Rethink and reclaim a downtown metered parking spot for a day in the 7th annual Park(ing) Day in Downtown Chattanooga. This event, taking place Friday, Sept. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., gives local individuals, businesses, and civic groups the opportunity to create a temporary public space.
Park(ers) and their respective parklets are required to register prior to the day's event through River City Company.
"Park(ing) Day is an easy event for River City to lead as it allows us the opportunity to talk about the importance of our limited downtown footprint and how public space plays an important role," said Paige Southard, program manager for River City Company. "Our goal this year is 75 parklets; we know that Chattanooga can make it happen."
In 2013, 50 parklets were created, including cooking demonstrations, a backcountry campsite, a puppy petting park, yoga classes, grand piano parks, an ice cream social, a beach party, live blacksmithing demonstrations and more.
"Park(ing) Day is a true community event and a great way to connect with downtown," said Rina Handwerker with Rock/Creek. "It also reinforces the importance of urban parks. Last year was Rock/Creek's first time participating with a hammock park that let people get comfortable and enjoy some time outside."
To participate in Park(ing) Day, email parkingdaychattanooga@gmail.com or call (423) 265-3700 with your name, organization (if applicable), phone number, and planned activity.
Park(ing) Day was created by a San Francisco based art and design studio, ReBar, in 2005 to encourage communities to rethink the way streets are used and reinforce the need for broad-based changes to urban infrastructure to promote walkable urban areas.
Source: River City Company