and imaginging possibilities for transforming urban places. The International Parklet Symposium, California gathers experts from across North America to exchange ideas for adapting streets to the challenges in the decade to come.

Parklets and open streets are vital to the future of public space policies, design, implementation, and impact. The Symposium brought together inter-disciplinary and multi-sector experts such as architects and designers, urban planners, policymakers, and community leaders to showcase case studies, host panel discussions and interactive workshops, and foster dialogue around sustainable urbanism and placemaking. 

Representatives from Canada, Mexico, and across the United states gathered at The Center for Architecture + Design on day one; Thursday, April 10. The San Francisco Bay Area Urban and Regional Planning Association hosted days two and three, Friday April 11-12.

In addition to Proceedings from the program, the Symposium is publishing a California Open Streets White Paper. The White Paper will outline imperatives and opportunities for public policy and programs in California to advance the transformation of our public realm through re-adaptation of existing infrastructure. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic advocate, this symposium offers a platform to shape California’s streetscape for a more connected and inclusive future.

The International Parklet Symposium, California features presentations and site tours that showcase innovative approaches, best practices, and critical reflections on parklet design, policy initiatives, implementation, and community impact. International presentations are included; as is a focus on California-specific contexts for parklets, considering urban density, climate, and diverse community needs. Contributors include design practitioners, urban planners, government agencies, policymakers, researchers, and community organizations. The program will feature cross-disciplinary perspectives that bridge urban design, environmental studies, public health, and social equity.  Content will focus on case studies, theoretical explorations, policy frameworks, or creative interventions and future proposals. Friday afternoon is dedicated to site tours that highlight exemplary parklets or related public space projects across San Francisco.

The International Parklet Symposium, California features presentations and site tours that showcase innovative approaches, best practices, and critical reflections on parklet design, policy initiatives, implementation, and community impact. International presentations are included; as is a focus on California-specific contexts for parklets, considering urban density, climate, and diverse community needs. Contributors include design practitioners, urban planners, government agencies, policymakers, researchers, and community organizations. The program will feature cross-disciplinary perspectives that bridge urban design, environmental studies, public health, and social equity.  Content will focus on case studies, theoretical explorations, policy frameworks, or creative interventions and future proposals. Friday afternoon is dedicated to site tours that highlight exemplary parklets or related public space projects across San Francisco.

The International Parklet Symposium, California Report-Out Book is a comprehensive written recording of the sessions and their contents.

About three-quarters of the Symposium budget went towards local vendors and nonprofits. Curious about what else it took to put on the International Parklet Symposium?  The Fiscal Impact Report breaks down the Symposium’s impact from sponsorships, in-kind donations, and for women- and minority-owned businesses. All contributions were tax-deductible.

Earlybird Registration: Friday, February 28th through 5:00 PST Wednesday, March 19th
$75.00 USD

Late Registration: Thursday, March 20th through Saturday, April 12th
$95.00 USD

For those who register before 5:00 PST Friday, April 4th, registration guarantees morning refreshments on Days 1, 2, and 3;
lunch on Days 1 and 2; and an evening hosted opening reception on Day 1.

Up to 12 Learning Units: American Institute of Architects.
Up to 8 Certification Maintenance credits: American Institute of Certified Planners / APA (self-reported)
Continuing Education credits: American Society of Landscape Architects (self-reported, varies by your licensing state)

The California Parklet & Open Streets White Paper was published in October 2025.

This White Paper distills key recommendations, policies, and regulations at the state and local levels. It outlines imperatives and opportunities for public policy and programs in to advance the transformation of our public realm through re-adaptation of existing infrastructure.