Provided photo Some of New Ulm’s downtown businesses this summer will feature parklets like this one, where street parking spaces are reconfigured into areas for people to sit and relax and enjoy the weather.

NEW ULM — Downtown Minnesota Street could receive its first parklet in front of Mn Eis.

The ice cream shop submitted an application to use two parking spaces in front of the business for a parklet.

A parklet is a sidewalk extension that provides additional space and amenities for people using the street. Common parklet designs feature benches or picnic tables.

In February 2021, New Ulm approved the parklet program. Parklets are allowed along Minnesota Street between 4th North and 3rd South streets.

Parklets are also allowed on side streets between Broadway and Minnesota streets, including 3rd North, 2nd North, 1st North, Center Street, 1st South, 2nd South and 3rd South.

MN Eis is the first to submit an application for the program. The parklet agreement requires MN Eis to maintain the space.

The application requires a petition signed by 60% of the first-floor proprietors of the block. MN Eis has received a petition signed by 65% of the proprietors.

The City Council will consider the parklet petition during Tuesday’s meeting. If approved, MN Eis would be allowed to use the public right-of-way for the parklet from May 1 to November 1.