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Free PARK(ing) For Everyone
- Author: Katrina Yulo
- Posted on: Friday September 25, 2009 at 6:00 PM
- Filed under: exclusive, environment
Any seasoned city dweller can tell you that parking is a b*tch. Actually, let me restate that. Having to deal with parking meters is a b*tch. Jiggling about for quarters, running back to your car so you don't get fined and arguing with irritable (and sometimes unreasonable) ticket-happy meter maids is something city drivers dread on a day-to-day basis.
So what do other people do? Walk. Bike. Take Public Transportation. Lowers your stress levels and fuel emissions as well.
Even smarter?
Rebar, a San Francisco-based interdisciplinary art collective, came up with a fun new day in SF, called PARK(ing) Day, in which citizens throughout the city were encouraged to take over city parking spaces for a day (while obeying the law and paying the meter by the hour) and turn the spaces into playgrounds and parks.
This year's PARK(ing) Day took place Sept 18th in the SF and the outcome was priceless:
On PARK(ing) Day, there are no apparent rules; it's a design free-for-all as people break out the lounge chairs, astroturf, kiddie pools and house plants throughout the city. An architecture firm, Interstice Architects, even went around giving away free trees to various PARKing spots.
The concept is that PARKers temporarily reclaiming what is now 70% of downtown outdoor space dedicated solely to the gas-guzzling automobile.
Just think about it- no car means more exercise and a better urban environment.
It's a great political statement....Not to mention a really fun excuse to ditch the day job and lounge in the sun...
The event no longer solely resides in SF but now has a global following. Anyone and everyone can be part of PARK(ing) Day Community. If you're interested in joining up, visit their network website here.
Who says a day of fun in the sun can't be for a cause?
Photo Cred: Misha @ Photosmug
