Downtown parking spaces will be temporarily transformed by area citizens

Dallas, Texas, August 2012 — Friday, September 21st has been declared International PARK(ing) Day, and plans are underway to again bring this community-focused event to downtown Dallas. In 2011 local organizations and citizens temporarily transformed over 50 parking spots into active performance stages, reading lounges, pop-up museums, and other spaces for people to enjoy. Dallas joined the global event which included 975 parks in 162 cities across 35 countries (all taking place on the same day).

PARK(ing) Day is intended to promote social interaction, civic engagement, critical thinking, and creativity through individual generosity and play. Utilizing permitted on-street parking spaces, citizens are challenged to create welcoming “PARKS” that propose or demonstrate non-commercial ideas of what they’d like to see as part of the public space that defines this community. Temporary in nature, these spaces revert back to vehicle parking after several hours.

PARK(ing) Day Dallas 2012 will begin at 11:00am on Friday, September 21st and focus on parking space transformations in two areas of downtown Dallas: the Main Street District (along Main Street) and the Commercial Center (along Harwood Street). Entertainment and activities focused in each of these areas will enhance street life and bring the larger community together. A PARK(ing) Day After-Party will continue activities at Thanks-Giving Square (6:00–9:00pm) — a central location in the heart of downtown.

Businesses, organizations and individuals are encouraged to think creatively and add to the city’s public space with their own “PARK.” Teams from any background should reserve a space at www.parkingdaydallas.org by September 7th; there is no charge for participation. Artists and musicians wanting to showcase their talents can be part of the action by sending an email to booking@deepdallas.com. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for interested businesses.

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PARK(ing) Day Dallas had its first planning session with a Meet & Greet on Thursday, August 2nd. At this event past and future participants had the chance to meet and begin making plans for PARK(ing) Day on September 21st. Many new faces were at the meeting, and we’re looking forward to what teams dream up this year!

Those unable to attend the Meet & Greet can download the information sheet below, containing relevant registration information, important dates and resources. All participants should plan on attending the Participant Orientation on September 6th.

Don’t forget to register your group! Online registration officially opened on August 2nd and will end on September 7th.

Download PARK(ing) Day Dallas 2012 Info

PARK(ing) Day Dallas will transform parking spaces in Downtown Dallas on Friday, September 21st. Our organizing team has been working behind the scenes to plan this year’s event… and now we’re ready for your ideas!

Join us for a Meet & Greet event on Thursday, August 2nd (6:00pm) at the Magnolia Hotel Dallas. This event will kick-off planning efforts and be an opportunity to learn more about the mission of PARK(ing) Day. Talk with past and current participants or meet other individuals to form a team.

Here’s how you can participate:

Spread the Word: Tell friends and co-workers about our plans for PARK(ing) Day Dallas. Our Facebook page has the latest news; we’re also on Twitter. Posters with event details will be released closer to the event date.

Transform a Space: Any business, organization or individual can participate by taking over a parking space and creating a “PARK.” We’re focusing our efforts on a few key areas in downtown Dallas to make the greatest impact. Get a team together and reserve a space beginning Thursday, August 2nd.

Become a Sponsor: Local businesses and organizations are stepping up to sponsor PARK(ing) Day Dallas. This will give us greater awareness in the community and allow for expanded entertainment options during the event. Check out our Sponsors page for more.