origins of PARK(ing) day
How it all began
PARK(ing) Day was originally created by Rebar, a San Francisco art and design collective in 2005. It's grown into an annual, one-day, global event where artists, eco-activists, and members of the public collaborate to transform parking spaces into temporary, miniature public parks.
A worldwide event
PARK(ing) Day UK is happening on 18 September 2009, thanks to the collaboration between eco car insurance provider ibuyeco and Rebar.
The event will also take place in a number of cities across the world. In 2008, there were more than 500 installations in over 100 cities across North America, South America, Europe and Australia.
To see where PARK(ing) Day is happening worldwide, visit http://www.parkingday.org/
A few parks from the past
Looking for inspiration? Here are some past parks to inspire ideas
Click image to enlarge
How to get involved in the inaugural PARK(ing) Day UK
Below are a few tips on creating your own public park in a metered car parking space. Click here for the full PARK(ing) Day manual.
1. Choosing your spot
- Find a metered parking spot where people will see and interact with it
- Consider how long you can have the space
- Avoid 'no stopping' zones, commercial loading bays or commuter lanes
- If possible find a space where you can easily take pictures or film the event
- Consider sun, shade, wind, weather and traffic as they will all impact on your installation
2. Building materials
- Don't use real grass if you can avoid it. Instead try and do something more creative and symbolic for example astro-turf, quilts, sand, gravel or carpets
- Provide a seat or two as you'll have more chance of interacting with passers-by
- Create some shade with either a tree or sails, flags or pieces of fabric
- Enclose your space. Plastic bollards linked with rope, or any other self-supporting boundary is important to provide a sense of enclosure and ensure safety
- Put up a sign indicating that you've created a PARK(ing) Day Installation
- Have a plan for reusing, recycling or donating the materials you use
3. Planning the event
- In addition to sourcing your materials think about how you're going to get them to your chosen parking space
- Ask friends and family to help you set up and also to clean-up at the end of the day
- Take pictures of your park to document the event. Think about inviting local press
- Be prepared to chat to passers-by on what you're doing and why you're doing it
- Research and understand the laws governing your city's parking spaces. Designate one member of your team to liaise with the authorities and explain what you're doing.
4. Leave no trace
- Be prepared to leave your space in a better condition than you found it.
- Bring a broom, dustpan, rubbish sacks and a good pair of gloves to the site.
Disclaimer
These tips are intended for educational purposes and as a guideline only. They should not be construed or relied upon as legal advice or an invitation to break the law. Participation in PARK(ing) Day is open and at your own risk. If you choose to participate in PARK(ing) Day, you will be acting independently of ibuyeco and Rebar Group, Inc.
Servicemark
"PARK(ing) Day" is a registered servicemark of Rebar Group, Inc. Used with permission.
ibuyeco is a trading name of BISL Limited. Registered Head Office: Pegasus House, Bakewell Road, Orton Southgate, Peterborough, PE2 6YS. Registered in England No. 3231094. We are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. We are an independent intermediary dealing with selected insurers.
"Park(ing) Day" is a registered service mark of Rebar Group, Inc. Used with permission.