Public engagement event started in San Fransisco set to park in Vernon

VERNON – For one day, 17 downtown parking stalls in Vernon will transform into public spaces to relax, visit and rethink urbanization.

On Friday Sept. 16, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., 13 groups will temporarily lease several downtown parking spots. People passing by will be able to play games, participate in interactive stories, lounge, talk and collaborate, Hailey Rilkoff, of the Downtown Vernon Association says in a media release.

PARK(ing) Day started in 2005 in San Fransisco with one park installation. It has since become a global event with thousands of metered spots getting transformed into public spaces, Rilkoff says.

"The day is all about drawing attention to the need for more urban space and to rethink the way streets are used."

"We are excited to have the participation of many downtown merchants as well as several community agencies," Rilkoff says in the release. "These temporary installations encourage conversation between strangers sitting beside one another. Organizations can use them to draw attention to issues that are close to the public including cycling and sustainability."

This is the first year downtown Vernon is participating in PARK(ing) Day. The goal is to get Vernon citizens thinking about and "reimagining the possibilities of the urban landscape."

The event installations are temporary and will be taken down at the end of each day.

For more information on Vernon's PARK(ing) Day, visit the Downtown Vernon website.

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