Can parking lots become parks? They do on International Park(ing) Day. On Friday, September 15, the parking spaces at award-winning landscape and urban design firm McCullough Landscape Architecture transformed into a series of interactive miniature parks in celebration of its annual Park(ing) Day.
Now in its 18th year, Park(ing) Day has grown into a global phenomenon aimed at fostering creativity and community involvement through the reimagining of urban spaces. Converting regular parking spaces into vibrant creative hubs for art, play, and activism, McCullough was thrilled to welcome the local Hillcrest community to partake in this dynamic event at their office at 3605 Fifth Avenue.
Showcasing entertainment, education, and exploration, the McCullough “green” mini park offered participants engaging, informative sessions about topics within landscape architecture, sustainability, and urban planning – surrounded by native pollinator plants on a synthetic lawn laid out across two metered parking spaces. Guests were able to take part in a Pollinator Pledge to show their commitment to supporting local ecosystems and gain insight into the importance of pollinators and native plant species, rethink local policies affecting bee habitats and how the decline of bee populations and the ecological effect to our environment.
Keynote speakers included David McCullough, Principal of McCullough Landscape Architecture; Joe LaCava, San Diego Councilman, District 1; James C. Nieh, Associate Dean of UCSD School of Biological Sciences Professor Department of Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution; and Patrick Montgomery of Native West Nurseries.
“We believe in the power of transforming urban spaces into inspiring environments that foster interaction, creativity, nature, and relaxation,” said Catherine McCullough, President and CEO at McCullough. “Today, the urban space we transformed was a parking space as part of International Park(ing) Day.”
McCullough extends its gratitude to all those who joined them in making this Park(ing) Day event a remarkable success. By participating, attendees played a pivotal role in the global movement to rethink and revitalize urban spaces, as well as learn the role of pollinators in our natural environment.
About McCullough Landscape Architecture, Inc.
Founded in 1999, McCullough Landscape Architecture, Inc., headquartered in San Diego’s Design Center with an office in Oakland, California, is an award-winning landscape and urban design firm. The company is certified by the State of California Department of General Services as a Small Business Enterprise and is a Woman-Owned Small Business, and has performed work in multiple U.S. states and internationally. For nearly 25 years, the firm has worked on many private, civic and military projects and had its work recognized with many regional and national awards. For more information about McCullough, visit www.McCulloughLA.com.