We know parking isn’t just about cars—it’s all about people, mobility, and transportation systems that work together to build community. Who knows better how to transform a parking space than the leading organization of parking professionals?

From a one “park” in 2005 to nearly 1,000 tiny parks around the world in 2011, Park(ing) Day has grown by leaps and bounds. An annual worldwide event in which artists, designers, and citizens get creative, this movement takes metered parking spots and turns them into temporary parks. Many cities even host their own Park(ing) Days, including Denver and Philadelphia. This year’s one-day celebration of tiny, temporary parks in parking spaces will be the best yet because this time, it’s your turn.

IPI is throwing down the gauntlet to parking professionals to participate in Park(ing) Day.  Here’s how.

1. Go do your homework at parkingday.org and sign up.
2. Let us you know you plan to participate by sending an email to yoka@parking.org.
3. On Park(ing) Day, post your best photos to IPI’s Facebook Page (facebook.com/IPI.InternationalParkingInstitute) with the hashtag #IPIParkingDay.
4. Use all your social media channels to get the word out, and have a little (or a lot of) fun with it.

The winning team will receive their own Parking Matters® swag bag and, of course, bragging (and blogging) rights. I, for one, cannot wait to see what you crafty parking professionals come up with.