Free parks pop-up in Seattle once a year

Seattle PARK(ing) Day happens only once a year, on the third Friday in September.

What is Seattle PARK(ing) Day?

PARK(ing) Day is an annual worldwide event where artists, designers and citizens transform metered parking spots into temporary public parks. The original PARK(ing) Day was developed in San Francisco by Rebar and has grown into a global movement. This international event raises awareness about the importance of walkable, livable, and healthy cities and helps people re-think how our streets can be used.

In Seattle, it’s an opportunity for anyone who wants to (temporarily) make parking spaces into parks. The City of Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) approves dozens of applications for parks around the city, each offering a fun and unique way to engage with the local community.

Plan a temporary public park for PARK(ing) Day

If you want to plan a PARK(ing) Day park, here’s what to do:

Read the guidelines. Find the guidelines here: http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/seattleparkingday_plan.htm.

Plan your park. Get together with friends, neighbors, colleagues, and family. Think about how to design and decorate your very own pop-up PARK.

Submit an application by the deadline (usually sometime in August).

Visit a temporary public park on PARK(ing) Day

If you want to visit a park on PARK(ing) Day, find an installation in your neighborhood using the map at: www.seattle.gov/transportation/seattleparkingday.htm.

PARK(ing) Day is also a great opportunity to celebrate the parklets and streateries that have opened in Seattle.

Visit Seattle Parklets and Streateries any time of year

SDOT parklet at Bulldog News in the University District

Parklets and streateries are an outgrowth of PARK(ing) Day. These oases provide a way for businesses and community groups to convert on-street parking into open space on a longer-term basis.

Check out the Parklet and Streatery Program website for more information, including a map of parklet locations.