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Take back the streets on Park(ing) Day
Tuesday, August 14, 2018 by Katy McElroy
This year, on Friday, Sept. 21, people all around the world will be transforming parking spaces into “parklets” to bring attention to the need for public, open space in urban areas. Park(ing) Day began in 2005, when a group of designers livened up a San Francisco street with a small parklet installation, and it soon mushroomed into an annual, worldwide event. Here in Austin, there are a few basic guidelines for the temporary, miniature parks: Parking spaces must be delineated with orange traffic cones between 28 and 48 inches in height that are not attached to each other with string or ribbon; vending, advertising and amplified sound are not allowed; and parklets cannot obstruct sidewalks or crosswalks. Those inspired to create a parklet should read the application packet for the complete guidelines and the steps for requesting a permit. Permits are $35 plus an additional $10-$16 usage fee, which is specified in the application packet. The deadline to request a permit is Monday, Sept. 17. The Eventbrite page also has information, and it will be updated with the list of participants and locations so that visitors can stop by the parklets on the day of. Follow #PARKingDayATX for updates as well.
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