This Friday, communities all around the world will transform parking spots into temporary mini parks for PARK(ing) Day, to encourage people to get out of their cars and walk or bike more.

Greenwood had two PARK(ing) Day spots last year. One was in front of the Greenwood Library, where a seating area had been set up and people could register to vote.

The other was on Greenwood Avenue between 84th and 85th streets, where a Zen garden was set up, along with table and chairs, bike rack and some nice greenery.

This year, that same spot will host a park sponsored by the Greater Greenwood Bi/Ped Safety Coalition, with help from arborist Michael Oxman. The park will again include a large bike rack, a table and chairs, lots of greenery, and an old-fashioned soapbox for folks to speak their minds.

Our soapbox is expected to attract some special guests, candidates for public office who share our passion for safe walkable neighborhoods and bicyclist mobility as well as sustainable urban land use. But we also encourage anyone who would like to share their talents with the community, musical or otherwise, to reserve up to 20 minutes between 9:30 AM and 3:00 PM.

Come see one example of what can be done in a more sustainable future with a space normally devoted to parking a single car!

Seattle’s PARK(ing) Day is organized by Feet First, which says 30 mini parks will be set up across the city. You can see a map of all of Seattle’s PARK(ing) Day spots here.