Tommy Wells explains how we can rethink streets as parks

On Friday people around the world converted street parking spaces into pop-up parks for the annual Park(ing) Day. The event inspired people in our own region to rethink how we can rearrange public spaces to improve our quality of life.

DC Councilmembers Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6) and David Catania (I-at large) combined their parking spaces outside the Wilson Building to create an impromptu park. Washington Parks & People supplied the sod and shrubs while councilmembers and their staff cooked burgers and hot dogs for passersby.

Here is Tommy Wells explaining the event:

Across the river in Alexandria, a park popped up on St. Asaph Street in Old Town. Residents faced off with games of bocce.

With each Park(ing) Day we get to realize how street design influences public interaction. Places for people to sit, talk, and eat are far more rewarding than places to park cars all day.

The key to Park(ing) Day’s success was more than just unfurling sod onto asphalt. The events and amenities— barbecues, benches, tables, and games— in each popup park supplied the infrastructure for community.