PARK(ing) Day is a annual open-source global event where citizens, artists and activists collaborate to temporarily transform metered parking spaces into “PARK(ing)” spaces: temporary public places. 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 h
as 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 during the event. As Memphis joins the ranks of over 800 cities who participate in this annual event, 20 parking spaces along Peabody Place between Front Street and 2nd Street will be transformed into playful and generous parks on Friday, September 21st from 11a.m to 6 p.m. Park(ing) Day Memphis 2012 is Co-produced by the Downtown Memphis Commission and Cat Peña. Partnering organizations are The City of Memphis, the Memphis Regional Design Center, ArtsMemphis, UrbanArt Commission, and Crosstown Arts.
