GREENFIELD — A metered parking space on Main Street will be temporarily transformed into a public park Friday as part of an annual worldwide event called PARK(ing) Day, aimed at calling attention to the need for more urban open space and generating debate about how public space is created and allocated.
The parking space at the corner of Main and Chapman streets in front of the Brass Buckle restaurant will be taken over by the Town of Greenfield, the Greenfield Business Association, the local Cultural Council and the Franklin Regional Council of Governments Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
During that time, people are welcome to stop by the temporary park to enjoy refreshments and learn about some of the public projects that are being undertaken in town. This year’s event will promote the Council of Governments’ Mass in Motion healthy eating and active living programs, the town’s Community Development Block Grant funded programs and initiatives, the Business Association’s Greenfield Dollars program and the Cultural Council’s current grant cycle.
“We love all the activity that’s happening downtown these days,” said Eric Twarog, Greenfield’s director of Planning and Development, in a news release. “PARK(ing) Day is a great way for residents to learn about some significant town and county projects while chatting with the folks who are making those projects happen.”
Business Association Coordinator and Cultural Council Chairwoman Caitlin von Schmidt said in the release that she’s excited for people to visit the town’s newly designated Crossroads Cultural District.
“If people haven’t been downtown for a while, they may not realize how beautiful and active it is,” she said. “This is a great time to come check out the great shops and restaurants and all the wonderful public art while getting information on how to get grant funding for their own cultural project.”
This is the fourth year of Greenfield’s participation in PARK(ing) Day.
More information regarding the event can be found at frcog.org and a global map of all participating cities is available at parkingday.org.