Tired of all the Asphalt?
Since 2005, Park(ing) Day has inspired designers, artists, activists, local businesses, and students to take to the streets and build public spaces where cars usually park. Many designs consist of AstroTurf, light furniture, and some much needed foliage. It helps to remind communities that streets are for people too.
But sometimes, these ideas can get pretty unusual. Have you ever seen a life-size bowling challenge in a metered spot?
Traffic Safety Store presents 10 of the most inventive and unusual designs from Park(ing) Day 2014, which took place on Friday, September 2014. In no particular order, here are some of our favorites.
Alexandria, Virginia
Possibly the best use of broken umbrellas, ever.
Dallas, Texas
DIY tie-die factory! Look at all the colorful pieces above, made by passerbys.
Nashville, Tennessee
Need a nap?
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Check out the park benches made with painted cinder blocks and used 2X4s
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Welcome to Pittsburgh's coastal get away...
Providence, Rhode Island
Ok, so it's not exactly a park, but Transport Providence and the East Coast Greenway were able to set up this impromptu protected bike lane using little more than potted plants and traffic cones. Here's one cyclist demonstrating just how safe and fun city streets could be.
San-Francisco-California
Just lounging in the back yard.
Seattle, Washington
Park(ing) Day has long indulged in mini-sports including miniature golf, bocce ball, and crochet -- but this may be the first recorded instance of human-sized bowling.
Tampa, Florida
The complete set of outdoor patio pallet-furniture.
Providence, Rhode Island #2
Providence-based puppeteer and costume designer, Big Nazo takes the family out for a day in the park.
Seattle, Washington #2
A live exhibit of the coastal habitat on the city streets.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Boxcar living room courtesy of Boxman Studios