Park(ing) Day 2009

Last Friday was Park(ing) Day 2009, a growing movement where city parking spaces are transformed into miniature parks as a comment on public space (and the lack thereof). Here's a glimpse into Seattle's version.

September 22, 2009, 6am PDT | Tim Halbur

"Keith Harris of People's Parking Lot(s*) organized 15 mini-parks for an empty lot at Summit Avenue and East Pine Street in Capitol Hill (organizations that hosted parks, including Capitol Hill Housing and Seattle Arts and Lectures, are listed on his site). The collection of sites, called "Central Park," had a live d.j., an oversize Connect Four board, several participatory art projects and cupcakes. He also arranged an award ceremony at the conclusion of the event, the results of which are posted on his site (the grand prize went to the "air.stream" park by Signal to Noise Design).

Harris, a former structural engineer who will start a Ph.D. program this fall at University of Washington's College of Built Environments, said the day was meant to bring activity to the underutilized lot. "This is a hole in our community, so let's liven it up," he said."

Thanks to Eric Nusbaum

Full Story:

Re-Imagining Public Spaces on Park(ing) Day

Published on Monday, September 21, 2009 in Northwest Hub