Park(ing) Day: D.C. Parking Spaces Will Be Handed Over for Park Use

Cars will take a back seat on Friday to highlight sustainability efforts as certain metered parking spaces will be available for pedestrian use as temporary parks.

Park(ing) Day is a national movement to highlight park space needs in urban areas, as opposed to parking space needs. This will be the first year that Washington, D.C., is participating in the event.

“This is a way for us to celebrate our sustainability efforts and encourage the creativity of District residents, businesses, and visitors,” said DDOT Director Terry Bellamy. “We think this is a great idea to bring to the District to make sure people are engaged in our transportation system.”

Spaces will be "sponsored" for conversion to six-hour temporary parks. Participants who have sponsored the spaces are responsible for cleaning up after the event.

PARK(ing) Day will help kick-off the region’s Car Free Day activities, according to a release. Car Free Day encourages the region’s residents to give up their car for a day and utilize other modes of transportation.