Sustainable Flatbush took the high road to reclaiming their neighborhood from motorists by transforming a parking spot into an outdoor playpen.
Members of the grassroots group turned a concrete, metered space at the intersection of Cortelyou and Argyle Roads into a mini-park, complete with grass, plants, seating and kid-friendly activities, as part of “Park(ing) Day.”
The one-day global call, centered in San Francisco, encouraged artists, activist and citizens to collaborate and turn metered parking spots into short-term public spaces.
“Using 160 square feet of concrete for temporary storage of an automobile benefits only its owner,” said Sustainable Flatbush Director Anne Pope, noting, “If we can take that area and transform it into something magical that is enjoyed by dozens of people, maybe that’s a better use of space.”
The “Cortelyou Road Park” was one of more than 50 citywide sites selected for the one-day makeover, whose organizers hope to generate “innovative, proof-of-concept designs” into permanent public areas in available urban spaces.
