There are more than 7,500 metered parking spaces in Vancouver. By reclaiming some of these spaces, we hope to encourage people to re-imagine the possibilities for new and different types of public space in our urban landscape.

The VPSN intervention will be part of several taking place. The Robson Street Business Association has been working with the City’s Viva Vancouver to help create a series of interventions along the street. Be sure to drop by during the day and check out the placemaking magic. You’ll also see other activations by the Vancouver Design Nerds and CityHive.

BACKGROUND
Originally devised in 2005 by ReBar, a San Francisco-based art and design studio, PARK(ing) Day challenges people to rethink the way streets are used and reinforces the need for broad-based changes to urban infrastructure. Since 2005, the project has blossomed into a worldwide grassroots movement: The Vancouver Public Space Network has been undertaking Park(ing) Day interventions since 2008.

We’ll be sharing a longer write-up shortly, but in the meantime – mark your calendars. We’ll be hosting another laneway transformation project in Gastown on August 26.

Big thanks to the folks at the City’s Viva Vancouver program for supporting the event, and to the amazing staff at Miscellany on the ‘Drive, who went ‘above and beyond’ to help us make this happen.