Park yourself — in a mini green space or play space you create yourself on a city street.
In the annual worldwide Park(ing) Day event, to be held September 19 this year, artists, designers and citizens transform metered parking spots into temporary public parks.
Our friends at Zipcar Seattle had a contest at the 2013 Park(ing) Day for who could spin up the most miles in a short time frame. For a little while, Jack Hilovsky in our office held the top spot.
In some cities you’ll have to plug the meter all day to take over a space. In other towns it’s managed through a formal permit process. Either way, getting a lot of people to do it can make for a fun festival atmosphere throughout your downtown. To get a taste of what it can be like, check out the Seattle Bike Blog’s photo tour by bike.
Want to be a Placemaker?
- Download the free resource manual from Park(ing) Day.
- Read the Park(ing) Day license/release (PDF).
- Check with your local street or transportation department on their rules. You want to have fun, not get busted.
- Add your space to the map on the Park(ing) Day site.
- Let us know you’re creating a space and send us a photo. We’ll feature it on our Facebook and do a post here with a slideshow to inspire others for next year.
Park(ing) Day Sites in Washington State
We’ll update this list as we hear of additional Washington towns where people plan to make their streets a bit more livable for a day.
- Seattle had 45 parks in 2013. In 2014, the day falls at the end of the Seattle Design Festival (Sept. 5-19), creating a great conclusion to this multi-day event with the theme “Design in Motion.” Permit application and other information. Permit deadline: Aug. 29.
- Tacoma’s Downtown on the Go program is encouraging people to participate this year. Contact DOTG Coordinator Meagan Kula at meagank@tacomachamber.org or 253-682-1734. Permit deadline: Aug. 22.
