SF State News {University Communications}

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Students turn parking spots into parks for PARK(ing) Day

Sept. 13, 2011 -- For the third year running, students will be turning local parking spaces into temporary "parklets" as part of the University's PARK(ing) Day.

Map showing the PARK(ing) Day locations marked in orange

Map showing the PARK(ing) Day locations marked in orange

PARK(ing) Day is an annual, worldwide event designed to encourage citizens, artists and activists to temporarily transform metered parking spots into parks for the public to enjoy. SF State will celebrate PARK(ing) Day on Thursday, Sept. 15.

Installations will be provided by 50 design and industry (DAI) students as part of the DAI 300 studio class.

"We commissioned students to create spaces that invite interest from the public and spaces that evoke the same atmosphere as a park, for example contemplation and relaxation," said Mimi Sheiner, lecturer in design and industry. She teaches the class with Ricardo Gomes, chair of DAI, and Lecturer Heidi Dunklegod.

This year's parking spot creations will include a labyrinth, a "rest stop" where folks can take a nap and a "non-car" installation complete with seatbelts, cup holders, rearview mirrors and a tailgate table serving iced coffee and brownies. The goal is for the student designers to use only recycled, borrowed or recyclable materials.

"The goal of PARK(ing) Day is to reclaim parking spaces, but it's also an opportunity to encourage students, faculty and staff to rethink how they travel to campus" said Caitlin Steele, campus sustainability programs manager. Spearheaded by the Campus Transportation Committee, PARK(ing) Day will include stalls on the campus quad with information about sustainable transport options for getting to campus. There will also be a raffle with prizes from local stores and bicycle shops. Visit the SF State PARK(ing) Day Facebook page for more information.

Check out the following installations between 2 and 4 p.m. on Sept. 15:

  • Parking space on 19th Ave., behind the shuttle bus stops
  • Parking space on Tapia Drive, near the Humanities building
  • Parking space on Holloway Ave., near the Creative Arts building
  • Campus Quad
  • Centennial Walk, near the farmers market

-- Elaine Bible

 

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