By Cal State Long Beach got a new park on Friday, but it planted its roots for only one day.
CSULB’s Recreation Society partnered with the department of recreation and leisure studies to host PARK(ing) Day 2012, transforming the parking lot 18, between Brotman Hall and residential housing, into a temporary park.
The concept of PARK(ing) Day originated from Rebar, an art and design studio based in San Francisco.
“Together, we transformed the parking spaces into areas of California mountains, desert, [river] and beach,” Kate Donovan, Recreation Society president said. “Mulch, sand, Astroturf and a variety of plants were borrowed to enrich the environments.”
Another park was set up in the metered parking spaces on Second Street at Belmont Shore.
According to Donovan, a majority of the students who attended the event were recreation and leisure majors.
“I did have the opportunity to speak to some kinesiology, business, and American history majors, to name a few,” she said.
Others in attendance included CSULB faculty and staff from Student Health Services.
At noon, College of Health and Human Services Dean Kenneth Millar cut the ribbon to officially open the temporary park.
Recreation Society members, along with recreation and leisure students, informed visitors about the history and mission of PARK(ing) Day, which is part of a global grassroots movement that spreads awareness of the many benefits that a park can provide.
Visitors were encouraged to play and have fun with Frisbees, hula-hoops, balls and jump ropes, which were readily available.
During the event, a steel drum band played lively, upbeat music, contributing to the park’s atmosphere.
Donovan said the event allows people to consider creative uses for urban spaces.
“They [attendees of PARK(ing) Day] can re-think and challenge the way streets are used, which hopefully will reinforce the need for change in urban landscape,” she said.
This was the fourth consecutive year that CSULB participated in PARK(ing) Day. For next year, Donovan suggested getting a food truck to attract more visitors.
“Integrating a hammock would also be so cool,” she said. “I am partial to hammocks.”
