WILMINGTON – On Friday, 30 metered parking spaces in downtown Wilmington will be home to something other than parked cars for the day. Instead, they will be turned into pop-up parks, art displays and other creative ways to promote urban green space.
This is the fifth year in a row that Wilmington Downtown Incorporated (WDI) has brought the nationwide event, which started in San Francisco in 2005, to the Port City. The idea is to promote awareness for urban open areas while staying within the confines of one metered parking space.
Participants in the past have gotten creative, from setting up plants to make a real green space to setting up coffee tables and games (including mini-golf) that people can play. According to WDI, 26 organizations participated in last year’s event.
This year, 27 groups are set to take over 30 spaces on Front, Chestnut and 2nd streets. They represent a variety of local organizations such as the Historic Wilmington Foundation, New Hanover County Waste Management, the Wilmington Area Realtors Association and Feast Down East. Landscaping companies such as The Transplanted Garden, Tinga Nursery and Lowe’s Home Improvement are also lending plants and other things for the displays.
The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 16. Visit Wilmington Downtown Inc.’s website for more information on the event.
