We're excited to share that Strong Des Moines is participating in the 2025 National PARK(ing) Day on Friday, September 19th! For those new to it, PARK(ing) Day is an annual global event started in 2005 as a guerrilla art project by Rebar Studio. It invites communities to temporarily transform curbside parking spaces into temporary parks and social hubs, sparking conversations about greener, safer, and more people-centered streets over cars.
Learn more on the official site: PARK(ing) Day.
https://www.myparkingday.org/
This year, we're taking over a parking spot in the East Village near Scenic Route Bakery to create a cozy parklet from noon to 4:00 PM.
Picture this: a welcoming oasis with seating, greenery, and open space designed for relaxing, chatting, and connecting with fellow Des Moines folks. Our goal? To showcase how one spot that usually holds a single car can instead bring joy to many people – highlighting the untapped potential of our urban spaces for community and stronger towns.
We'd love for you to stop by, grab a coffee from the bakery, and join the fun! Whether you're a longtime member or just curious, your presence will help amplify the message. For inspiration on how PARK(ing) Day ties into building resilient communities, check out these resources:
Parking Reform Network (PRN) – Advocating for parking policies that prioritize people and places.
https://parkingreform.org/
Strong Towns – Our guiding light for creating financially strong, livable neighborhoods (and they've spotlighted PARK(ing) Day events like this one).
https://www.strongtowns.org/
Hope to see you there!
#parkingreformnetwork
Also check out other Arts events in Des Moines.