Can parking lots become parks? They do on International Park(ing) Day. On Friday, September 15, the parking spaces at McCullough transformed into a series of interactive miniature parks in celebration of its annual Park(ing) Day.

Now in its 18th year, Park(ing) Day has grown into a global phenomenon aimed at fostering creativity and community involvement through the reimagining of urban spaces. Converting regular parking spaces into vibrant creative hubs for art, play, and activism, McCullough was thrilled to welcome the local Hillcrest community to partake in this dynamic event at their office at 3605 Fifth Avenue.

Showcasing entertainment, education, and exploration, the McCullough “green” mini park offered participants engaging, informative sessions about topics within landscape architecture, sustainability, and urban planning - surrounded by native pollinator plants on a synthetic lawn laid out across two metered parking spaces. Guests were able to take part in a Pollinator Pledge to show their commitment to supporting local ecosystems and gain insight into the importance of pollinators and native plant species, rethink local policies affecting bee habitats, and how the decline of bee populations create an ecological effect to our environment.

Keynote speakers included David McCullough, Principal of McCullough; Joe LaCava, San Diego Councilman, District 1; James C. Nieh, Associate Dean of UCSD School of Biological Sciences & Professor Department of Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution; and Patrick Montgomery of Native West Nurseries.

Pictured from left to right, Patrick Montgomery, Joe LaCava, Catherine McCullough, David McCullough, and James Nieh

"We believe in the power of transforming urban spaces into inspiring environments that foster interaction, creativity, nature, and relaxation," said Catherine McCullough, President and CEO at McCullough. “Today, the urban space we transformed was two parking spaces as part of International Park(ing) Day.”

McCullough extends its gratitude to all those who joined them in making this Park(ing) Day event a remarkable success. By participating, attendees played a pivotal role in the global movement to rethink and revitalize urban spaces, as well as learn the role of pollinators in our natural environment.

We would like to give a huge thank you to our sponsors, including Anova, Bega, Grant + Associates, Native West Nursery, Vestre, and SYNLawn, who were instrumental in helping to make our event a huge success.

Enjoy photos from the event below: