Free parks pop-up in Seattle once a year

PARK(ing) Day is an annual worldwide event where artists, designers and citizens transform metered parking spots into temporary public parks. Seattle PARK(ing) Day happens only once a year, on the third Friday in September.

What is Seattle PARK(ing) Day?

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. The original PARK(ing) Day was developed in San Francisco by Rebar and has grown into a global movement.

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. As the program has developed, some of the opportunities change a bit each year.
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).
For more information or to apply, visit: http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/projects-and-programs/programs/public-space-management-programs/park(ing)-day

Visit a temporary public park on PARK(ing) Day

PARK(ing) Day is a great opportunity to celebrate the parklets and streateries that have opened in Seattle. To find a temporary park in your neighborhood, check out the map:

http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/projects-and-programs/programs/public-space-management-programs/park(ing)-day.

Visit Seattle Parklets and Streateries any time of year

Parklets and streateries are an outgrowth of PARK(ing) Day. These permanent 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 you can visit any time of year.