The third Friday in September is always designated International PARK(ing) Day. It’s a day when groups all over the world transform metered parking spaces into public spaces. In the past, we have seen these spaces transitioned into golf putting holes, picnic areas, lounges, and performance spaces. These temporary micro parks are created to show people that a parking space can have much more value.
Just take a look at Hamilton, Ontario. In Hamilton, restaurants have been allowed to turn their metered parking spaces into seasonal patios. There’s nothing better than sitting down to eat a burger at HMBRGR (some of the best burgers you will ever eat) and relax on a detached patio. Not only is it refreshingly different, it’s a great way to calm traffic. Unfortunately, the City of Buffalo still can not wrap its head around the beauty of this type of initiative (see here).
I’m sure that many of the more permanent ideas for transitioning metered parking spaces into public spaces come from the efforts behind International PARK(ing) Day, which is why it’s always so important to remember and recognize this day dedicated to ongoing urbanist efforts.
In the past, Buffalo has participated in International PARK(ing) Day (see here). Some years the efforts have been more widespread than others. Last year Joy Kuebler, Daniel Seiders, and Crystal Surdyk managed to pull one off. As for 2018, we have not heard any rumblings about anyone orchestrating any PARK(ing) Day micropark efforts, but we will keep our noses to the ground.
In the meantime, this type of grassroots effort can be pulled off by anyone. If you do decide to do something along these lines in 2018, remember that this is somewhat of a rogue undertaking. As with previous years, the national group that started the initiative advises that people contact their police district to inform them that they are taking part in the worldwide event.
International PARK(ing) Day 2018 is Friday, September 21, 2018
If you are planning on taking park in this worldwide undertaking, please send an email to newell@buffaloRising.com, and share the details.
Lead image: International PARK(ing) Day 2017