PARK(ing) Day 2014 kicks off in Singapore

SINGAPORE — They were transformed into a hair salon, outdoor yoga classroom, urban farming exhibit, crime scene and more. For one day, 88 parking lots across the island were transformed into 52 creative spaces for the public to enjoy.

As part of the worldwide PARK(ing) Day event, people got the chance to transform parking lots into temporary public spaces, otherwise known as "PARKS".

While this is the second time that PARK(ing) Day takes place in Singapore, it is the first time that the event is held islandwide. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and the Housing and Development Board (HDB) supported the event offering parking lots under their management.

“We are encouraged by this year’s response for PARK(ing) Day. As people visit and enjoy the PARKS, we hope they can see the potential of these spaces being places for the community to enjoy, instead of simply being spaces for cars,” said URA Chief Executive Ng Lang. “This is a light-hearted way to inspire us to imagine a city with fewer cars and more outdoor leisure spaces for people to enjoy.”

Registration for PARK(ing) Day had opened from Aug 14 to Sept 15, where the URA received a variety of creative ideas from community groups, local businesses, student bodies and individuals.