It is September 19th- Happy PARK-ing Day!
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As the website states, "get out your benches, roll out your sod" Today is the third annual PARK(ing) Day. PARK(ing) Day is an international event that reclaims at least 200 PARKing spots in 50 cities across the world. People turning spaces into human hangout places for the day. The goal is to give residents a spot of green relief from all the asphalt and also to start a conversation about what public space is and how it should be used. You can cozy up to a park for a few moments or a few hours. Gather your coworkers, neighbors, and friends, your park is a place to relax with friends and strangers, and to chat about a multitude of urban planning topics: urban foraging, water issues, the importance of open/green space for city dwellers, etc.
How did it start?
In October 2005, the group Transportation Alternatives took over a parking spot in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. They created their first "parking spot squat", offering free bike parking and a place to sit and talk to friends and strangers alike. Coincidentally, but perhaps not surprisingly, since San Francisco sometimes seems to be New York City’s separated-at-birth twin, at the same time the folks at SF’s REBAR arts collective were also at the time cooking up a similar project. After 2005, both events merged and expanded to become what is now known as PARKing Day.
Who is behind Parking Day?
PARKing Day is organized by artists, architects, planners, advocates, and citizens working together. PARKing Day 2008 emphasizes site-specific parks tailored to the communities they are located within. Seating, art, and community involvement all make the argument for more sensible and people-friendly use of urban public space.
It exceeds New York and LA's 2007 totals. Brisbane PARK(ing) also proudly supports PARKers on Sunshine Coast, Perth, Sydney and Tasmania.
Brisbane PARK(ing) Day is an open invitation to ANYONE who cares about the design and quality of our urban places and communities. PARK(ing) Day is currently being supported by some of Brisbane's most passionate and creative individuals, businesses and groups.
