Parking day returns to the streets of city
IF you are looking for a parking space in Sligo this Friday you might be surprised at what you’ ll find.
Some parking bays will be transformed into public parks for the day as part of a global initiative called PARK(ING) Day.
The annual event whereby parking spaces are transformed into parks for the public to enjoy aims to generate critical thinking about how we use public space.
As Sligo Organiser Gillian NiGillian of Faoin Aer Landscape Architecture explains:
“The purpose behind the event is to call attention to the need for more open space in urban areas, to generate critical debate around how public space is utilised, and to improve the quality of our streets…for a short period before the meter runs out!”
The Sligo event will see a number of designated car parking temporarily transformed by local artists and voluntary organisations into small urban ‘parks’ for public enjoyment.
Gillian adds: “This year will also see the installation of a month-long ‘Shelly Streets Parklet’ on Castle Street. It will be formally launched by Cllr Sinead Maguire at 5pm on Culture Night, 22 September.
“Passers-by will be encouraged to experience these unique spaces created for their enjoyment, and to take a break, relax, have fun, and make new friends, while re-thinking how we view our urban environment.”
“For the third year, PARK(ing) Day Sligo will again bring colour and creativity to the streets of Sligo.”
From it origins as a local event organised by artists in San Francisco in 2005 PARK(ing) Day has become a global event taking place every September.
“It is a free and participants are encouraged to be creative and inspired in shaping their respective spaces, and in engaging with the wider community in re-imagining local streetscapes, if for only a few hours,” says Gillian.
The Sligo event has the support of Sligo County Council, An Taisce local businesses, organisations and individuals. A Sligo PARK(ing) Day trail map will be available to download and print from www.parkingdaysligo.com