Park(ing) Day promotes parks and public space in Philly

Philadelphia drivers had 34 fewer parking spaces to choose from on Friday.

Non-profits, academic institutions and private companies co-opted the concrete between the sidewalk and the street to celebrate Park(ing) Day.

Now in its third year in Philadelphia, the one day event looks to promote parks and public spaces and show that they play an important part in creating livable cities. The national celebration originated in San Francisco in 2005.

The temporary, 170-square feet installations popped up throughout the city, with the highest density in Center City.

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In the Manayunk section of the city, Molly Rossetti of The Little Apple and Norma Mann of Gary Mann Jewelers created a green space on Main Street.

“We went for a sort of European hedge maze, garden look,” said Rossetti as she stood along the commercial corridor.

Mann said items for the outdoor display were donated by Ligne Roset and John Kevin Gallagher & Co.

In the Mt. Airy section of the city, Meenal Raval of the Mt. Airy Greening Network was involved with the creation of two spaces on the 500 block of Carpenter Lane.

One was an outdoor living room of sorts. Raval used the second to see how many bikes could fit into a single parking space.

“Some say 10, some say 30, so we’re going to try and see for ourselves,” said Raval.

For Raval, the event is a way to start changing the way people think about cars.

“This is to say, ‘hey look, we didn’t miss two spaces today. Perhaps in the long run we could dedicate a space just for bikes,'” said Raval.

Most displays were up until early Friday evening. 

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