City turns parking spots into pop-up parks for PARK(ing) Day
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Mayor Candace Hollingsworth relaxes at the first (PARK)ing Day stop in West Hyattsville on Sept. 16. Photo by Krissi Humbard
BY LEIGH MCDONALD — Ordinary asphalt parking spots were turned into temporary public oases in Hyattsville on Friday for PARK(ing) Day, an annual event where citizens, artists and activists collaborate to temporarily transform metered parking spaces into temporary public places.
This was the first year the city participated in the international event.
The city organized four pop-up parks across town: coffee and donuts in the morning at Queens Chapel Town Center; a “beach” with fruit cups, leis and beach balls at lunchtime at University Town Center; a collaborative painting with Art Works in the Arts District in the afternoon; and lawn games during Summer Jam.
Katie Gerbes, community planner for the city, brought the idea to her team last year. She said she recalls learning about the event in graduate school for community planning.
The Department of Community & Economic Development brainstormed themes for each site. They wanted something “fun and quirky” where residents could “sit and hangout,” said Jim Chandler, the director of community and economic development.
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- The scene at the city’s first PARK(ing) Day pop-up in West Hyattsville on Sept. 16. Photo by Krissi Humbard
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- Queens Chapel Barbershop owners stop by the city’s first PARK(ing) Day stop for coffee and donuts Sept. 16. Photo by Krissi Humbard
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- City staff members invite residents to enjoy coffee and donuts at the West Hyattsville PARK(ing) Day stop on Sept. 16. Photo by Krissi Humbard
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- Hyattsville City Police officers enjoy the PARK(ing) Day stop in West Hyattsville on Sept. 16. Photo by Krissi Humbard
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- A flier describes the city’s PARK(ing) Day events at the first stop in West Hyattsville on Sept. 16. Photo by Krissi Humbard
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- City staff members clean up after the first PARK(ing) Day pop-up in West Hyattsville on Sept. 16. Photo by Krissi Humbard
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- City staff members clean up after the first PARK(ing) Day pop-up in West Hyattsville on Sept. 16. Photo by Krissi Humbard
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- Community Planner Katie Gerbis speaks to a resident at the beach stop at University Town Center on Sept. 16. Photo by Leigh McDonald
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- Wenceslao Almazan and his daughter Lucy hang out at the beach stop at University Town Center on Sept. 16, 2016. The city is again hosting PARK(ing) Day events Sept. 21. Photo by Leigh McDonald
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- Residents enjoy a break from their day at the beach stop at University Town Center on Sept. 16. Photo by Leigh McDonald
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- Denise Saunders, an instructor at American University, stopped by the Arts District stop to paint after having lunch at Busboys and Poets. Photo by Leigh McDonald
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- Kids paint a collaborative painting at the PARK(ing) Day pop-up in the Arts District on Sept. 16. Photo by Krissi Humbard
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- Residents paint a collaborative painting at the PARK(ing) Day pop-up in the Arts District on Sept. 16. Photo by Krissi Humbard
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- Residents enjoy the city’s PARK(ing) Day pop-up park at Summer Jam on Sept. 16. Photo by Krissi Humbard
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- A PARK(ing) Day volunteer talks to a resident at the pop-up park at Summer Jam on Sept. 16. Photo by Krissi Humbard
“We wanted it to be quick enough so that someone just walking by could enjoy it but also comfortable enough and fun enough so folks who want to spend a longer period can spend their lunch break here,” said Gerbis.
The staff, which included Mayor Candace Hollingsworth, loaded and unloaded the set of astroturf, pallet furniture made by Code & Parking Compliance Manager Chris Giunta, and plants donated by BrightView Landscape services, at each stop. Gerbis said the sturdy, wooden furniture was intended to create a buffer between the people and the traffic.
“We wanted to give people something a little fun for their Friday,” Chandler said.
Some passersby seemed skeptical at first, but after learning what the event was about, many joined in. The coffee and donuts at the city’s first stop seemed to be the most popular of the day. One couple who had just moved to the area from England were surprised when staff called them over. “They don’t do this for us in England,” they joked.
The planning committee is hopeful the city will celebrate PARK(ing) Day next year, with sponsorship from local businesses.
