PARKing Day Providence

PARK(ing) Day is an annual worldwide event where artists, designers and citizens transform metered parking spots into temporary public parks.

The project began in 2005 when Rebar, a San Francisco art and design studio, converted a single metered parking space into a temporary public park in downtown San Francisco. Since 2005, PARK(ing) Day has evolved into a global movement, with organizations and individuals (operating independently of Rebar but following an established set of guidelines) creating new forms of temporary public space in urban contexts around the world.

The mission of PARK(ing) Day is to call attention to the need for more urban open space, to generate critical debate around how public space is created and allocated, and to improve the quality of urban human habitat … at least until the meter runs out!

In 2013, AIAri teamed up with RI ASLA and Transport Providence to bring the first PARK(ing) Day to Providence. Working in close collaboration with the City of Providence, the Downtown Improvement District, and with incredible support from the Department of Public Works, Providence had over 30 parklets in its inaugural year.

This year, PARK(ing) Day Providence is looking to expand its presence with 23 parklets Downtown and by creating a protected bike lane on Broadway on the West Side of Providence.

PARK(ing) Day is held on the third Friday of September, rain or shine, and this year, will take place on Friday, September 18. To find out more about creating a parklet or to be a sponsor, visit www.parkingdaypvd.org.