Parking spot turns into a park for a day
EUGENE, Ore. -- This was a parking space. Now it's all covered with grass.
Dave Reed and friends took a parking spot and created a bit of paradise in downtown Eugene Friday as part of Park(ing) Day 2009, a national effort to transform metered parking spots into temporary public parks.
With a little sod, some flowers and a couple of park benches, the parking spot on Willamette Street became a de facto downtown park.
"I love green, especially in cities," Reed said. "The idea is to catch people's attention and make them think, 'Hey, that looks great. We do want more green in my cities.' "
Reed paid six bucks for an all-day parking permit and got the blessing of the local businesses nearby before parking it for the day.
He said the park has had dogs and even a squirrel visit their little urban park.
But what about drivers looking for parking?
"I was expecting more," Reed said, "but maybe I'm not paying attention because I'm enjoying the park."
Reed learned about the effort on line at parkingday.org. He is a Web site designer when he's not advocating for green spaces.
"People have been really supportive," he said. "All the businesses have been very supportive, giving free food, so it's been really nice, a good reaction overall."
