Park(ing) Day at BEGA

What is Park(ing) Day?

Park(ing) Day is a global, annual event that transforms metered parking spaces into temporary public parks, art installations, and social spaces. Originating as a creative protest against the dominance of cars in urban spaces, Park(ing) Day reimagines these small plots of land as community-centric places that promote social interaction, creativity, and environmental awareness. The event typically occurs on the third Friday of September and invites individuals, artists, activists, and organizations to reclaim and repurpose parking spaces, turning them into temporary havens of greenery, art, and social engagement.

History of Park(ing) Day

Park(ing) Day began in 2005 in San Francisco, California, as an experiment by the art and design studio Rebar. The idea was simple: rent a parking space for a few hours, but instead of parking a car, create a small public park. Rebar's installation featured a single parking space transformed into a park with grass, a tree, and a bench. The project was a statement about the need for more urban green space and sparked conversations about how cities allocate land for cars versus people.

The concept quickly spread, and Park(ing) Day became an annual open-source global event. Participants in cities worldwide began to creatively transform parking spaces, expanding the event's scope to include various artistic and social expressions. From pop-up libraries to mini art galleries, community gardens to meditation zones, Park(ing) Day has evolved into a platform for urban creativity and activism, challenging the status quo of how public space is used.

Learn more about Park(ing) Day

How to Participate

Participating in Park(ing) Day is open to anyone with a desire to reimagine urban space. This year's event is on September 20–22. Here's how you can get involved.

1. Plan Your Park: Start by conceptualizing what you want to create. Whether it’s a small garden, an art installation, or a social space, think about how your park will serve the community and bring attention to issues of public space usage.

2. Secure a Parking Space: Check with your local government or city regulations regarding the use of parking spaces for non-parking purposes. Some cities offer permits or have specific guidelines for Park(ing) Day participants.

3. Gather Materials: Depending on your concept, you might need plants, furniture, art supplies, or other materials. Keep in mind that your installation should be temporary and respectful of the space.

4. Set Up: On the day of the event, arrive early to set up your park. Be prepared to explain your installation to curious passersby and engage with the community.

5. Document and Share: Take photos and videos of your park and share them on social media using the hashtag #ParkingDay. This helps raise awareness and inspires others to think differently about urban spaces.

6. Take It Down: At the end of the day, make sure to dismantle your installation and leave the space clean.

Park(ing) Day is more than just a playful intervention; it’s a statement about the kind of cities we want to live in—places where people and community take precedence over cars and concrete. Whether you’re an artist, an activist, or just someone who cares about your city, Park(ing) Day is an opportunity to make your mark, if only for a day.

Download the Offical Park(ing) Day Guide