The meter has run out on PARK(ing) Day 2010 but the message behind the worldwide event remains: nature, even in small patches, brings light and fun to urban environments.
Metro and the Lloyd Transportation Management Association, in conjunction with The Intertwine, set up a mini-park on Friday, Sept. 17 that stretched across two parking spaces on Portland’s Northeast Multnomah Street.
People gathered at the spot to picnic, play cards and relax in the natural setting. Cyclists rode in for a doughnut and walkers took a short stroll through the grass. Visitors and passersby seemed to enjoy the unexpected street-side park. Many echoed the need to create and preserve open greenspaces in the city.
Metro actively works to protect and restore natural areas, parks, trails and wildlife habitat throughout the Portland metropolitan region. Thanks to two voter-approved bond measures, the Metro Natural Areas Program has protected more than 10,000 acres across the Portland metropolitan area. Caring for this land enhances water quality, wildlife habitat and recreation opportunities for future generations.
The natural areas and trails that Metro has acquired, along with other areas of nature in the metropolitan region make up what’s called The Intertwine. Supporters such as Metro, other public agencies, private businesses and nonprofit organizations have formed The Intertwine Alliance to work together to grow and connect that network. The alliance helped organize and promote more than 30 PARK(ing) Day mini-parks this year. ReBar started PARK(ing) Day in 2005 and it has since grown into a worldwide mission to call attention to the need for more urban open space.