Meetings were held. Lunches were eaten. Books were browsed. PARK(ing) Day 2011 was a huge success throughout Philadelphia, as approximately 30 organizations installed temporary parks in metered parking spaces on Friday. The Philadelphia Water Department joined with Duffield Associates to construct a park at 12th and Arch with a mock green roof, native plants, a rain barrel and some patio furniture. The theme of our park was Slow Down—Save Our Waterways, a demonstration of how rain barrels and green roofs can slow stormwater runoff from entering our sewers and impacting the health of local rivers and creeks. After the jump, more photos of people simply enjoying the open green space.

Recommended reading for the space was PWD’s Long Term Control Plan Update, but these park-goers had their own ideas.

View from across 12th Street