One of downtown Mansfield’s parking lots will see a new use, as locals will turn the space into a public art area for Mansfield’s first PARK(ing) Day on Friday, September 20 at 9 a.m.
Mansfield will be joining several other communities in this global event, PARK(ing) Day, in which citizens, designers, and artists turn a metered parking spot into a public park.
“[Mansfield’s PARK(ing) Day] is a good mash-up between the creative community and businesses,” stated Paul Bender, Land Use Planner and Walking/Bicycling Coordinator at Richland County Regional Planning Commission and one of the event organizers.
He further stated that many of the other PARK(ing) Days that have been hosted all over the world have had different themes, and that Mansfield will portray an artistic theme. Thus, several local artists have agreed to participate, and anyone is welcome to set up shop with supplies they may wish to bring (easels, canvas, paints, etc.) for as long as they please. The event is said to last all day.
The location will be the northwest corner in the municipal parking lot on N Main St. and E Fourth St. near the kiosk building. The area is approximately 500 sq. ft. and covers three parking spaces.
If people have items that they wish to store the night before the event, they can do so in the kiosk building near where the event will be held.
“We’re asking folks to lend furniture, flowers, among other items,” said Bender. “[The event] is a great way to bring different positive themes into one spot,” he continued.
One unique aspect to the space is the three church pews that will outline the perimeter and “will serve dual purposes: community seating and protective barriers,” said Bender.
Mansfield International PARK(ing) Day is sponsored by The North Main Street Beautification Committee, a public group sponsored by Richland County Development Group (RCDG).
In regard to event’s purpose, Bender mentioned, “It’s about creating options in how people use the space downtown.”
Already there is talk for vamping up next year’s PARK(ing) Day, which may include a street closure for optimum space. “There’s a lot of enthusiasm,” said Bender.
For more information, check out the Mansfield International PARK(ing) Day 2013 on Facebook.
“We’re asking folks to lend furniture, flowers, among other items,” said Paul Bender. “[The event] is a great way to bring different positive themes into one spot,” he continued.
