LOWELL, MA- Imagine a city of green space, engaging store fronts and sidewalks, an urban oasis where you can sit and re-connect with the world or take in nature. In cities around the globe Friday, September 21st, artists, activists and citizens will transform metered parking spaces into temporary public parks and other social spaces, as part of an annual event called "PARK(ing) Day."
This year's PARK(ing )Day theme in Lowell is "LoWellness." A call for input from local artists, who submitted concepts related to health, fitness, or mindfulness were selected to bring their vision to the metered spaces. Local artists Chummeng Soun and Mary Hart have been selected to commission their artistic vision around the LoWellness theme. UnXPlored Studio is the selected artist for the Merrimack Street Parklet. The installation is inspired by mindfulness, meditation, and mental health and will include an activity for all ages to participate in. Mary Hart is the selected artist for the Market Street Parklet. Her concept is inspired by health and includes a colorful sculptural garden. Park(ing) Day begins at 9:00 a.m. Friday, Sept. 21, 2018.
Invented in 2005 by Rebar, a San Francisco-based art and design studio, PARK(ing) Day invites people to rethink the way streets are used and promotes discussion around the need for broad based changes to urban infrastructure.
PARK(ing) Day is sponsored by Lowell National Historical Park and made possible by our friends at the City of Lowell, Lowell Community Health Center, Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust, Mahoney's Garden Center, Humanity Boutique, Little Delights, El Potro, UnchARTed, Market Street Market, DIY Lowell, Mill City Grows, Merrimack Valley Small Business Center, Middlesex Community College and others!
To learn more about this and other park offerings including the Junior Ranger program, Boott Cotton Mills Museum, Mill Girls and Immigrants Exhibit, ranger-led tours, and upcoming special events stop by the Visitor Center at 246 Market Street, or contact Lowell National Historical Park at (978) 970-5000, or visit www.nps.gov/lowe. More information on Park(ing) Day can be found at http://parkingday.org/
-NPS-
Tags: parking day 2018 city space urban oasis health lowellness global rebar
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
