From ping pong tables to puppies; there weren’t just cars filing parking stalls around the Queen City Friday.
Regina joined hundreds of other cities around the globe in PARK(ing) Day 2018, which saw thousands of metered parking spots worldwide temporarily transform into interactive outdoor spaces.
In its second time putting on the event, Regina’s downtown and warehouse districts teamed up with local businesses to create 10 unique “parklets” — that’s up from just three installations the last time it was held in 2016.
Coffee, ping pong and other games set up on Hamilton St. between 11th and 12th for #ParkingDayYQR. It’s one of 10 “parklets” around #YQR taking up a few metered parking spots to create a temporary interactive community space. #DIYQR #ParkingDay2018 pic.twitter.com/3NdeJyXgHw
— Jessie Anton (@jessieanton_) September 21, 2018
Judith Veresuk, executive director of the Downtown Business Improvement District, said it’s a good way to share innovative ideas while getting office workers outside.
“Whether it’s bringing down their lunch or bringing down their laptop; a lot of folks are quite mobile now with how they can work, and sometimes being at a desk isn’t that fun,” she said.
“This way, you’re breathing in the fresh air and you’re seeing the sites and you’re seeing the community — interacting with the community. That’s what we want to promote and make easier for people to do.”
PARK(ing) Day was first created in 2005 when a San Francisco art and design studio converted a metered parking spot into a temporary public park in the city’s downtown to bring attention to the need for more urban open space. Since then, it’s been adapted around the world to provide a place for communities to interact and share ideas.