Reclaiming the Forgotten Space

Back in September of 2014, long before there was snow on the ground (well, now rain), I and two other Twin Cities urbanistas, were given the opportunity to participate in the largest Park(ing) Day celebration in the Twin Cities. The second annual local event organized by a local placemaking firm the Musicant Group and business association Experience Southwest celebrated reclaiming and transforming parking spots along city’s business corridors into temporary public parks. The event is part of a much larger world – wide celebration and movement across the world that envision a more greener and community based corridors where concrete and cars are replaced with temporary grass, games and fun filled activities for everyone.

The event itself coincides with the 2014 City of Minneapolis Parklet Pilot Program, in an effort to bring this international celebration to the streets of Minneapolis. According to the pilot program “the pilot program objective is to encourage pedestrian engagement with the urban environment by supporting positive streetscape activity through the creation of alternative public space.”

Pictured below is a parklet set up in the North Loop neighborhood, an up and coming area known for repurposed brownstones, trendy restaurants, cafes, and fashion boutiques. 

Our parklet came with a full on fall theme with activities envisioning a better city by providing a place for people to congregate, play, and chat with us about what they would like to see differently in their neighborhood. 

What theme or activities would you bring to park(ing) day if given the opportunity?

Images by author, unless otherwise specified. Data linked to sources.