Park(ing) Day Summary

Goal/Purpose of the Event

Purpose of overall event is to engage the general public in their urban surroundings by reclaiming parking spaces and creating public parks.  Parking Day also “aims to spark a dialogue about our valuable public space and how we choose to use it.”

TOPP/TA’s goal in contributing a parking spot park was twofold: (1) to actively participate in a public space dialog, engaging regular citizens in their surroundings and (2) to raise awareness around Livable Streets issues and build morale internally.  Oh, and have a little fun in the process.

Description of Parking Spot (w/photos)

Original idea: Open Source Oasis
Parking spot was originally conceived as an “Open Source Oasis.”  Passersby were meant to contribute to space by adding origami, shifting and building with blocks, and providing information on an interactive map.  They would also be encouraged to take away keepsakes from the spot if desired (in true open source style).

The spot would use as many recycled materials as possible (found on the streets of new york). We would also solicit donations for food and drink from local businesses on the block.

Final manifestation: under (re)construction
The final spot consisted several participatory components as conceived in the original concept.  These included:

1. recycled cardboard blocks that could be stuck together with Velcro
2. origami cubes which were folded onsite and hung on a string “wall” surrounding the space
3. Sidewalk chalk to decorate open patches of pavement built into the spot.
4. Food was not donated by local businesses.  Instead, we purchased lemonade, fruit and pizza to give away to anyone walking by.
5. The outer structure was built with lumber and string, and ground covering was 24 pieces of sod.

Time and Attendance

Core Planning Team: Nathan, Carly, Lily, Nick, Sonali, Robin, Doug, Nick B-S, Vanessa, Anil, Becca

Other people who lent a hand in production and installation: Seb, Alice, Phil, Ashley

Planning: 3 major planning meetings held during lunch, Sub-committees split off to work on individual parts of the spot.  

Production: 3 major production sessions including 1 Saturday and 2 evenings after work.

Notes

Please fill in your impressions and thoughts about the day.  Put you initials next to your feedback.  Thanks!

What was most successful?­

(cc) I think we really engaged average citizens and regular New Yorkers who otherwise wouldn't have thought about parks or public space on an average day.

What was least successful?

How did people react to the final parking spot?

Memorable stories or anecdotes:

Press

• http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/09/it-is-september-19th-happy-park-ing-day.php
• http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/galleries/parking_day_in_new_york/parking_day_in_new_york.html
• http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2008/09/19/2008-09-19_trust_for_public_land_stages_parking_day.html
• http://www.wnyc.org/shows/bl/episodes/2008/09/19/segments/109611
• http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/09/19/the-year-of-the-parking-space/
• http://www.nypost.com/seven/09202008/news/regionalnews/citys_curbside_parking_129928.htm
• http://www.metropolismag.com/pov/?p=1825
• http://www.observer.com/2008/real-estate/parking-spaces-break-room-21st-century
• http://www.ny1.com/Default.aspx?ArID=86071