UNO Campus Participates in Global PARK(ing) Day
The University of New Orleans Service Coalition and sustainability leaders on campus today drew attention to a need for public parks and public space by participating in an international effort called PARK(ing) Day.
Around the globe, residents, artists and activists collaborated today to transform metered parking spaces into PARK(ing) spaces: temporary public places. The special day, instituted in 2005, is designed to draw attention to a need for more urban open space, to spark debate about the ways in which public space is created and allocated and to improve the quality of urban living.
GroundWork Nola, Allied Waste, Capital NOLA, a sustainability class and faculty interest group taught by campus sustainability coordinator Ben Shirtcliff and others helped to transform the parking spaces in the circular driveway outside the University Center into a pleasant public park.
Students and residents promoted green space in public spaces by creating an adventurous playground replete with giant chess and jenga games, musical performances, poetry readings and more. Capital NOLA provided fresh produce and Psi Chi, the international honor society in psychology, set up a comfortable rug and sofa for free therapy sessions.
