City of Cambridge to Celebrate PARKing Day on September 21

The International Event Converts Metered Parking Spaces into Temporary Parks to Promote Urban Space Awareness


9/10/2018 • 6 years ago

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Parking Day
On Friday, September 21, over 75 local businesses, City departments, and nonprofit organizations will participate in the City of Cambridge’s 7th annual PARK(ing) Day celebration, turning metered parking spaces into temporary parks and activity hubs. The mission of PARK(ing) Day, an international event, is to call attention to the value of urban space and to generate thoughtful debate about how public space is created and allocated.

“PARK(ing) Day is a creative way for the community to come together for a day of fun activities while raising awareness about urban infrastructure,” says Iram Farooq, Assistant City Manager for Community Development. “In addition to learning about the business and organizations that participate in PARK(ing) Day, we hope that residents and visitors will think about how urban open space is currently utilized and how it can be improved to create a safer, healthier city for all ages and abilities.”

150 parking spots throughout Cambridge will transform into miniature parks and activity hubs. 

Features include:

• A local artists showcase, a CCTV birthday party, information about
composting, Office Hours with elected officials, and dance classes in Central Square
• Lawn games, poetry readings, yoga, Parkour, Farmers’ Market, School of Honk parad, Vision Zero information, and CPR demonstrations in Kendall Square
• Music, arts and crafts, City equity information, and prize giveaways
in Inman Square
• Artist showcases, Envision Cambridge activities, reading space, voter registration, arts and crafts, and Bluebikes-powered smoothies in Porter Square
• Bus & Bike Priority Lanes, separated bike lanes, spiritual dialogues, and conversations with CRLS students about public transit along Mass Ave from Porter to Rindge Ave.

The celebration will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with many spots open from 10AM to 4PM. Metered parking will be affected in the aforementioned neighborhoods between 7:00a.m. and 7:00p.m. on Friday, September 21st. For a comprehensive list of participants and a map of activity locations, visit www.cambridgema.gov/parkingday.