PARK(ing) Day was started in 2005 by Rebar to raise awareness about the lack of green spaces in San Francisco’s downtown. It transformed an on-street car park into a ‘people park’ by temporarily providing turf, seating and shade. It is based on the idea that paying for a parking meter is like ‘renting’ a public space.
Since then it has been creatively adapted and sparked imaginations around the world and in 2008 there were over 200 PARKs in 50 major cities, including New York, London and Los Angeles. In 2008 Brisbane participated and featured 40 parks on the day, attracted many people and the media.
The PARKs are surprising, fun additions to the everyday street environments, and powerful symbols of placemaking and communities wanting to improve urban quality.
Brisbane PARK(ing) Day is all about – 1. Calling attention to the importance for urban public spaces 2. Rethinking the way we use our streets 3. Creating diverse conversations about how we can make sustainable cities
Photos
All photos from Brisbane PARK(ing) 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 can be found on our FLICKR and FACEBOOK page
Videos
All Brisbane PARK(ing) day videos can be found here and on YOUTUBE