Hi Park(ing) Day Enthusiasts,

I’m Alyssa, the Park(ing) Day NYC Fellow. What’s a Park(ing) Day NYC Fellow you ask? I’m here to help plan, coordinate and promote Park(ing) Day NYC. I’m also here to answer any questions you may have about Park(ing) Day and how to go about creating your own Park(ing) Spot this September. You can always reach me at alyssa@transalt.org.

And I’d like to share with you a bit about why I became involved in Park(ing) Day NYC and how I envision the streets of New York can be transformed for our communities.

———-

When I think of all the possible uses for 120 sq feet of public space on my block, my mind fills with ideas. I begin to imagine the lush community garden that could flourish there with ripe tomatoes and the sweet smell of basil. Or I think of having a miniature version of Socrates Sculpture Park right outside my front door, with gorgeous artwork that softens the harsh concrete landscape all around. Or a smaller version of the Highline with oversized lawn chairs to relax in, chatting with my neighbors after work. Or maybe the kids down the street who are always bursting the hydrant open for a refreshing dip in the hot Brooklyn summer could have a small wading pool to play in.

But everyday there is a only a car sitting there, only moving on street cleaning days and then returning a few hours later. That same space could become parking for something else like the bicycles that jut out on all sides from the posts near the subway station. One parking spot can park at least 10-15 bicycles. One parking spot could allow children to play safely. One parking spot could showcase local art. One parking spot could grow enough food for a family. One parking spot could enrich the lives of an entire community. 8’ by 15’ is a lot of public space in New York City, what will you create in a Park(ing) spot?

- Alyssa

Park(ing) Day NYC Fellow and Bushwick, Brooklyn Resident