City of Cambridge to Celebrate PARKing Day on September 20, 2019

The All-Day Event Converts Metered Parking Spaces into Temporary Parks to Promote Urban Space Awareness


9/9/20194 years ago

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Kids Parklet

On Friday, September 20, 2019, over 85 local businesses, City departments, and nonprofit organizations will participate in the City of Cambridge’s 8th 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. The celebration will take place from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., with many spots open from 10:00 a.m.until 4:00 p.m. 

“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 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.”

155 parking spots throughout Cambridge will transform into miniature parks and activity hubs. Featured parks include:

• A public safety extravaganza, CCTV's outdoor studio, information about composting & waste reduction, book shares, and health lessons in Central Square
• Lawn games, trampolines, yoga, Parkour, live music, Vision Zero information, Bluebikes Income Eligible Program registration, and a mini house in Kendall Square
• Music, arts and crafts, poetry, office hours with elected officials, voter registration, and a parade in Harvard Square
• An outdoor gym, reading space, art, games, and office hours with elected officials in Porter Square
• Bus & Bike Priority Lanes along Mass Ave from Porter Square to Rindge Ave.

View a Story Map of park locations 

Metered parking will be affected in the aforementioned areas between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Friday, September 20, 2019.

For a comprehensive list of participants and a map of activity locations, visit cambridgema.gov/parkingday.

For More Information

Contact Jennifer Lawrence, Sustainability Planner, at jlawrence@cambridgema.gov or 617/349-4671.