Park(ing) Day is one of my favorite days of the year. I just bike all over the city visiting dozens of new tiny parks that pop up in parking spaces for just a few hours (see our post from last year).

The day demonstrates how vibrant even a car or two worth of urban space can become when people are invited to use it. But importantly, the day makes this statement in the more fun and creative ways possible.

Park(ing) Day 2016 is September 16 and 17, but your applications are due August 5. Forms and instructions available from the city’s website.

In recent years, safe streets advocates have taken the idea to the next step by using the day as a way to demonstrate their ideas for fixing dangerous crossings or even for building protected bike lanes.

The biggest complaint about Park(ing) Day that I’ve heard year after year is that people who work days and can’t get away for a long lunch cannot participate. Typically held during work hours on a Friday, Park(ing) Day is wrapping up right when a lot of people are getting off work.

So this year, the city is trying something new: Park(ing) Day installations will be allowed to stay open Friday and Saturday. The city is also specifically encouraging safe streets demonstrations. (more…)