From Parking to Park-Until the Meter Runs Out

By Jessica Boehland

On September 19, 2008, citizens around the world will transform metered parking spaces into temporary parks as part of the fourth annual National PARK(ing) Day. According to the Rebar Group, the art collective behind the idea, more than 70% of most cities’ outdoor space is dedicated to private vehicles, leaving little room for public space, including parks. The event’s mission, according to Rebar, is “to rethink the way streets are used, call attention to the need for urban parks, and improve the quality of urban human habitat—at least until the meter runs out!”

PARK(ing) Day was born in 2005, when Rebar commandeered a single parking space in San Francisco’s financial district, providing, by Rebar’s calculations, “24,000 square-foot-minutes” of open space in an area underserved by parks. The concept has been gaining momentum ever since: 2006 saw 47 parks in 13 cities, 2007 saw more than 200 parks in 50 cities, and 2008 is expected to up the ante again. “What began as a simple, playful idea has become a lively and visible symbol of the desire to reprogram the street and increase public open space in all cities all over the planet,” according to the group.

The Trust for Public Land (TPL) has been supporting the event since 2006. “TPL is a parks-for-people organization, so we get to celebrate parks each day,” says the nonprofit’s Matthew Shaffer, “but we rarely get to directly ask the public to celebrate with us—certainly not to this degree.” Shaffer says the creativity surrounding the event is thrilling. “We’ve seen dog parks, and fitness parks, and chalk parks, and all varieties of art park installations,” he says, “but my favorites are always the classics: the grass, bench, and plants, trees, and flowers—the places to take a break and get a little touch of nature.”

Rebar suggests choosing a metered parking spot in a pleasant location, preferably in a neighborhood underserved by public open space. Don’t forget to pay the meter, reminds Rebar, and “be ready to deal with police, traffic enforcement officers, or people angry about you occupying a parking space. Keep in mind that you are acting in the public interest to add to the health, comfort, and vitality of your city.” Shaffer says that it’s “pretty rare” for police officers or traffic authorities to shut down the parks. In fact, he says, in several cities the traffic departments are directly involved in planning the events. “That collaboration with the city is becoming the norm,” he adds.

PARK(ing) Day is an all-volunteer event, and the organizers welcome new participants. Details are online at www.parkingday.org.

This article was produced by BuildingGreen, LLC.- www.buildinggreen.com