Melillo + Bauer Associates was excited to once again participate in PARK(ing) Day, an annual global event focusing around the transformation of vehicular urban space.

Held every third Friday of September, the event encourages all artists, design professionals and activists to re-imagine metered parking spaces into temporary public parks. It’s an experiment in reclaiming vehicular spaces for social exchange, recreation and artistic expression.

With more people on earth living in cities than ever before, PARK(ing) Day emphasizes the need for more public open space within the urban environment. It helps to spark conversation on how these spaces are created and why they’re vital to a rich urban life.

This year, Melillo + Bauer Associates pop-up parklet occupied three parking spaces on Christopher Columbus Drive in Jersey City. Small but mighty, the temporary public park packed in multiple seating areas for lounging and gathering, an open lawn area, and a meandering garden walk.

Lush vegetation and an array of native wildflowers attracted a surprising number of pollinators while creating a sense of enclosure and oasis. Interactive lawn games, music, and refreshments helped to engage the community and created opportunities for dialogue on urban renewal and the role that parks play within the urban landscape.

Melillo + Bauer Associates would like to thank all who participated in this endeavor, including:

The Jersey City Administration
Twin Resources
Landscape Forms
Sunset Farmstead
ForeverLawn North Jersey

For more information concerning PARK(ing) Day, click here.