PARK(ing) Day 2025: Youth-Activating Spaces

Maryland ASLA
54 minutes ago
2 min read

Friday, September 19, 2025

MDASLA invites you to join us in celebrating PARK(ing) Day—a national event where communities reimagine parking spaces as places for people. This year’s theme, Youth-Activating Spaces, encourages us to engage young people in shaping our public realm.

Volunteer Opportunities in Maryland

Calvin Rodwell Elementary + Middle School
MDASLA volunteers will support Baltimore City Planners transform the school’s parking lot into an outdoor classroom and play space with chalk art, face painting, and opportunities for students to learn what it means to be a landscape architect.
The mayor and council member have been invited to join between 12–1pm.
Baltimore City Recreation & Parks
Three recreation centers will also activate their spaces with youth-focused programming throughout the day:
- Farring Baybrook (4501 Farring Ct)
  - 11am–1pm: Sensory activities for individuals with disabilities.
  - 2:30–5:30pm: Chalk art, cornhole, bubble station, life-sized bingo, “Rec on the Run” van, and a possible bike safety traffic garden.
- Carroll Park (1500 Washington Blvd)
  - 4–6pm: Yoga in the park, sidewalk chalk contest, Rec on the Run van, and nature education.
  - 6–8pm: 3v3 basketball tournament (weather dependent).
- Robert C. Marshall (1201 Pennsylvania Ave)
  - 2:30–5:30pm: Chalk art, STEM activities, Rec on the Run van, life-sized games, and possible track & field races.
Volunteers needed! Help run activities, engage with students, and inspire the next generation of landscape architects. To sign up for a morning or afternoon shift, please contact mpullano@designcollective.com.

Streamlined Parking Permit Process

Baltimore City Department of Planning has partnered with Baltimore DOT to make it free and easy for businesses, schools, nonprofits, and community groups to host their own PARK(ing) Day installation:

Cost: Free (permit fees waived!)
How to Apply: Fill out the DOT Permit & Waiver form and email it to mikah.zaslow@baltimorecity.gov by Monday, September 15 at 9am.
Permit Pickup: No later than 5pm Monday, September 15 at 417 E Fayette Street.
For more information, visit the Baltimore DOT PARK(ing) Day page or email danielle.bilot@baltimorecity.gov.

This is a chance for firms and businesses to showcase the kinds of activities they’d love to see in their neighborhoods—everything from outdoor classrooms to games, performances, or educational programming.

Learn More Ways to Participate

Want inspiration beyond Maryland? ASLA National has put together resources for PARK(ing) Day 2025, including ideas for youth-inspired installations, student artwork displays, STEAM learning stations, and advocacy messaging. Click here to explore ways to participate.

Be sure to add your installation to ASLA’s national PARK(ing) Day Map and share your photos on social media using #ParkingDay2025 and @nationalasla and @asla_md.