RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR)–If tomorrow you notice a parking space on your block transforming into a miniature park, know that it is happening as part of a global makeover.
PARK(ing) Day 2013 is an annual event where designers and citizens transform metered (and non-metered) parking spots into temporary public parks, also called parklets.
There are six locations throughout the city (RVA Facebook group here). Visit a PARK (ing) spot at Robinson and Stuart; Meadow and Floyd; E. Franklin and 1st; E. Broad and 2nd; E. Cary and 13th Street; and E. Main and 17th Street.
The global event, first held in 2005, occurs on the third Friday in September. The 2011 event saw the creation of 975 parks, in 162 cities throughout 35 countries on six continents.
The miniature parks will be created all over the world this year, from Malaysia to Johannesburg, from Richmond to Baltimore (View the complete map here). The Baltimore event plans to create 28 little parks.
Photo courtesy Andy Boenau FLICKR account, with CC license.
The project is meant to promote creativity, civic engagement and appreciation for green spaces in urban living, while also creating opportunities for spontaneous interaction.
The local events last from 8:00AM to 5:00PM. Each parklet will have its own theme and design.
Check out photos from last year’s Richmond event here.
Also of interest,TEDCity2.0 launches tomorrow and is billing itself as “A day of urban inspiration.” Cities around the globe will participate in discussion to help envision the cities of the future and best sustainable solutions.
Richmond will be getting in on that action as well, with the TEDxGrace event that will “showcase local experts and innovators in the arts, education, urban planning, civic engagement, social justice, and economic development.”
CBS 6 will be there and report back.
