Clever activism creates instant parks

This is my first post under a new category called "Cities". I've always preferred to limit the number of discussion topics on this site, and rely on other blogs to discuss other passions relating to my work and my wine consumption. The Cities entries will focus on efforts to create livable and sustainable regions and communities.

If you've not seen it already, watch this video about a group creating parks in parking spaces.

There are a bunch of reasons I like this. First, it's a good use of YouTube, promoting some clever environmental activism rather than the usual assortment of teen karaoke videos.

Second, it's a appealing message. What value do we place on urban space? What are we doing to create "people places" in our city centres? Have we become slaves to servicing cars, rather than the other way around as originally intended, by devoting so much space to these machines?

Quoting the Park(ing) website:

Why PARK(ing)? More than 70% of most cities' outdoor space is dedicated to the private vehicle while only a fraction of that land is allocated to open space for people. Around the nation, inexpensive curbside parking results in increased traffic, wasted fuel, and more pollution. It’s time to rethink the way streets are used!

Like so much activism these Park(ing) Days are simple stunts meant for media consumption…and YouTube. Once the sod is rolled up and the bikes leave these blocks are probably not much better off.
However, considering the wanton destruction and mindless aggression we've seen lately in many Vancouver protests, you've got to give REBAR high marks for being creative, and planting the seeds of an interesting debate.

Thanks to Walkable Neighbourhoods for the clip.