Imagine the following: mini golf in the streets of Pioneer Square, a library of banned books curbside in Ballard, and nearly 40 feet of space for playing cornhole on a downtown street. These installations—not to mention dozens of other spaces for art, public seating, and play—were all part of last year’s PARK(ing) Day, and we’re now accepting applications to create your own pop-up park for the 2015 event!
On the third Friday in September each year, Seattle raises awareness about the importance of creating a walkable, livable, and healthy city by participating in the international PARK(ing) Day event. During this event, artists, activists, and community members convert on-street parking spaces throughout Seattle into public, temporary mini-parks. For PARK(ing) Day 2015, fun and interactive parks will be installed and staffed by groups throughout the city on Friday, September 18.
Do you have work or school during the day? We want everyone to be able to participate in PARK(ing) Day this year, so we’ve extended the hours to 10 am – 7 pm to allow more people to see the pop-up parks in their neighborhood!
Started in 2005 by San Francisco design firm Rebar, PARK(ing) Day has quickly become a widespread event globally. Community groups in over 160 cities in 35 countries have participated in the event’s efforts to encourage a sustainable urban environment. 2015 marks the ninth year Seattle has participated in PARK(ing) Day.
If you are interested in creating your own park for PARK(ing) Day, we encourage you to submit a free application to SDOT. Applicants can choose to install a park on an arterial street (two mid-block spaces required) or a residential street (one mid-block space required). The application (quick and easy to complete!) must be submitted to David.Burgesser@seattle.gov by August 28.
For more information about PARK(ing) Day in Seattle please visit www.Seattle.gov/transportation/seattleparkingday.htm where you can find the design guidelines, application, and photos from past PARK(ing) Days and more.