Has this ever happened to you? You’re driving down the main street in your town, casually noticing the parked cars and small shops. You see a Subaru, a classic Cadillac, a well-worn minivan, a contractor’s truck, and, what’s that … some plants, a park bench, and people sitting? In a parking space?
If this is something you’ve experienced, you may very well have seen it on Park(ing) Day, an international day of reimagining the way we use our commercial streets. This global event encourages communities to temporarily convert metered parking spots into vibrant public spaces.
What is Park(ing) Day?
Park(ing) Day began in 2005 when a group of artists and designers at the San Francisco, California-based Rebar Studio determined that at parking meter rates, a parking space was actually an incredibly affordable piece of real estate. After researching parking enforcement regulations, they found that parking spaces were not specifically for cars—anything could be put in that space while the meter was running. They converted a single parking space into a tiny park for the day—complete with grass, seating, and a tree. And then they invited community members to enjoy that space.
Rebar’s goal was to highlight the need for more public spaces in urban areas and to initiate discussion about how society uses city streets. Since then, Park(ing) Day has evolved into a global movement, one that has inspired thousands of temporary “parklets” worldwide. These temporary installations have been commandeered for much more than just traditional parks. Everything from art gallery space and free bicycle repair to an urban farming display and a mini marshland have occupied these spaces while their creators pumped the parking meters with coins. There’s even been a wedding ceremony!
ASLA’s Native Plant Park(ing) Day
The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) has enthusiastically adopted this Park(ing) Day movement and is an official collaborator with the Park(ing) Day movement. ASLA, which is the professional association for landscape architects in the U. S., has been participating in Park(ing) Day for many years now, and its Local and Student Chapters look forward to it for the creativity, engagement with the community, and sheer fun of it.
Each year ASLA suggests a Park(ing) Day theme around which its Local and Student Chapters can design its “parklet.” ASLA’s theme for Park(ing) Day 2024, which will take place September 20, will celebrate native plants. A broad category in itself, ASLA hopes to dial in the native plant message by communicating the importance of local flora in supporting biodiversity and enhancing urban landscapes.
ASLA’s goal for this year’s Park(ing) Day is to educate the public about how native plants benefit the local environment and enhance it aesthetically—even a parking space! Showing everyday passersby that even a small “parklet” can mitigate urban heat, improve air quality, provide habitat for native wildlife, and make an urban environment more balanced and livable will help city dwellers understand the need for more green spaces where they live.
Get Involved in Park(ing) Day
You don’t have to be an ASLA member to get involved in a native plant-themed Park(ing) Day installation. Anyone can participate, so grab some plant-friendly pals and start planning your “parklet” now. Here are a few tips to help you on your way:
Plan Your Parklet. Determine the direction you’d like to go in your native plant advocacy. Will it be a small native plant oasis, a resting spot, or more of an educational display?
Design. Find the parking space dimensions and map out where your displayed items will be located. This makes set-up quick and easy. Keep in mind that you’ll be in an active roadway, so safety first! Plan for barriers or some sort of delineators for your “parklet.”
Partner with Local Organizations. Reach out to local environmental groups, schools, or gardening clubs for some support in Park(ing) Day. Partnerships can provide additional resources, expertise, and a wider network of participants. Working together can amplify your impact.
Signage and Sheets. Be sure your parklet’s message is conveyed to passersby. Include signs with quick messaging and handouts that explain your parklet’s mission. Help them understand the change or awareness you are hoping to bring about.
Document and Share. Tag local press, native plant, urban planning influencers, and government officials to inform them of your Park(ing) Day plans. Share photos and videos of your display, goals, and engagement with the community via social media and press releases.
Resources
Rebar and MyParkingDay.org offer manuals for considerations you’ll need to be aware of to host a problem-free Park(ing) Day. Participate with the best intentions—to educate the public about the benefits of native plants—and you’ll find satisfaction in knowing that you are contributing to a broader movement towards more sustainable, vibrant, and resilient cities. Embrace the spirit of Park(ing) Day, and let’s work together to create a greener, more connected community.
*Please note that Organic Mechanics is not responsible for your participation in Park(ing) Day and disclaims all liabilities.
