Parklet races to completion for holiday weekend

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

Downtown may have some extra seating for this weekend’s Independence Day activities as Dave Davidson nears the completion of a new parklet outside of his Dean Treats ice cream shop.

“We’re shooting for the 4th of July,” said Davidson, who has been working on developing the outdoor seating area since opening his shop last year.

After working out a lease agreement with the city, Davidson has been getting everything in place for the 80-foot parklet to run alongside his business on Kelly Street. Concrete blocks have been lined along the perimeter and the floor and seating is coming in as Davidson, along with enlisted help from family and friends, works on finishing the project.

“The rain set us back a little bit, but we’re hoping to really get after it,” said Davidson.

Planning on nine tables with 27 chairs plus bench seating, the parklet will have plenty of places to sit to enjoy a summer ice cream cone. Eventually, Davidson intends to be able to serve drinks and hot food as well, but for the upcoming weekend the new menu may be a work in progress.

“We’re not going to have beer and wine, but we hope to have some food items,” said Davidson about initial additional offerings.

Likewise, Davidson said he plans to continue to build up the parklet, adding decorative plants and lights once the necessities are in.

“It will be cool when it’s done,” said Davidson.