Each September, volunteers in cities across America celebrate going green (literally) by converting public parking spaces into temporary parks. This Friday September 19th, an estimated four hundred temporary parks will ‘sprout’ in seventy cities nationwide and Portland is on the list!
The goal according to organizers, is to celebrate parks and promote the need for parks in America’s cities. National Park(ing) Day is sponsored by The Trust for Public Land (TPL), a national conservation nonprofit, based on an idea conceived by REBAR, a San Francisco art collective. “By turning parking spaces into instant parks, National Park(ing) Day creatively demonstrates how much our cities need parks,” said Will Rogers, TPL president. ”
[sb digg] There will be 18 parking spaces turned into “parks” on SW 5th between Washington & Alder. They’ve closed the street down so people can leisurely walk through the parks throughout the day. From 4-8pm Hotel Monaco and the Trust for Public Lands have sponsored extra entertainment a bluegrass band, beer garden, BBQ, fun games and a silent auction on the street. All the money raised goes to Trust For Public Land, so it’s for a great cause. Feed the meters, those parking spots still need to collect.
Other don’t miss ‘parking’ spots:
Powell’s Books, Couch St. side
Bijou Cafe, 132 SW 3rd Ave
Southpark restaurant, 901 SW Salmon
Ace Hotel Portland, 1022 SW Stark St.
SE Belmont outside Laughing Planet (from about 10am)
