Group targets metered parking
By Sandra Thomas, Staff writer
On Sept. 17, volunteers from 140 cities in 21 countries will transform more than 700 metered parking spaces into mini public parks.
Andrew Pask, director of Vancouver Public Space Network (VPSN), says PARK(ing) Day, as it’s known worldwide, allows people to “repurpose” a parking space for one day.
“It’s as if you can own that public space for a day,” Pask said.
PARK(ing) Day was launched in 2005 by San Francisco art collective Rebar, whose members converted a single metered parking spot into a temporary park in an area of the city lacking an open public space. The goal of that first art installation was meant to highlight the fact almost 70 per cent of San Francisco’s downtown outdoor space is dedicated to vehicle use.
By paying the meter of a parking space, Rebar says, city dwellers can lease precious urban real estate on a short-term basis and consider it for a range of possible activities. Participants plug the parking meter adjacent to their space and pay the same price to use the spot as they would for a vehicle.
In Vancouver, Members of the VPSN are participating in the PARK(ing) Day challenge for the third year in a row and are assisting other groups or individuals interested in taking part.
The VPSN was formed in 2006 and promotes creative, community-friendly urban design and monitors private security activities in the downtown core. The network’s members also devise creative ways to re-green the neglected corners, alleys and forgotten spaces of the city. Pask said the network is hosting weekly information sessions to help individuals and groups get started on PARK(ing) Day projects.
He added last year the network’s PARK(ing) Day mini park comprised an interactive component and art station including Tibetan-style flags on which members of the public could write messages. He added network members are discussing several ideas for this year’s theme, but so far none has been finalized.
Vision Vancouver Coun. Andrea Reimer is considering taking part in this year’s PARK(ing) Day by converting her unused parking spot at city hall into something creative. Reimer explained despite the fact she doesn’t drive to work, that parking spot must be reserved for future councillors.
“I’m trying to come up with a fun idea,” said Reimer. “But staff has said whatever it is, it should have wheels.”
Reimer has been watching the evolution of PARK(ing) Day around the world since its inception and appreciates the creative ways participants transform parking spaces, even if just for one day. Reimer notes in most cities one parking space, or at the most 10, are transformed, but the effort makes people think about public space.
“It’s like that little garden at the corner of Davie and Burrard that makes everyone smile,” she said. “These spaces make people smile too, but also makes them rethink the use of public space in an urban environment.”
Reimer notes because the majority of parking meters in the city have time limits, participants must check with the city or the adjacent business to make sure the project will not be a bother or hindrance to regular activity.
sthomas@vancourier.com
