By The Lakota Group | September 10, 2018
We are excited to announce that in celebration of PARK(ing) Day on September 21st, The Lakota Group will be transforming parking spaces on West Illinois Street into an urban oasis filled with adoptable dogs from The Anti-Cruelty Society. This temporarily-transformed space, the BARK(ing) Spot, will feature leafy landscaping; comfy places to sit and play; and adorable dogs that will be onsite from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
WHAT IS PARK(ING) DAY?
PARK(ing) Day started in 2005 when a studio named Rebar paid for a parking spot on a drab street in San Francisco; laid down some grass, a tree, and a bench; and made a mini park. The idea took off, and an open source, worldwide movement began. Every third Friday in September, people across the world creatively active parking spaces, with ideas ranging from public health clinics to wedding ceremonies.
PARK(ing) Day is meant to re-examine the way urban space is allocated. The majority of space in our cities is dedicated to cars, with very little space dedicated to open space—for people and pets alike.
When we look at our River North neighborhood and consider what it is lacking, open space is high on the list. This negatively impacts residents and employees of the neighborhood who are seeking a natural refuge, as well as animals without grass, trees, and space to runaround.
TRANSFORMING THE SPACE
When we look at our River North neighborhood and consider what it is lacking, open space is high on the list. This negatively impacts residents and employees of the neighborhood who are seeking a natural refuge, as well as animals without grass, trees, and space to runaround. What our neighborhood does have is a wealth of is wonderful businesses and organizations. Forming more partnerships and relationships between the people who occupy this neighborhood everyday through this activated space is the real goal. And what better way to facilitate those relationships than adding puppies in the mix? Our aim for the BARK(ing) Spot is to activate this space for the day, to make it a place for people, pets, and fun interactions.
