Press Releases - Department of Transportation

For Immediate Release: Friday, August 30, 2019

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is encouraging artists, planners, businesses, organizations, groups and individuals to participate in International PARK(ing) Day on September 20 by temporarily transforming a metered parking space in Silver Spring or Bethesda into a fun, parklike spot. Participants are encouraged to creatively reimagine the urban landscape for a day. See photos online from previous years that include a park with plants, mini-golf course, campfire site and games and interactive activities for kids and adults. There is no charge to participate in the event; applications are due no later than close of business on September 9.

“PARK(ing) Day is a way to have fun, stimulate conversations about our transportation choices and support infrastructure that is more transit-oriented, bikeable and walkable,” said MCDOT Director Al Roshdieh. “This year, MCDOT is offering PARK(ing) Day applicants the opportunity to promote their services in good taste and provide free samples or giveaways at their ‘park.’ In addition, applicants can suggest a preferred parking space location if the spot they have in mind was not identified as an option.”

PARK(ing) Day spots were chosen with safety in mind, but MCDOT will evaluate other location suggestions. The use of parking spaces will be allowed from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., including set up and tear down.

Those interested in taking part in PARK(ing) Day can get more information and apply online or by mail. Participants are required to meet certain guidelines that are spelled out in the application. Guidelines for businesses have been relaxed to allow more promotional activities.

Looking for inspiration? See what others have done on past PARK(ing) Days.