New Website.

Please visit the new website. http://www.brisbaneparkingday.com/
(we will keep this blog as an archive)

Meet other Brisbane and international PARKers on the new online forums at:

PARK(ing) Day 2009

Brisbane PARK(ing) will be back in 2009!

Please join us on the exciting new Rebar social network.
(It will be an important forum for coordination and keeping up to date)
http://my.parkingday.org/group/Brisbane

In 2008, Brisbane was the 3rd largest city worldwide
In 2009, more Australian cities are following our lead
And we hope you will help us make PARK(ing) 2009 bigger and better

We like to keep you super updated, so in addition to the Rebar site you can also
Join the Facebook group
Follow on Twitter
Join the email list
and of course RSS feed to this blogspot.

Photos/Votes: Deadline 19th October

One month on....
Please send ALL final text and photos by 19th October, 2008.

Voting for Favourite PARK will also end 19th October, 2008

Perth PARK(ing)

We congratulate Russell, Amanda, and the City of Perth as the first Australian city council to get officially on board in PARK(ing). They created 2 PARKs in the CBD.
See Perth PARK(ing) photos here.
See the article here

Let's hope BCC follows suit next year.

Your PARKs on Flickr

Remember to capture all the PARK(ing) fun and email us your image files (jpgs)

Your PARK(ing) photos will be used for the website, book and put on flickr.

FOR FLICKR:
OPTION 1) Email your photos to brisparkingday@live.com and we'll put them up under the newly created Brisbane PARK(ing) Day username
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30258821@N05/

OR

OPTION 2) Existing members can put up their own photos, join the group to add photos to the "group pool" http://www.flickr.com/groups/brisbaneparkingday/

The easiest way add a photo to a group is to go to the photo's page and click the "Send to Group" button between the photo title and the photo. Then choose the group you want to send it to, and you're done!

New York PARK(ing)

There's a revamped New York PARK(ing) site that is worthy of a look (Thanks Michael)

"This year, Park(ing) Day NYC will double the fun with double the locations: 50+ parks in the Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan and Queens. In addition, park builders are putting new emphasis on site-specific designs that will reflect the social, cultural and architectural contexts in which they're situated, as well as generate innovative proof-of-concept designs for permanent public space reclamation. Seating areas, art installations, and community engagement will all make the case for a more sensible and human-friendly distribution of available urban public space.

Park(ing) Day 2008 will be followed on October 18 by Park(ing) Day REDUX, featuring a rebuild of selected spots along with photos and other media from this year's event, in front of EYEBEAM Art and Technology Center on 21st Street."



P.S.I'm pretty proud of our little blogspot as it reaches its 4000th hit, but I'm jealous of the NYC site - like self mapping registration form! So got to get me one of them

Traffic and Roadworks Alerts

You can check all BCC traffic and roadwork alerts here - http://www.sopuff.com.au/traffic/home/default.asp

CBD PARKers to especially note -
Due to the staging of the Olympian's Welcome Home Parade on 19 September the following road closures will be occurring:
- Queen Street between Creek and Edward Streets from 11.00am to 12.30pm
- Edward Street between Adelaide and Queen Streets from midday to 12.30pm
- George Street between Elizabeth and Adelaide Streets from 12.30pm to 1.30pm

It is anticipated that the closures and diversions will cause moderate traffic congestion and delays. Police will re-open the closures at the first opportunity.

IMPORTANT: If you are composting

Northey St City Farm are accepting organic material for composting at the end of PARK(ing).

Here are your instructions if you are using this service:

Please go to the corner of Edgar & Edmund Streets (in the middle of City Farm) and a sign will clearly direct people to a nearby compost bay. This will be available on PARKing Day, and into the weekend. The nursery will also be open until 4 pm on PARKing Day, and they will be able to direct people.

PLANTS
If you wanted to borrow plants from the nursery call NSCF (ph. 38578775) during business hours, Tuesday - Thursday, and ask for Robert or Ross.

You can of course BUY plants from Edible Nurseries.

The farm is at Northey St, Windsor (It's on the PARK(ing) map!)

Rebar How To Guide

The Brisbane "how to guide" STILL applies, but check out the revised Rebar one on www.parkingday.org

It has super cute templates at the back for your concept drawings. Great for anyone, but especially great for those working with students.

Scan and email us any drawings (of ideas you are building or 'unbuilt' works) and we'll document them all.

Resource Guide: Freecycle

The Freecycle Network™ is made up of 4,580 groups with 5,690,000 members across the globe. It's a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns. It's all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills.

The Toronto PARKers got some material through Freecycle - and there is also a Brisbane Freecycle Group.
http://www.freecycle.org/group/AU/Queensland/Brisbane

Remember your PARKs don't have to cost a lot and FREE is good!

PARKs of the World

Brisbane is now on the Trust for Public Land site (USA organisers).

We join the 50 odd other PARK(ing) cities worldwide.

We know of potential action in

• Sydney
• Perth (City of Perth - Urban Design)
  
• Tasmania (SONA group)

The city targets to beat are 40-60 spaces and some of the biggest efforts are in
> San Francisco
> New York
> LA
> Philidelphia

Leaders

PARK(ing) Day is being delivered by amazing groups and individuals.

Theses are your main Brisbane PARK(ing) "go to" people
Please email via brisparkingday@live.com

1) VALLEY – Deanne
2) CBD – Sonia/ Brigid
3) SOUTH BRISBANE– Robyn (outside Southbank Corp)
3) SOUTHBANK - Cassandra/ Lorraine* (QCA with Southbank Corp)
4) WEST END –Steph
5) NORTHEY ST – Ross
6) POST PARTY/ MEDIA – Paul S
7) TOUR DE PARK – Jessie
8) UQ – Nicole * (School of Architecture)
9) WEB/EMAIL/MAPPING/MEDIA – Tristan

TPL How To Video

4 Steps to PARK(ing)
Video by Trust for Public Land.
That's the gist of how to PARK. Download the Brisbane "how to guide" (top right of site)

Get your own - Open publication

FAQ: Brisbane City Council

What is the BCC position on PARK(ing) Day?
*edited June 2008

PARK(ing) Day is an not supported by BCC. The verbal advice is the Lord Mayor/Cr Quirk have main concerns related to the lose of CBD spaces.

Many city council worldwide support PARK(ing) by allowing 'permits'. The closest BCC permits relate to "part lane closures" which have not been verbally supported. These permits are set up for things such as construction work zones etc and PARK(ing) was obviously not the intent for which these permits were written for.

In San Fransisco their Mayor's office and key departments PARKed and so could BCC. Brisbane PARK(ing) Day is still eager to work with BCC next year. This event is about the diverse aspects of city-making and PARK(ing) Day creatively engages the community about ideas and issues directly related to BCC key plans, policies and projects.


Like the original idea, PARK(ing) can technically happen without BCC support (see other FAQs about about parking local laws) but their support would have been beneficial to extending times, and reducing perceived barriers.

All participants must read the local laws and should understand the risks (of being asked to move)

Also consider the following strategies to reduce your risk -
1) PARKers are are also encouraged to talk with their local Councillors one-on-one
2) We are currently working with Southbank Corporation as a way to achieve a "legitimate" cluster outside of BCC
3) You can avoid all BCC enforcement risk by adapting PARK(ing) to private off street parks.
4) You can minimise risk by gaining support from traders/businesses.
5) Clusters may try to apply for 'part lane closures permits' through BCC, but without political support such approvals are not guranteed.
6) Safety in numbers. A critical mass of community and professional support can lead to better acceptance and political support of the event. Every space created adds to the message.

Make sure you read the other FAQs about parking and local laws.

Brisbane How to Guide

(image via Seirra Club)

All PARKers must download the Brisbane PARK(ing) How To Guide

Read this in conjunction with FAQs

Design Opportunity: Recycled Billboards

We are seeking an artist or designer to create an artwork/sculpture/furniture/space using recycled billboard skins. Through both the billboard material and act of PARK(ing), this is an opportunity to conceptually explore the idea of transforming everyday urban landscapes.

Like all PARK(ing) spaces this is not a paid or commission work but with generous support from the Outdoor Media Association, they can arrange this material for free. The designer can specify the type and how much (there is literally metres and metres of this stuff)

Please express your interest to brisparkingday@live.com

FAQs

1) How long can I PARK for?

Just like a car you should respect parking restrictions (unless you gain permits or negotiate private spaces). In a metered space it is an offence to continuously pay the meter and stay in the same spot beyond the maximum period - so if it says 2P you should move in 2 hours. Read the local laws.

2) Can I only PARK in metered car parks?

No. You can PARK in metered, unmetered, on street, off street, public, private, even multi-level car parks.

3) Can I get fined or arrested for PARK(ing)?

BCC’s Local Laws section have verbally advised that paying for a space but not parking a vehicle is not technically a fined offence – but they may be unsupportive and ask you to move on. (Note: We are working towards a "legitimate"(permitted)cluster but PARKs are encouraged anywhere in Brisbane)

As Rebar says “Be ready to deal with police, traffic enforcement officers, or people angry about you occupying a parking space. Keep in mind that you are acting in the public interest to add to the health, comfort, and vitality of your city. We recommend appealing to law enforcement’s sense of civic pride versus antagonizing them. Direct angry motorists to the nearest paid parking structure.”

Remember safety is a key component to PARK(ing) design. Have fun but obey the laws!



5) What can’t I do in a PARK(ing) space?

Any commercial uses. Under the Rebar creative commons copyright PARK(ing) Day is intended for non-commercial uses, and also commercial/food uses/footpath dining is a totally separate BCC licensing issue. Businesses like cafes can participate but should comply with their existing footpath dining permits. No sales or food in PARK(ing) spaces that are on street.
PARK(ing) spaces that are on private land (off-street), then you can do whatever you want!

4) How much will it cost me to create a PARK?

That’s up to you. PARK(ing) teams are responsible for their own costs, materials and logistics. Some design teams will borrow most things from work and home, while other design teams will make or buy new things.

You might also consider approaching local businesses for in-kind material support and even sponsors for your PARK(ing) space. Don't forget that PARK(ing) is a public platform to promote creative ideas, businesses, products, firms, and services.

5) Can I only PARK on 19 September 2008 ?
Yes. Similar approaches have been adapted but technically under the Rebar creative commons copyright the term "PARK(ing)" can only apply to the global event day. www.parkingday.org

Coincidently, PARK(ing) Day is closely linked in timing and theme to broader planning and design conversations happening at the same time, including
o Subtropical Cities Conference, Brisbane (3-6 Sept)
0 PIA State Conference (17-19 Sept),
o International Car Free Day (22 Sep)
o Brisbane Indesign (20-21 Sept)
o World sustainable building conference, Melbourne (21-25 Sept)
o Venice Architectural Biennale (14 Sept-Nov) which is exploring public realms in “Out there: Architecture Beyond Building”

FAQs: 'Gabba PARK(ing)- Planning Brief

What are the planning and public space issues that make PARK(ing) important to Woolloongabba/ Stones Corner? (*add local issues by posting a comment)

Woolloongabba and surrounds is -

• Undergoing renewal and redevelopment pressure, especially with the Eastern Busway
• Already being influenced by large infrastructure – Freeway, South East Busway, NSBT
• Existing areas of intact traditional streetscapes
• Limited areas of "park"

What are the local planning documents shaping the 'Gabba?

1. Woolloongabba Structure Plan
This plan demonstrates the latest thinking and future direction.
2. Eastern Busway
See the latest on this important project. Best to request the “Concept Design and Impact Management Plan” to get more detailed info.

There are already keen PARKers in this area, contact brisparkingday@live.com to find out who else is PARK(ing) near you.

FAQs: CBD PARK(ing) - Planning Brief

What are the planning and public space issues that make PARK(ing) important to the CBD? (*add local issues by posting a comment)

The CBD is the geographical and emotional centre to Brisbane – it has always been a strong expression of our values as a city. It has

• Strong identity with traditional civic plazas and malls (Queen St, King George)
• Important parks (Botanic Gardens, Queens Park, Anzac Square, Roma St)
• All the main public transport functions
• Transitions from commercial to residential uses in the CBD puts new dynamics on public open space
• Activity on the street is key to its character and business trade
• New development pressures – eg Northbank
• Imminent new pedestrian connections - eg Tank St Bridge
• Significant new public realm projects (King George Square/Busway/Roma St)

What are the local planning documents shaping the CBD?

1. Draft City Centre Neighbourhood Plan (2007) This is the plan which will ultimately end up in the Planning Scheme. Get to know Map 3 which shows pedestrian priorities.
2. City Centre Masterplan (2006)
This document outlines some important thinking about the urban design and future of CBD and guided the above neighbourhood plan.
3. QLD Government Smart Cities Report (2007)


Key CBD PARK(ing) Sites?

The CBD is particularly complicated with loading, bus stops, clearways, and construction – check the signs!!! It is up to local cluster leaders/individuals to locate and negotiate their own PARK(ing) spaces, but some of your local site targets could include -
1. Streets of existing or proposed pedestrian priority (eg Elizabeth, George, Mary St, Market St)
2. Private multi-level carparks (rooftops)

There are already keen PARKers in this area, contact brisparkingday@live.com to find out who else is PARK(ing) near you.

FAQs: Valley/New Farm PARK(ing)- Planning Brief

What are the planning and public space issues that make PARK(ing) important to the Valley?(*add local issues by posting a comment)

The Valley and surrounds has –

• One of the lowest proportions of actual “park” (think about if you didn’t have River, and New Farm Park nearby)
• The general lack of park puts the pressure and design focus on other forms public space (plazas, Chinatown and Brunswick St malls and streets)
• The diversity of people in the Valley’s public spaces during the day, at night and during special events makes it some of the most vibrant spaces in our city but sometimes the most contested
• The sense of safety (that is perceived or real) in Valley public spaces continues to be a part of its reputation.
• The Valley has a strong history in the temporary and creative use of public spaces for events, markets, music, art etc
• Critical issues about inclusive public space for homeless, youth, indigenous, gay communities etc are an important part of the Valley.
• Increased development pressure in the Valley are opportunities to get improved streets and new public spaces, but also puts pressure on the character of existing spaces.
• The Valley and surrounds has many traditional and new examples of activation of public spaces and public-private interfaces on the street. (think Brunswick St, Emporium, James St, Merthyr, Teneriffe) Developers/planners are using some of these mixed use developments as models across the city.

What are the local planning documents shaping the Valley?

1. Fortitude Valley Urban Vision (2007)
This document outlines some important thinking about public spaces, streets and new connections. It is currently setting the future direction for the area.
2. The CityPlan Planning Scheme (See Chapter 4 for “Local Area Plans for older suburbs”)
See the Fortitude Valley Local Area Plan and New Farm and Teneriffe Hill Local Area Plan
3. Plans and ideas often come, go and come back again! Your local Councillor can find you past and background planning studies.


What are the key Valley PARK(ing) Sites?

It is up to local cluster leaders/individuals to locate and negotiate their own PARK(ing) spaces., but some of your local site targets could include -
1. Existing active precincts/streets in and around James St, Brunswick St, Merthyr Rd
2. Streets of proposed pedestrian priority (eg Maclachan St)
3. Shared off-street parks of centres (eg at shops at James St, Brunswick Central, Emporium)
4. Private off-street parks of sole uses (eg think spaces like Phillip Bacon Gallery, Judith Wright Centre rear car park, Jamie’s Espresso, any other smaller commercial uses with parking frontage)
5. BCC off street car park (East St)
6. McWhirters Carpark (rooftop)

There are already keen PARKers in this area, contact brisparkingday@live.com to find out who else is PARK(ing) near you.