Park(ing) Day: When parking spots become mini parks
Park(ing) Day Chattanooga is Friday along M.L. King
On Friday, Sept. 15, you won’t need any spare change to use a parking place on M.L. King Boulevard.
That’s when Park(ing) Day Chattanooga is scheduled; a day when metered parking spots are reclaimed and filled with free, interactive elements that encourage enjoyment from passers-by. There might even be ginger beer and puppies involved.
These creative miniparks are called parklets. This will be the 10th year that Park(ing) Day Chattanooga has been held downtown, but the first when all the parklets are in one area instead of spread throughout several locations, says Amy Donahue, director of marketing and communications for sponsoring River City Corp.
All 65 parklets will be between the 100 to 700 blocks of East M.L. King Boulevard during 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Park(er)s — people who sponsor a mini park for a day — will include a variety of businesses, nonprofits, civic clubs, government groups and individuals.
Parklets will offer board games to yoga classes, cooking demonstrations, music, dance and even makeup tips.
For example, Hip-Hop CHA will be in front of Uncle Larry’s Restaurant with music to dance to and even a few rhymes to perform for visitors. Lanewood Studio is taking over a parking spot for a free photoshoot project called “Taste Face.” They’ll capture the expressions of people as they randomly choose one of five tastes: bitter, sour, sweet, salty or pungent.
And at the Green Commuter charging station (535 M.L.King Blvd.) you can unleash your inner singing star at Carpool Karaoke, hosted by Green Commuter Chattanooga. GCC will also have talented local musicians dropping by for performances.
“It’s totally free, and nothing can be bought or sold out of the parklets,” says Donahue.
For more information about Park(ing) Day: www.rivercitycompany.com.