IF YOU ARE around the capital today, you may spot one of 35 new parks that have been installed just for the day.

That is because today is the sixth annual Dublin PARK(ing) Day.

The initiative is based on a San Francisco programme that “reclaims public space”.

Organisers describe it as “a free annual open-source global event where citizens, artists and activists collaborate to temporarily transform metered parking spaces into “PARK(ing)” spaces”.

PARK(ing) Day’s mission is “intended to promote creativity, civic engagement, critical thinking, unscripted social interactions, generosity and play.”

In Dublin, that will see parks placed from Grangegorman to Donnybrook, with many spots based around the southside of the city centre.

Organisers say that despite hesitance from motorists, this isn’t an anti-car event.

“The aim of the event is not to restrict traffic but to extend the footpath and enliven the streets of Dublin. To bring an unexpected piece of fun to an otherwise neglected space.”

Participants in PARK(ing) Day this year include I Bike Dublin, The Black Sheep, An Taisce and Dublin City Council.

For a map of the parks, click here.

Read: Driver to be prosecuted for parking across two disabled bays in Cork

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More