City of Columbia Park(ing) Day 2024 Parking Reservation

City of Columbia Park(ing) Day 2025 Parking Reservation

Park(ing) Day this year is Friday, September 19, 2025
Thank you for your interest!

Completion of this form will allow City staff to move forward and reserve your desired parking space(s) for Park(ing) Day.

After you submit, you will receive a link to the full application, which must be submitted by Friday, August 29, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
This year's theme:

The PARK(ing) Day theme this year, "Plan your public realm," calls attention to the recently adopted Downtown Columbia Strategic Plan and Design Guidelines. The pedestrian realm, which encompasses the open space between a building's face and the curb, is host to any number of streetscape elements that help contribute to a pleasant, walkable city. How would you populate the pedestrian realm? The possibilities are endless.

About Park(ing) Day...
The mission of Park(ing) Day is “to call attention to the need for more urban open space, to generate critical debate around how public space is created and allocated, and to improve the quality of urban human habitat.”

The great majority of any metro downtown’s outdoor space is dedicated to movement and storage of private vehicles, while only a fraction of that space is allocated to serve a broader range of public needs. Paying the meter of a parking space enables one to lease precious urban real estate on a short-term basis. The PARK(ing) project was created to explore the range of possible activities for this short-term lease, and to provoke a critical examination of the values that generate the form of urban public space.

Each installation is different, embodying the individuals of the community who have helped design, build and hang out in the space. Plans range from an impromptu music performance, to outdoor fitness space, to a bicycle tune-up shop. Interested businesses and groups can sign up for a parking space to design and construct as a part of the event.

For more information about Park(ing) Day in Columbia, please visit www.columbiacompass.org/parklets.
Let us know if you or a local business you know would be interested in donating a prize!

Contact Name (This person will be the main contact between your installation and City staff. The Contact person is responsible for having someone always on site.)*

First NameLast Name
Organization*
Contact Cell Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Contact Email Address*
example@example.com
First, where do you want your park to be?*

Main StreetLady StreetHampton StreetWashington StreetAnother location not listed

Next, tell us which block of Main Street you want your park to be located:

Main St. between Gervais St. and Lady St.Main St. between Lady St. and Washington St.Main St. between Washington St. and Hampton St.Main St. between Hampton St. and Taylor St.Main St. between Taylor St. and Blanding St.Main St. between Blanding St. and Laurel St.Another location not listed

Next, tell us which block of Lady Street you want your park to be located:

Lady St. between Wayne St. and Gadsden St.Lady St. between Gadsden St. and Lincoln St.Lady St. between Lincoln St. and Park St.Lady St. between Park St. between Assembly St.Lady St. between Assembly St. and Main St.Lady St. between Main St. and Sumter St.Another location not listed

Next, tell us which block of Hampton Street you want your park to be located:

Hampton St. between Assembly St. and Main St.Hampton St. between Main St. and Sumter St.Another location not listed

Next, tell us which block of Washington Street you want your park to be located:

Washington St. between Assembly St. and Main St.Washington St. between Main St. and Sumter St.Another location not listed

*While the meters have been removed along Main Street and may be removed along other streets in the future, we will continue to utilize the space numbers to ensure space reservations are correctly placed and that requested park locations do not overlap. Where meter heads are present, you can use the above graphic to help identify meter numbers; where meter heads are not present, please utilize the maps to identify the space(s) you would like to reserve.
(Main between Gervais and Lady) Finally, tell us which parking spaces you want from the above map. Please note, you must choose at least 2 parking spaces and a maximum of 4 spaces. These spaces must be next to each other and physically connected. Additionally, parking space reservations are First Come, First Served.

*While the meters have been removed along Main Street and may be removed along other streets in the future, we will continue to utilize the space numbers to ensure space reservations are correctly placed and that requested park locations do not overlap. Where meter heads are present, you can use the above graphic to help identify meter numbers; where meter heads are not present, please utilize the maps to identify the space(s) you would like to reserve.
(Main between Lady and Washington) Finally, tell us which parking spaces you want from the above map. Please note, you must choose at least 2 parking spaces and a maximum of 4 spaces. These spaces must be next to each other and physically connected. Additionally, parking space reservations are First Come, First Served.

*While the meters have been removed along Main Street and may be removed along other streets in the future, we will continue to utilize the space numbers to ensure space reservations are correctly placed and that requested park locations do not overlap. Where meter heads are present, you can use the above graphic to help identify meter numbers; where meter heads are not present, please utilize the maps to identify the space(s) you would like to reserve.
(Main between Washington and Hampton) Finally, tell us which parking spaces you want from the above map. Please note, you must choose at least 2 parking spaces and a maximum of 4 spaces. These spaces must be next to each other and physically connected. Additionally, parking space reservations are First Come, First Served.

*While the meters have been removed along Main Street and may be removed along other streets in the future, we will continue to utilize the space numbers to ensure space reservations are correctly placed and that requested park locations do not overlap. Where meter heads are present, you can use the above graphic to help identify meter numbers; where meter heads are not present, please utilize the maps to identify the space(s) you would like to reserve.
(Main between Hampton and Taylor) Finally, tell us which parking spaces you want from the above map. Please note, you must choose at least 2 parking spaces and a maximum of 4 spaces. These spaces must be next to each other and physically connected. Additionally, parking space reservations are First Come, First Served.

*While the meters have been removed along Main Street and may be removed along other streets in the future, we will continue to utilize the space numbers to ensure space reservations are correctly placed and that requested park locations do not overlap. Where meter heads are present, you can use the above graphic to help identify meter numbers; where meter heads are not present, please utilize the maps to identify the space(s) you would like to reserve.
(Main between Taylor and Blanding) Finally, tell us which parking spaces you want from the above map. Please note, you must choose at least 2 parking spaces and a maximum of 4 spaces. These spaces must be next to each other and physically connected. Additionally, parking space reservations are First Come, First Served.

*While the meters have been removed along Main Street and may be removed along other streets in the future, we will continue to utilize the space numbers to ensure space reservations are correctly placed and that requested park locations do not overlap. Where meter heads are present, you can use the above graphic to help identify meter numbers; where meter heads are not present, please utilize the maps to identify the space(s) you would like to reserve.
(Main between Blanding and Laurel) Finally, tell us which parking spaces you want from the above map. Please note, you must choose at least 2 parking spaces and a maximum of 4 spaces. These spaces must be next to each other and physically connected. Additionally, parking space reservations are First Come, First Served.

*While the meters have been removed along Main Street and may be removed along other streets in the future, we will continue to utilize the space numbers to ensure space reservations are correctly placed and that requested park locations do not overlap. Where meter heads are present, you can use the above graphic to help identify meter numbers; where meter heads are not present, please utilize the maps to identify the space(s) you would like to reserve.
(Lady between Wayne and Gadsden) Finally, tell us which parking spaces you want from the above map. Please note, you must choose at least 2 parking spaces and a maximum of 4 spaces. These spaces must be next to each other and physically connected. Additionally, parking space reservations are First Come, First Served.

*While the meters have been removed along Main Street and may be removed along other streets in the future, we will continue to utilize the space numbers to ensure space reservations are correctly placed and that requested park locations do not overlap. Where meter heads are present, you can use the above graphic to help identify meter numbers; where meter heads are not present, please utilize the maps to identify the space(s) you would like to reserve.
(Lady between Gadsden and Lincoln) Finally, tell us which parking spaces you want from the above map. Please note, you must choose at least 2 parking spaces and a maximum of 4 spaces. These spaces must be next to each other and physically connected. Additionally, parking space reservations are First Come, First Served.

*While the meters have been removed along Main Street and may be removed along other streets in the future, we will continue to utilize the space numbers to ensure space reservations are correctly placed and that requested park locations do not overlap. Where meter heads are present, you can use the above graphic to help identify meter numbers; where meter heads are not present, please utilize the maps to identify the space(s) you would like to reserve.
(Lady between Lincoln and Park) Finally, tell us which parking spaces you want from the above map. Please note, you must choose at least 2 parking spaces and a maximum of 4 spaces. These spaces must be next to each other and physically connected. Additionally, parking space reservations are First Come, First Served.

*While the meters have been removed along Main Street and may be removed along other streets in the future, we will continue to utilize the space numbers to ensure space reservations are correctly placed and that requested park locations do not overlap. Where meter heads are present, you can use the above graphic to help identify meter numbers; where meter heads are not present, please utilize the maps to identify the space(s) you would like to reserve.
(Lady between Park and Assembly) Finally, tell us which parking spaces you want from the above map. Please note, you must choose at least 2 parking spaces and a maximum of 4 spaces. These spaces must be next to each other and physically connected. Additionally, parking space reservations are First Come, First Served.

*While the meters have been removed along Main Street and may be removed along other streets in the future, we will continue to utilize the space numbers to ensure space reservations are correctly placed and that requested park locations do not overlap. Where meter heads are present, you can use the above graphic to help identify meter numbers; where meter heads are not present, please utilize the maps to identify the space(s) you would like to reserve.
(Lady between Assembly and Main) Finally, tell us which parking spaces you want from the above map. Please note, you must choose at least 1 parking space and a maximum of 2 spaces. These spaces must be next to each other and physically connected. Additionally, parking space reservations are First Come, First Served.

*While the meters have been removed along Main Street and may be removed along other streets in the future, we will continue to utilize the space numbers to ensure space reservations are correctly placed and that requested park locations do not overlap. Where meter heads are present, you can use the above graphic to help identify meter numbers; where meter heads are not present, please utilize the maps to identify the space(s) you would like to reserve.
(Lady between Main and Sumter) Finally, tell us which parking spaces you want from the above map. Please note, you must choose at least 1 parking space and a maximum of 2 spaces. These spaces must be next to each other and physically connected. Additionally, parking space reservations are First Come, First Served.

*While the meters have been removed along Main Street and may be removed along other streets in the future, we will continue to utilize the space numbers to ensure space reservations are correctly placed and that requested park locations do not overlap. Where meter heads are present, you can use the above graphic to help identify meter numbers; where meter heads are not present, please utilize the maps to identify the space(s) you would like to reserve.
(Hampton between Assembly and Main) Finally, tell us which parking spaces you want from the above map. Please note, you must choose at least 1 parking spaces and a maximum of 2 spaces. These spaces must be next to each other and physically connected. Additionally, parking space reservations are First Come, First Served.

*While the meters have been removed along Main Street and may be removed along other streets in the future, we will continue to utilize the space numbers to ensure space reservations are correctly placed and that requested park locations do not overlap. Where meter heads are present, you can use the above graphic to help identify meter numbers; where meter heads are not present, please utilize the maps to identify the space(s) you would like to reserve.
(Hampton between Main and Sumter) Finally, tell us which parking spaces you want from the above map. Please note, you must choose at least 1 parking spaces and a maximum of 2 spaces. These spaces must be next to each other and physically connected. Additionally, parking space reservations are First Come, First Served.

*While the meters have been removed along Main Street and may be removed along other streets in the future, we will continue to utilize the space numbers to ensure space reservations are correctly placed and that requested park locations do not overlap. Where meter heads are present, you can use the above graphic to help identify meter numbers; where meter heads are not present, please utilize the maps to identify the space(s) you would like to reserve.
(Washington between Assembly and Main) Finally, tell us which parking spaces you want from the above map. Please note, you must choose at least 1 parking space and a maximum of 2 spaces. These spaces must be next to each other and physically connected. Additionally, parking space reservations are First Come, First Served.

*While the meters have been removed along Main Street and may be removed along other streets in the future, we will continue to utilize the space numbers to ensure space reservations are correctly placed and that requested park locations do not overlap. Where meter heads are present, you can use the above graphic to help identify meter numbers; where meter heads are not present, please utilize the maps to identify the space(s) you would like to reserve.
(Washington between Main and Sumter) Finally, tell us which parking spaces you want from the above map. Please note, you must choose at least 1 parking space and a maximum of 2 spaces. These spaces must be next to each other and physically connected. Additionally, parking space reservations are First Come, First Served.

If you would like to apply for a location that is not listed, please describe the location and meter numbers of the space for review.

Please note, that space must meet the following requirements:

1. The space must be on a City-owned and maintained street and within the City's right-of-way.

2. The space must be on-street and on a non-handicapped space.

3. The space cannot be at the end of a block unless protected by a bump-out (see the diagram below).

4. Power access is limited along Main Street. If your design requires power (this should not be the norm, and justification for power access is required), please confirm you've chosen a space near a power box by replying to this email and include the reason for your request. For power day-of, we will need to coordinate ahead of time with the City's Traffic Engineering Division. Please note, any power cords must be covered to prevent trip hazards and ensure ADA access.
Please describe the location and meter numbers of the space for review:

Again, thanks for your interest, and we look forward to your creative addition to our City! Before you submit your parking space reservation, we want to make certain you are aware of some of the expectations for the event.

We'll ask you to agree to the following permit conditions on the separate application, but keep this information in mind as you design your project:
Please remember this year's theme, "Plan your public realm", as you design your park!

Permit Conditions for PARK(ing) Day 2025

Friday, September 19, 2025
- Park must be staffed for duration of the event.
- Your park must be set up by 10:00 a.m. (You may start setting up as early as 8:00 a.m.)
- No trace of installation shall remain after 4:00 p.m. on Park(ing) Day. You may begin breaking down your installations at 3:00 p.m.
- No serving of food. No service or consumption of alcoholic beverages.
- No advertising or selling merchandise.
- No cars or other motor vehicles allowed in spaces.
- Must have an 11" x 17" Park(ing) Day sign, a template of which will be provided, and may have one additional 11" x 17" with list of sponsors of space/materials. Cannot be handwritten. Sandwich boards will be provided. This sign must be displayed at your parklet at all times.
  Click here to download the Park(ing) Day sign template
- Must stay within space boundaries and must provide visual safety barrier along street edge to enclose the space (barricade, planters, fence, railings, bollards, reflector posts, etc.) - 30" minimum.
- Must have permit on-site of installation for duration of event.
- Must follow all other City ordinances.
- Must have fun!
Finally, a brief disclaimer:
- The organizers have made every effort to identify parking spaces that will be available for this event. However, from time to time contractors need to reserve parking spaces in order to accommodate construction or renovation projects, and these longer-term requests may be given priority. If this should happen, the organizers will work with you to find the best available space.
Remember – this year’s theme builds on the recent Downtown Columbia Strategic Plan and Guidelines – and we’re asking you to think more about how you’d like to plan your public realm to create more engaging and attractive public spaces in Columbia. You can use the plan’s big ideas for inspiration, or design your own perfect daydream for Columbia – the creativity is up to you!

What is the public realm? It’s that part of our urban fabric that is made up of publicly owned places and spaces that belong to and are accessible by everyone – our streets, plazas, sidewalks, trails, parks, open spaces, and more. The pedestrian realm, which encompasses the open space between a building's face and the curb, is host to any number of streetscape elements that help contribute to a pleasant, walkable city. How would you populate the pedestrian realm? The possibilities are endless.
If you have any additional questions, please contact us at ParkingDay@columbiasc.gov.
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City of Columbia Park(ing) Day 2025 Parking Reservation

This year's theme: