Bentonville Parklets

A parklet is a small seating area or green space created as a public amenity, often built in place of a roadside parking spot.

We were commissioned by the Bentonville Chamber of Commerce to build nearly ten parklets throughout downtown Bentonville between 2019 and 2021. Designed to support restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic, these parklets provided expanded outdoor seating options and helped local businesses stay connected to their community.

Each parklet followed one of several layout options, allowing businesses to choose a setup that matched their space and needs—varying in size, seating capacity, and design complexity. Our team handled all things wood: we built the decking from pressure-treated pine for long-term durability, and crafted all the built-in seating and furniture from locally sourced Eastern Aromatic Cedar. Built for public use, these parklets had to balance sturdiness with warmth—functional, approachable spaces with real material character.

Outdoor patio of a restaurant with wooden planters containing green plants, yellow chairs, and a round terrazzo table. People are sitting at the tables in the background, and parked cars are visible beyond the patio.

Outdoor seating area of a cafe or restaurant with wooden planters, green plants, and hanging ferns, with people sitting and talking

Outdoor patio seating area with wooden planters, green plants, yellow chairs, and people sitting and standing outside a modern brick building with large windows.

Outdoor patio with large wooden planters containing green plants with yellow and orange flowers, stacked chairs on the side, and parked cars in the background.

Large wooden planter box filled with green plants, small light bulbs along the edge, and a sign that reads 'No alcohol beyond this point, please & thank you.'

A small outdoor green space with wooden planters filled with various plants, under a black metal canopy with string lights, in an urban setting with parked cars and a building with an neon

People installing a wooden fence in front of a small building with a porch, trees, and a clear blue sky in the background.