PARK(ing) Day
PARK(ing) Day is a community collaboration to temporarily transform drab parking spaces into small parks to elicit reconsideration of the term "public space." The event started in San Francisco in 2005, evolving into the annual PARK(ing) Day(PDF, 1MB) around the world.
PARK(ing) Day 2026: Coming together in Ballston
This year, on Thursday, Oct. 1, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., we’re bringing all Arlington installations to the Ballston neighborhood to create a more connected, walkable and vibrant PAK(ing) Day experience.
2026 PARK(ing) Day Spaces
| Participant |
Address |
Theme |
|
Friends of Urban Agriculture
|
900 N. Stuart St. |
Nourish the Block - Small Spaces, Big Impact: Get growing with us this and where we can show you how to turn tiny spaces into thriving gardens, even with something as simple as a five-gallon bucket. Come see what you can plant in sun or shade, taste some fresh produce, and share your vision for a greener neighborhood.
|
| DES Parking |
901 N. Stuart St. |
All Things Parking: Explore how Arlington County is improving parking access through the Residential Permit Parking (RPP) Program, Performance Parking, and the Ballston Public Parking Garage. This PARK(ing) Day installation highlights how innovative parking management strategies help residents, visitors, and businesses find parking more easily while supporting vibrant and accessible communities.
|
| Kimley-Horn |
901 N. Stuart St. |
Build a Street: Through this interactive "Build a Street" activity, participants can create their ideal streetscape by choosing features such as wider sidewalks, bike lanes, street trees, transit amenities, outdoor dining, public spaces, and parking. Discover how street design influences mobility, safety, accessibility, and the overall community experience.
|
| Transportation Resources for Arlington County (TRAC) |
901 N. Stuart St. |
Explore Arlington Your Way: Discover the many ways to get around Arlington with TRAC! Stop by for fun, interactive activities while learning about transit, biking, walking, and shared mobility options like e-scooters and e-bikes. Test your transportation know-how, pick up helpful tips and resources, and discover a new way to get where you’re going.
|
Downloadable 2026 PARK(ing) Day map(PDF, 165KB)
How to Apply
The 2026 PARK(ing) Day will take place on Thursday, Oct. 1, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
(Application deadline has been extended through Sept. 7.)
The following step-by-step guide refers to information in our PARK(ing) Day Guidelines and Forms(PDF, 1MB) .
Identify your parking space site for your PARK(ing) Day design and adhere to our PARK(ing) Day Site Criteria.Apply for your PARK(ing) Day Permit
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After your permit application has been approved, you will receive a payment invoice per email from mlondon@arlingtonva.us. Please review section “PERMIT FEE PAYMENT” in the PARK(ing) Day Guidelines and Forms pdf for payment details.
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Implement your design and have fun at the PARK(ing) Day event!
Fees
To apply for a PARK(ing) Day permit, the following fees (subject to change based on the most recent DES fee schedule) are due after the site review and initial approval:
PARK(ing) Day Permit: $46.90 per permit.Barrels: $34.50 (minimum site design)
5 barrels per minimum site design, costing $6.90 each (one extra barrel required per each additional consecutive space).
The Arlington Division of Transportation will sponsor the barrel fee for the first five applications from private residents (one site per application).