Saskatonians reclaim curb-side space in 3rd annual PARK(ing) Day

Today traffic along a three-block stretch of 20th Street in Saskatoon is being funnelled into the two centre lanes. The curbside lanes have been turned into a string of displays by local organizations, community groups and even individuals promoting their own causes.

It's the city's third annual PARK(ing) Day, when metered parking spots are transformed into temporary public parks.

In one of those spots, artist Laila Jay perches bird-like in a human-sized nest. It's big enough to seat three or four adults sitting cross-legged.

"I thought what's better than having people actually interact with art?" Jay explained.

She built the nest because "as an artist I like to talk about the interaction of people and nature. I think that we're all part of nature and we very frequently forget that."

Speaker's Corner a highlight

The emphasis on sustainability environmental, economic and community is an unmistakable theme at this event.

A parking lot bordering 20th Street was converted into a "Speaker's Corner". For 30 minutes over the noon hour, a gathering of on-lookers were invited to stand at the microphone and say what they want to see in their city.

"Three years ago when we started PARK(ing) Day some people said 'we want food trucks in our city'," said M.C. Carrie Catherine.

"And now, tah dah, food trucks!" she continued, gesturing to the food trucks ringing the parking lot.

Some of the items on today's wish list: more compost disposal, and more frequent bus service.

Music and cartoons

Over in another parking stall on 20th Street, passers-by are invited to pick up a paint brush and help complete a mural.

It depicts a time in the recent past, when provincial government funding for the community project Station 20 West was pulled, Jane McWhirter explained.

There were strenuous protests. The project survived, with money raised through local donations.

However, lest today's activities become too earnest, there is also live music in front of the Little Chief Police Station, and cartoons in the Roxy Theatre.

The event winds up at 5 p.m. CST.