National Park(ing) Day greens up Seattle's asphalt

Speedy makeovers transformed plain pavement into mini plots of parkland in downtown Seattle this morning.

About 40 volunteers for The Trust for Public Land turned out to promote National Park(ing) Day, a nationwide movement meant to bring awareness to the need for more nature-friendly spaces in urban areas.

From New York City to Honolulu, volunteers were on a mission to squeeze temporary parks between parked cars and blocks of skyscrapers.

In front of the Seattle Art Museum this morning, a parking space 7 feet by 20 feet on University Street was revamped into a small oasis with bright green grass, a stone bench and completed with a purple bird feeder.

The team from the conservation nonprofit also brought in tarps, sod and potted trees to spaces near the Seattle Aquarium and Olympic Sculpture park today.

Group spokeswoman Karen Macdonald said it cost about $80 to $90 to spruce up a parking space and have a public park for about two hours — the maximum amount of time it could be there before the meter expired.

Member Steph Taylor said the group was trying to prove it doesn't take much effort to make a difference.

"I think it's saying, 'Imagine what it could be if we had some more green space,' " she said.

Onlookers crowded around the temporary parkland, quizzical as to why greenery was taking the place of a parked car.

Two women visiting from Milwaukee wondered if the park was an exhibit from the art museum.

"This is great," said Deb Korsmo, when she realized it was to promote parks. "In Milwaukee, there isn't this level of activism and concern for the environment"

National Park(ing) Day started in San Francisco two years ago and has since spread to about 30 cities, according to Trust for Public Land.

The organization claims as many as two in three city residents do not have access to a nearby park, playground or open space.

Christina Siderius: csiderius@seattletimes.com