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Olivia Phillips (far right) stops to complete a puzzle outside during Parking Day activities at Georgia Tech
Credit: Amanda Andrews / GPB News
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Atlanta temporarily reimagines parking spots as public spaces for annual global project
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GPB's Amanda Andrews reports on Parking Day in Atlanta.
The City of Atlanta recently turned parking spaces into temporary gathering spots as part of an annual international urban design project. Parking Day began in 2006 with the goal of reclaiming streets for public use instead of car travel.
Student leaders at Georgia Tech and employees with Atlanta’s Department of City Planning worked to transform two locations: one in midtown, and one downtown.
A block of parking spaces near Georgia Tech where cars normally parked were filled with games, music, and even a clothing swap.
Olivia Phillips leads the Student Planning Association at Georgia Tech. She said not many people know about Parking Day, so they brought out activities.
“It's basically just to get the public's attention,” Phillips said. “Show them how much space cars and parking actually takes up, and what we could do with this space instead.”
Phillips said she wants to challenge the idea that public spaces are only there to funnel people between locations.
"They're meant for people that hang out”, she said. “They're meant for people to talk, sit down, meet new people, do stuff. Maybe have a work meeting outside in a public space.”
This year’s theme is "micro acts of civil joy."
Melinda Wharton attended the pop-up event downtown. She says residents are ready for more.
“Look at how people have responded to Atlanta Streets Alive over the years in the city, and the Belt Line," Wharton said. “I think Atlanta is ready to think about alternate modes of transportation and alternate uses of public land.”
Parking Day will return in September 2026.
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