Area residents, private companies, non-profits and more to will turn parking spots into playful areas for the sixth year of Park(ing) Day, on Friday, Sept. 20, from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Chattanoogans will get the opportunity to create and enjoy numerous parklets or mini-parks constructed in downtown metered parking spaces. Park(ing) Day was created by a San Francisco based art and design studio to encourage communities to rethink the way streets are used and reinforce the need for broad-based changes to urban infrastructure to promote healthy, vibrant and walkable urban areas.
With the assistance of the City and CARTA, River City Company is organizing the 2013’s Park(ing) Day event and is looking for individuals, community groups, businesses, non-profits and others who would be interested in creating a parklet. There is no fee associated with participating in Park(ing) Day, and groups are tasked with being creative and engaging when designing and implementing their parks.
Last year, over 30 parklets were created by participants like The Company Lab, Chattanooga Zoo, Allied Arts, DeBarge Winery and more with activities ranging from mini-golf, wine tasting, a bookmobile, piano performances, jazz, corn hole, drum circles and many others.
"Chattanooga ranked in the #1 position for the most parks in the southeastern United States for Park(ing) Day 2012, and this only came about because of the support of our community,” said Buddy Shirk, organizer of 2012’s Park(ing) Day. “Park(ing) Day Chattanooga has really grown over the years, since CreateHere passed the baton along to me. I know River City Company can take it to a whole new level and was excited when they agreed to accept the baton from me."
Tiffanie Robinson, director of Creative Strategies at River City Company hopes that “Park(ing) Day will pull various groups together to create a fun and engaging event that people flock to and look forward to every year.”
To participate in Park(ing) Day, call 423 265.3700 or email parkingdaychattanooga@gmail.com with your name, organization (if applicable), phone number, preferred parking location, and planned activity.