Activists transform curbside parking space into urban oases; Park(ing) Day a growing movement

In hundreds of cities, parking space become parks

LOS ANGELES — Activists across the nation are planning to occupy curbside parking spaces and transform them into mini parks with sod, potted plants and lawn chairs to draw attention to the lack of public space in big cities.

They expect to create hundreds of instant parks Friday as part of a 4-year-old movement called Park(ing) Day.

On a busy street in Los Angeles, organizers plan to take up nine parking spots and set up a neighborhood hangout with a barbeque grill, lawn chairs, kiddie pool and gardening workshop. In gritty South L.A., a community group is expected to turn a parking space into a farmer’s market stand.

Matthew Passmore, a co-founder of the movement, says the temporary parks challenge city dwellers to rethink the way streets are used.