Rethink Pavement: Park(ing) Day is Tomorrow

Cities around the world will become greener on September 17, as participants in the sixth annual Park(ing) Day transform metered parking spaces into tiny, temporary parks. Initiated by Rebar, a San Francisco design group, in 2005 to demonstrate the need for more urban green space, Park(ing) Day has evolved into a global movement. Participants use social media to share photos and stories about creating unique public spaces in unexpected places.

You can tour the temporary parks in your area with the help of Rebar's map, or create your own green space with a group of friends — pump quarters into the parking meter just as you would if you were using the space to park a car, then decorate the pavement with plants, sod, or picnic blankets. And enjoy the outdoors.

--Della Watson