Locals are now invited to submit applications to participate in SDOT’s annual PARK(ing) Day, where on-street parking spots are transformed into small themed public hangouts.
Based on the increasing success of the event SDOT is expanding the event into PARK(ing) Day Plus+ this year. The event will now span two days: Friday, September 16, and Saturday, September 17.
In addition, applicants are encouraged test out temporary street improvements, such as bike lanes and sidewalks, as well as the pop-up parks that have been the focus of the event in the past.
Last year’s PARK(ing) Day was Seattle’s biggest yet, with over 50 pop-up parks across the city. Five Ballard parks were made, including the Ballard Writers Collective outside The Scoop (6406 32nd Ave NW) and a bike-safety focused Peddler Brewing (1514 NW Leary Way) park with cornhole.
Around Seattle, visitors also played life-size Jenga in Pioneer Square, made smoothies in a West Seattle space, and listened to stories at the “banned books” library in Belltown.
The international event encourages people to re-think how they can use their streets, while being a fun way to raise awareness for a walkable, livable, healthy city. Guidelines are available online regarding how to plan for your own PARK(ing) Day tour. Soon, a full map of this year’s pop-up parks will be available.
SDOT says a number of creative applications have already been received this year, and they eagerly await more ideas. You can follow the quick and free application process online and turn in submissions to david.burgesser@seattle.gov by Friday, August 5.
Photo courtesy of SDOT.
