Park(ing) day is a global movement reclaiming streets around the world that started in 2005, when John Bela (urbanist, designer and artist) and his collaborators, later Rebar group, installed the first Park(ing) intervention on a street in downtown San Francisco.
The group found a parking space in a grey part of the town, and converted it into a mini park by installing a grass, bench and a potted tree on the concrete. Within minutes, the place was utilised by people, who were seating, eating and talking to each other. That’s when Bela and his collaborators knew they were on to something- “We created an opportunity for social interaction that wasn’t there before.” Nowadays Park(ing) Day is a global movement which advocates for safer, greener, more vibrant, connected and community friendly streets. It’s a public, participatory project where people temporarily reclaim and repurpose parking spaces into public social places including but not limited to mini parks, art installations, seating or play areas or some form of activity.
Process and approvals
A step-by-step Park(ing) Day manual is available on Parking Day website https://www.myparkingday.org/how-to You can approach it two ways, guerilla style or formally seek permission and collaborate with your Local Government. We recommend talking to your Local Government and working together as you may also be eligible for funding or in-kind support.
Ingredients:
- Artificial grass offcuts, rugs and cushions,
- Outdoor seating, swing, crates, pallets and outdoor umbrellas
- Potted plants, artworks and signs with messages
- Chalk, bubbles and games for everyone’s enjoyment
Method:
- Select a parking spot:
- Paid parking bay
- Preferably unutilised, not very vibrant and connected place
- Avoid no stopping or loading zones or any restricted spaces
- Consider what the area is lacking
Approval:
- Create a project overview/plan (idea, who, what and why)
- Seek support from local businesses, community groups and residents (letters of support will be helpful with obtaining approval and funding)
- Seek permission from you council. Discuss proposal with relevant department (usually community development or place team) and submit an event/booking application.
- Promote with the local community
On the day:
- Pay for parking (if there was no parking bay booking)
- Safely set up your project ensuring that boundaries are clear (worth looking at barrier like planters or bollards)
- Invite community to take part
- Have fun
- Take photos and videos
- Collect testimonies for any future events and funding applications
Budget:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Parking fee (if not waived by a friendly participating Local Government) | Parking fees rates if applicable |
| Materials like furniture, games, chalk etc if not provided in-kind or sourced on Buy Nothing | In-kind |
Benefits:
- More connected and engaged community!
- Project inspires community to think outside the box and take action
- Project draws attention and encourages conversation around our streets, role of the cars and people
- Project advocates for safer, greener, more vibrant and attractive streets for people
- Can be the first step towards repurposing parking spaces into community places like parklets and possibly speed reduction
