This Friday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., downtown Chattanooga will celebrate its 9th annual Parking Day.
PARK(ing) Day is an annual worldwide event where artists, designers and citizens transform metered parking spots into temporary public parks.
The mission of PARK(ing) Day is 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.
This free event is a great way to show off the many arts, food, culture, theater and other activities that makes Chattanooga so unique. Last year there were 60 different “parklets” but they are hoping for 75 this time around.
Some of the things you might find in a parklet include yoga classes, drawing lessons, dance performances and much more. The event organizer is the River City Company, the economic development engine for Downtown Chattanooga.
Through its work to cultivate and advocate for a vibrant and healthy downtown, River City Company stimulates the community’s economic, social and cultural growth. The event stretches down Market St. and E. MLK Blvd.
Chattanooga’s PARK(ing) Day also has its own hashtag #ParkingDayCHA so make sure to join the fun on social media. — Colin Moran