Friday, September 25, 2009

PARK(ing) Day Doesn't Go Over So Well In Spokane

Spokane's first crack at taking part in International PARK(ing) Day didn't go so well. PARK(ing) Day is an annual, one-day, global event where artists, activists, and citizens transform metered parking spots into “PARK(ing)” spaces: temporary public parks.

Anyone can participate in PARK(ing) Day, though it is strictly a non-commercial project, intended to promote creativity, civic engagement, critical thinking, and social interactions.

Members of the Youth Sustainability Council last Friday adopted a parking spot in downtown and made it into a miniature park and garden. Until they got kicked out. I guess Parking Enforcement doesn't recognize that holiday.

Here's what happened from the 'Spovangelist' blog.

4 comments:

Rachel said...

How unfair is that?! It's not like they weren't paying or something. If the fare is being paid, why should it matter if it's a car or a park?

Nice idea. Maybe Spokane can get with it next time.

SRTC Staff said...

It's kind of discouraging huh? I've been told that the Mayor's office has been contacted and a different kind of permit will be issued next year so there will be no ousting of the participants. I think, if nothing else, it's poor PR for Spokane. Better luck next year guys.

The Spovangelist said...

At least our rebels still have a cause. *wink, wink*

SRTC Staff said...

Yeah, there's no lack of causes around here though so it would be nice if you could get this one accepted next year and move on to something new like my campaign to get burn barrels at bus stops or allow dogs on buses :)


About SRTC

SRTC is the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for Spokane County. Urbanized areas with populations exceeding 50,000 people are required to have an MPO. SRTC was formed to address the county's transportation planning needs. It provides coordination in planning between the public, cities, small towns, the county, the state, transit providers, and tribes.

SRTC offers services including transportation monitoring, transportation modeling, census information analysis, travel demand forecasting, historical traffic count analysis, geographic information systems, and trip generation rates.