Join the "living picture" of Park(ing) Day

Park(ing) Day is coming up fast, it's Friday, September 17 and the Grove is a part of it thanks to the efforts of Liliana Dones.

The mission of Park(ing) Day is "to encourage those who live in and visit Coconut Grove to use nearby public parking and walk a few extra blocks, thus allowing more green space, more canopy and ultimately more beauty in our downtown area."

Here in the Grove, the Miami Parking Authority (MPA) is donating 10 parking spots between the Sonesta and Johnny Rockets to create our park. This has swiftly becoming a City and civic collaboration. This "impromptu event" will take place from around 10 am to 6 pm.

The Parks Dept. will bring grass and trees around 7 am and pick it up at strike down at 7 pm. Whatever grass the Parks Dept. does not bring, the US Green Council will bring. They received donated greenery and outdoor furniture, which their 20 volunteers will bring. Originally they were doing their own Park(ing) Day on Flagler Street, in downtown Miami, but they have now joined us in Coconut Grove, which will make it a much larger and impressive event.

Coconut Grove's Park(ing) Day has received support from Parks & Rec., the Office of Sustainable Initiatives, the Police Department and NET Office, as well as the MPA, Comm. Marc Sarnoff and the Coconut Grove BID.

This is a collaboration of City and Civic groups, including Liliana Dones, Creative Tools Communications and Chair of TreeWatch; Santiago Villegas, Realtor and member of City of Miami Parks Advisory Board; Tom Falco, Coconut Grove Grapevine; Steven Anton Rehage, jeweler; AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt, artist; Olga Cano, US Green Building Council, and hopefully many more who want to act out in favor of our environment and in continuing to grow Miami's participation as a progressive city looking for green solutions.

Liliana says, "This is not so much an 'event' as it will be an opportunity to create a Tableaux Vivant along our 'linear park.' All manner of park and green space enthusiasts are encouraged, including businesses and individuals alike. Galleries are encouraged to set up their favorite scenes, such as 'Sunday in the Park.' Others can sit on a park bench and read a book, or sun bathe. The city can pass out info about sustainable initiatives. The possibilities are many."

I had to look up "Tableaux Vivant," it's French for "Living Picture." Love the concept!

To join in, send an email to CoconutGroveEvents@gmail.com.