Some of the city's parking spots are getting new occupants come Friday. Gone will be the quarter-chewing gas guzzlers, and in their place… Sod. Potted plants. Benches. Bocce. Suits reading newspapers, and lunch-breakers debating Steelers strategy.
With the intention of raising awareness about the importance of public spaces, Park(ing) Day is temporarily transforming some of Pittsburgh's parking spots into public parks.
This will be the second year Pittsburgh is participating in the annual, one-day international event that started in San Francisco in 2005.
Last year, more then 20 parks were created in various neighborhoods by artists, activists and citizens. Highlights included a bike rental area by Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, Councilman Patrick Dowd and Bike Pittsburgh's Scott Bricker; a sod-covered car in Oakland by artist Sean Derry; and a five-spot space (with a makeshift bocce court) at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, donated by the Trust for Public Land, which was hosting its conference during the event.
"Imagine how different the city would be if we used parking spots for parks instead," says Andrea Lavin, an event organizer. "In New York they were able to close down Times Square and make it pedestrian. They took back the space from the cars and give it back to the people. The event is about acknowledging that the best way to build cities is not to build them for cars, but for the multiple ways people get around."
Interested participants are urged to contact event organizers. This year's Park(ing) Day is organized by the Mattress Factory, the Office of Public Art and the Community Design Center of Pittsburgh.
A map of park locations will be posted on Park(ing) Day's blog the day of the event.
Writer: Caralyn Green
Source: Andrea Lavin, Community Design Center of Pittsburgh; Emily Craig, Mattress Factory
Photograph courtesy Timothy Burak