Today is PARK(ing) Day

Around the world, people are celebrating PARK(ing) Day, where artists and community members temporarily transform parking spaces into public parks and other social spaces. According to Feet First, “Fifteen on-street parking spaces across Seattle, from Rainier Valley to Fremont neighborhoods, will be occupied by public parks for the day between the hours of 9:00 a.m and 3:00 p.m.” Here is a map of Seattle’s participation.

From the Seattle Department of Transportation:

This year, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) and Latino City Employees with the help of Feet First are creating a park to raise awareness about important issues like creating a walkable, livable, healthy city and to kick-off the Latino Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15). We will have lawn games, chairs, music, and information about the City’s Race and Social Justice Initiative, SDOT services, and events to celebrate the Latino and Hispanic Heritage Month. Downtown employees and residents are invited to bring a lunch and join us on Fifth Avenue between Columbia and Marion in front of the Bank of America building between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

PARK(ing) Day was started in 2005 by Rebar, a San Francisco-based art and design studio. Last year, more than 800 “PARK” installations popped up in more than 180 cities in 30 countries on six continents. To learn more, visit the PARK(ing) Day site.