CHAPTER FOUR
Park ( ing ) Day
Re-imagine parking spots as anything but parking
PARK ( ing ) Day is an annual worldwide event where people come together to creatively re-imagine regular parking lots , injecting vibrancy and fun into the streets . The Singapore edition is jointly organized by SUTD and URA , and is in its sixth iteration . As in previous years , participants set up various installations along the streets of Bugis and Kampong Glam . Our very own Year 5 students were amongst them , forming six teams along a quaint street , Sultan Gate . Preparations started as early as May 2018 , when members from each team enthusiastically came together to bring their ideas into fruition .
Indeed , these were new and refreshing ideas . Waste was used to create a turtle-themed art installation reflective of the issue of a decreasing marine population . A hand-painted shophouse backdrop , inspired by old Singapore , was created for a photo-booth . To promote interaction through competitiveness , a mini golf course was constructed . A shelter , put together for the public to “ LePark ” ( a pun with the Malay word for relax , lepak ) was weaved from used plastic bags .
Group Plastic Memories interacting with members of the public
Other notable installations include Starry Starry Night , an exhibition created to raise awareness on the problem of light pollution . One of SJI ’ s Rock-A-Cause band , STAM , also shared their love for music through live performances . Transforming their parking lot to a mini stage , they garnered much public attention and cranked up an electric atmosphere along Sultan Gate .
Kristina Gwyneth Simundo of TG503 came forward to express her thoughts on this event , “ Through this experience I ’ ve further honed my ability to think on my feet and use my own capabilities to complement my team members ’ to pull off our exhibition . Challenges were faced and though our final product did not look anything like our initial idea , but it has taught me the importance of process in every endeavour I embark on .”
The band , STAM , performing along Sultan Gate for Parking Day
Despite the less than favourable weather conditions , the event was undeniably a success .
Group Golfe posing just before they de-install their mini golf course for Parking Day
The group posing in front of their hang-out shelter made from weaved plastic bag
64 ST JOSEPH ’ S INSTITUTION
Sharing their research on light pollution at Parking Day 2018