Feet First is orchestrating this year’s annual PARK(ing) Day held on Sept. 18 when vehicle parking spots throughout the city will, for one day, become parks.

The event shows how precious space can be used in a more fun, sustainable and exciting way, according to Feet First, an organization that promotes walkable communities and safe routes to schools.

Parks will highlight the creative expression of residents all across Seattle. The day event will conclude with an awards ceremony at the People’s Parking Lot at Summit and Pine Streets on Capitol Hill beginning at 6 p.m..

PARK(ing) Day began in 2005 when Rebar, a San Francisco art collective, converted a single metered parking space into a temporary public park. Since its inception, PARK(ing) Day has been established as an international event.

“This is a great opportunity for Seattleites to see the hidden potential in every parking spot and get people thinking about the way we use our public space,” said Lisa Quinn, executive director for Feet First.

Seattle residents first took part in PARK(ing) Day in 2007 with just four parks. This year the event has ballooned to more than 30 parks.

“It was stunning to see little girls happily tap dancing on a stage while semi trucks roared down Rainier Avenue only inches away,” said Ellie Taylor, a participant in last years event.

Parks will be set up from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A map of the parks can be found here.

For more information about the PARK(ing) Day event, contact Kirk Hovenkotter by emailing Kirk@feetfirst.info or calling 206-652-2310.