Green transport! York car parking spaces replaced with grass and deckchairs

What’s the best way to reclaim the streets from the car? Well that’s a turf call…

Four spaces in York’s Castle car park were grassed over by campaigners on Friday (September 15) for International Park(ing) Day.

After paying for the spaces for two hours, they turned them into a mini park, complete with grass and deckchairs.

There was free food and drink, mini massages, knitting, juggling and storytelling.

Loads of groups

The idea for International Park(ing) Day originated in the States. It is now a worldwide happening where artists, activists and citizens turn metered parking spots into temporary public parks for people to enjoy.

Several city groups took part in York’s event, including York Bike Belles, Red Tower York, Chill in the Community, Edible York, My Castle Gateway project, Glass Half Full, York Environment Forum, and York Green Party.

The pop-up park was sanctioned by City of York Council, and two Micklegate councillors paid it a visit.

Labour’s Jonny Crawshaw, and Johnny Hayes who sits as an independent, both expressed support.

Positive and pleasant

“It was a team effort and went really well – loads of people stopped by,” said Kate Lock of Glass Half Full.

“All the conversations were positive, pleasant and constructive and there was a lot of interest in re-envisaging how the space might be used.”

After their two hours were up, the group tidied everything away and gave up the bays to cars once more.

Kate said: “We hope this can feed into other discussions and consultations going on about York’s development.

“It definitely caught people’s imaginations – I think we need to have much broader conversations now about the future of this city.”