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Explain: Parks are beautiful, green natural playgrounds, but “parking” means you take a giant piece of petroleum burning metal and maneuver it onto a rectangle of asphalt.

Makes no sense, right?

Well, here’s your opportunity to square up the mismatch. From WSDOT:

On Friday, September 20, Seattleites can participate in PARK(ing) Day and help to create a walkable, livable and healthy city. For just a few hours (from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.), anyone can convert a couple of on-street parking spaces into a temporary mini-park. Don’t miss out…apply for FREE to host a park today.

Started in 2005 by San Francisco design firm Rebar, PARK(ing) Day has become an annual event and an international sensation. In 2012, community groups, residents, businesses, designers, and artists in over 160 cities in 35 countries participated in PARK(ing) Day to encourage a sustainable urban environment. This will be the fifth year that Seattle has participated.

If you’re interested in creating a park for Seattle PARK(ing) Day, it couldn’t be easier! The Seattle Department of Transportation is accepting applications under a single free Street Use permit, and there are some easy-to-follow guidelines on its updated webpage. You can propose a park either in two mid-block parking spaces on an arterial street or in one mid-block space on a residential street. To ensure the park meets some basic safety standards, you will need to submit a site plan and location description no later than August 30. But don’t worry, you don’t have to be an architect, engineer, or artist to draw it. All application materials can be sent via email to [email protected].

For additional information about Seattle PARK(ing) Day, including application requirements, please visit http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/seattleparkingday.htm

Here’s a photo of PARK(ing) Day installations to get your imagination moving…or parked.

(Photo by Steve Rhodes)