Parklets Provide Seating For Endless Summer Entertainment At Shoal Bay Photo Gallery Port Stephens Port Stephens News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - March 17, 2021 Stilt walkers dressed as a mermaid and pirate entertaining locals at Shoal Bay. Photo by Marian Sampson. SHOAL Bay got an injection of vibrancy in the newly activated parklets which have been installed outside some businesses on the main street. The parklets were originally destined for Nelson Bay, however traders felt that loss of parking spaces was detrimental to business and given that there were further opportunities for street dining the parklets have been relocated to Shoal Bay. The parklets occupy five parking spaces commencing east of the 15 minute parking zone outside the chemist and heading towards the Country Club. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au While five spaces have been lost on the main road an additional seven spaces have been created in the street which runs parallel to the beach. The informal car park on the corner of Government Road Shoal Bay at the traffic lights is about to be improved with marked spaces creating an additional 30 parking spaces to cater for the busy holiday traffic. Mayor Ryan Palmer told News Of The Area, “The parklets were originally destined for Nelson Bay as a part of a shared spaces grant. “The aim is to get people out and about and back into the street.” Local business operator Dave Harding told News Of The Area, “It brings outdoor seating areas, brightens Shoal Bay up and creates a vibrant atmosphere.” “It brightens the joint up, and opens new opportunities for business.” The parklets have been installed just in time for Council’s endless summer entertainment program which will see artists performing on the streets of Shoal Bay on 13 March from 5-9pm, 20 March from 6-8pm, 27 March from 5-7pm and 10 April 5-7pm. Thursday saw the launch of the parklets which are not quite finished, safety barriers are still to be installed to stop pedestrian movement from the parklets onto the busy road. You can check out the scheduled performances at www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au/endlesssummer. By Marian SAMPSON Mayor Ryan Palmer toasting the parklets. Photo by Marian Sampson. Abbey serving Councillor Dunkley a coffee in the newly installed parklet. Photo by Marian Sampson. Locals kicking back enjoying a meal and the free entertainment which included sea shanties and classic easy listening music from one of the parklets. Photo by Marian Sampson. A happy Dave Harding is waiting for the benefits of the parklet to roll into his beachside business. Photo by Marian Sampson.
