About PARK(ing) Day

PARK(ing) Day is an internationally recognized event celebrated annually with the mission to call attention to the need for more urban open space, to generate critical debate around how public space is created and allocated, and to improve the quality of urban human habitat. Started in San Francisco in 2005, the project has blossomed into a worldwide grassroots movement: PARK(ing) Day 2011 included more than 924 PARKs in 160 cities across 35 countries. 

Original concept by Rebar. www.rebargroup.org
Click here to learn more about this year’s event.

PARK(ing) Day Dallas

The amount of public space in Downtown Dallas increases each September as citizens transform parking spaces into short-term “PARK” installations throughout the city. Spaces normally reserved for cars are temporarily transformed, allowing downtown employees and residents to socialize in re-envisioned public spaces. The project is part of an effort to make Dallas a more lively, active and community-oriented place to live, work and play.

Fun at PARK(ing) Day DallasPARK(ing) Day Dallas promotes the use of temporary green space as a form of community activism. Partnering with city leaders, a series of parking spaces are reserved for organizations, private companies and individuals who form teams to transform spaces into areas for relaxing, networking and various forms of entertainment. After a few hours the installations come down and the space reverts back to metered parking. Teams are encouraged to use sustainable construction materials and partner with local charities to extend the impact beyond the event.

2011’s event — the first to take place in downtown Dallas — included more than 35 installations centered around three areas: the Main Street District (Main Street between Field and Ervay), Deep Ellum (Main Street between Good Latimer and Malcolm X) and Arts District (Flora between Pearl and Olive). Deep Dallas Music also showcased local entertainment on four performance stages. PARK(ing) Day Dallas takes place annually on the third Friday of September.