Downtown Tacoma residents and workers are encouraged to participate in “Park(ing) Day,” an international day of turning passive urban parking stalls into active mini-parks filled with people, plants, music, art, and games. Originally invented in 2005 by Rebar, a San Francisco-based art and design studio, Park(ing) Day calls attention to the need for more urban open space and challenges people to rethink the way streets are used — at least until the meter runs out.

On Fri., Sept. 21 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Downtown On the Go will be coordinating Park(ing) Day throughout downtown Tacoma. Local businesses and organizations will showcase their creativity by transforming Park(ing) spaces into interactive parks. You are encouraged to tour many of the parks throughout downtown by participating in a noon walk led by Downtown On the Go, and vote for your favorite “park” in downtown. The walking tour is scheduled from noon to 1 p.m., starting at the top of the UWT stairs on South 19th Street and Jefferson Street.

More information about Tacoma’s Park(ing) Day is available online here.