Park(ing) Day is an annual celebration of the power and potential of public space. For one day, people turn an on-street parking space into a tiny park. Let your imagination run wild: What would you like to see in your city?
The application for a spot is not the easiest thing in the world, but get working on it today so you have it ready to go by the August 30 deadline.
In many places around the world, Park(ing) Day is either illegal or frowned upon (though that does not stop it). In Seattle, the city has embraced the day and funneled it through official channels. You have to submit an application and a site plan, but in return you have the security of knowing it’s sanctioned and that you won’t be charged the permit fees.
To learn how to apply, check out this FAQ from SDOT. More details:
PARK(ing) Day is right around the corner! On Friday, September 20, Seattleites can participate in PARK(ing) Day and help to create a walkable, livable, and healthy city. For just a few hours (from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., to be exact), anyone can convert a couple of on-street parking spaces into a temporary mini-park. Don’t miss out…apply for FREE to host a park today.
Started in 2005 by San Francisco design firm Rebar, PARK(ing) Day has become an annual event and an international sensation. In 2012, community groups and individuals, businesses, designers, and artists in over 160 cities in 35 countries participated in PARK(ing) Day to encourage a sustainable urban environment. This will be the fifth year that Seattle has participated in PARK(ing) Day.
If you’re interested in creating a park for Seattle PARK(ing) Day, it couldn’t be easier! SDOT is accepting applications under a single free street use permit, and we have some easy-to-follow guidelines on our updated website. You can propose a park either in two mid-block parking spaces on an arterial street or in one mid-block space on a residential street. To ensure that your park will meet some basic safety standards, we’ll ask you to submit a site plan and location description no later than August 30. But don’t worry, you don’t have to be an architect, engineer, or artist to draw a site plan.
